DJ Peachez (Born Terika Grooms)
DOB Unknown – November 25, 2009
DJ Peachez was a popular DJ for Richmond, VA radio station, iPower WCDX 92.1. After graduating with honors from James Madison University where she began DJing at the school’s station as a freshman, DJ Peachez was hired by WCDX in 2006. Colleagues have said she was an inspiration to young women with dreams of being a DJ. She was also a popular draw at clubs throughout the area. DJ Peachez reportedly died after recently being hospitalized for meningitis.
Big Joe Turner was a jump blues singer who has been rightfully called “The Boss of the Blues.” He is also considered to be one of the direct influences on early rock ‘n roll. Turner’s career began during the 1920s as a singing bartender in around his hometown of Kansas City. He eventually moved to New York City where, in 1938, legendary talent scout, John Hammond Sr. gave him a slot on the groundbreaking From Spiritual to Swing concerts. By the early ’40s, Turner was living in Los Angeles where he worked with the likes of Duke Ellington, Art Tatum, Count Basie, and Meade Lux Lewis. In 1951, Turner signed with the up-and-coming label, Atlantic Records where he began releasing a string of upbeat songs that would help establish rock ‘n roll as a new art form. Such records included “Sweet Sixteen,” “Chains of Love,” “Corrine Corrina” and “Shake Rattle and Roll,” which would be made into hits by Bill Haley and Elvis Presley. Turner returned to a more traditional blues sound during the ’60s. Big Joe Turner was 74 when he suffered a fatal heart attack on November 24, 1985.
Junior Walker (Born Autry Mixon Jr.)
June 14, 1931 – November 23, 1995
Junior Walker was a saxophone player whose band, Junior Walker and the All Stars became part of the Motown family in 1961. In 1965, the band released the Walker penned “Shotgun” which reached the top of the Billboard R&B chart, and hit #4 on the pop chart. The tune became Walker’s signature song even though it was followed by several other hits over the next few years. Walker had another top 5 pop hit with “What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)” in 1969. In 1981, rock band, Foreigner took tapes of old Walker sax solos to put together their own “solo” to use as the centerpiece of their hit single, “Urgent.” On November 23, 1995, Junior Walker died of cancer at the age of 64.
O.C. Smith was an R&B and jazz vocalist whose recording career began with a cover of Little Richard’s “Tutti Frutti” in 1955. In 1961, Smith was hired by Count Basie to sing lead in his band. He did so until 1965. Smith continued to perform and record on his own during and after that time, but didn’t strike gold until 1968 when his “Son Of Hickory Holler’s Tramp” reached #2 in the UK and landed in the U.S. top 40. He followed that up with “Little Green Apples,” which reached #2 on the U.S. pop chart, sold in excess of one million copies, and earned Smith a Grammy for song of the year in 1969. Smith continued to record records over the next two decades, many of which charted in either the U.S. or UK. In later years, he became a pastor and started his own church in Los Angeles. O.C. Smith was 69 when he passed away on November 23, 2001.
Haydain Neale
September 30, 1970 – November 22, 2009
Haydain Neale was the lead singer for popular Canadian R&B band, jacksoul. Formed in the mid ’90s, jacksoul built a devoted following thanks to their mix of soul, jazz, funk, and rock. The band released their first album in 1996. In 2001, jacksoul won a Juno award for Best R&B/Soul Recording. In August of 2007, Neale suffered serious injuries when he and his scooter were hit by a car. He was still recuperating from his injuries at the time of his death. On December 1, 2009, jacksoul released their first album, SOULmate, since Neale’s accident. Haydain Neale was 39 when he died of cancer on November 22, 2009.
Junior Parker (Born Herman Parker)
May 27, 1932 – November 18, 1971
Junior Parker was a Memphis blues and R&B singer and musician who became successful thanks to a voice that has been described as “velvet smooth.” He began playing the local blues circuit while still in his teens, and by the early ’50s, he had already performed alongside Sonny Boy Williamson, B.B. King, Bobby “Blue” Bland, and Howlin’ Wolf. In 1951, Parker formed the Blue Flames who cut their first record with the help of Ike Turner. The record lead to a deal with Sam Phillips‘ Sun Records where he released a string of hits including the top 5 R&B hit, “Feelin’ Good,” and “Mystery Train,” which was later made into a hit by Elvis Presley. Parker continued to make records well into the ’60s, but none achieved the success of his earlier recordings. Junior Parker was 39 when he died during surgery for a brain tumor.
Ruth Brown (Born Ruth Weston)
January 12, 1928 – November 17, 2007
Ruth Brown was an R&B singer who, like her idols, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington and Billie Holiday became one of popular music’s most important vocalists of her generation. So vital was she, that her young label at the time, Atlantic Records, would come to be known as “The House That Ruth Built.” After running away from home with trumpeter and future husband, Jimmy Brown, in 1945, Brown began singing in clubs in the Washington DC area. A local disc jockey caught her act and recommended her to Ahmet Ertegun at Atlantic. She soon signed to the fledgling label and began releasing a string of R&B hits that included “Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean,” “So Long,” “Oh What a Dream” and “I’ll Wait For You.” Brown stepped away from the business to raise her family during the ’60s, but came back strong during the mid ’70s when she starred in a Broadway musical, Black and Blue, which won her an Tony and a Grammy for the soundtrack. She also had a role on the sitcom, Hello Larry and in the John Waters film, Hairspray. Brown became and advocate for musicians’ rights during the late ’80s, and in 1993, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On November 17, 2006, Ruth Brown, 78, died of complications from a stroke and heart attack she had suffered the previous month.
Arthur Conley was a gifted soul singer and dynamic performer whose 1967 single, “Sweet Soul Music” is considered one of the era’s greatest R&B songs, and to this day, a staple of Bruce Springsteen’s live shows. After slugging it out on his own since 1959, Conley was, in 1967, “discovered” by Otis Redding, who began teaching him the ways of the music business and helping him land a better record deal. The two quickly co-wrote “Sweet Soul Music” which hit #2 on the US pop chart and became a top hit across Europe. Conley released several records during his career but none were able to catch the same excitement as “Sweet Soul Music, so in the late ’70s, he all but retired and moved to Europe where he continued to work, but not as much as he had during the ’60s and early ’70s. Arthur Conley was 57 when he died of intestinal cancer.
Bill Doggett
February 16, 1916 – November 13, 1996
Bill Doggett was a respected Jazz and R&B keyboardist who came to prominence in the late ’30s. During the early part of his career, he played for the Ink Spots and Louis Jordan. During the ’50s, Doggett formed his own band with whom he recorded a few hits, including “Honky Tonk” which sold over four million copies. He also worked as an arranger for some of music’s biggest names, including Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie and Louis Armstrong. Bill Doggett died of a heart attack at the age of 80.
Ronnie Dyson was an R&B singer and stage actor who is best remembered for his lead part in the ’70s Broadway sensation, Hair!. It was Dyson who sang the production’s biggest hit, “Aquarius,” which became one the the counterculture’s anthems. Dyson continued to released moderately successful records throughout the ’70s and ’80s, including “(If You Let Me Make Love to You) Why Can’t I Touch You?”, a top 10 hit in 1970. Ronnie Dyson was just 40 when he passed away from heart failure on November 11, 1990.
Ivory Joe Hunter
October 10, 1914 – November 8, 1974
Ivory Joe Hunter was an early R&B singer, musician and songwriter who penned over 7000 songs, his biggest hit being 1956’s “Since I Met You, Baby.” Born in Texas, Hunter was playing the piano by his early teens. In the early ’40s, he began hosting his own radio show, and within a few years, he moved to Los Angeles to perform and record. He soon started his own record label on which he released his first record, “Blues at Sunrise.” He wrote and recorded many songs during his career, one of which, “I Almost Lost My Mind” later became a hit for Pat Boone. He also wrote songs that were recorded by Sonny James and Elvis Presley. In the mid ’50s, he moved over to the legendary Atlantic Records for which he recorded “Since I Met You, Baby,” his only Top 40 hit. During the ’60s, he found new life as a country artist, appearing on the Grand Ole Opry several times. Ivory Joe Hunter was 59 when he died of lung cancer on November 8, 1974.
Ulysses “Bobby” Nunn
September 20, 1925 – November 5, 1986
Bobby Nunn was an R&B singer who first came to some prominence as a singer in the ’50s vocal group, the Coasters. During those early years, Nunn also made a handful of recordings with Little Esther Phillips. In 1955, Nunn joined up with Billy Guy, Carl Gardner, and Leon Hughes in the Coasters, another vocal group that went on the become one of the most renowned from the era. With hits like “Yakety Yak” and “Charlie Brown,” The Coasters were one of the few vocal groups that were considered as much rock ‘n roll as they were R&B. In fact, when the inaugural group of inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were announced in 1987, the Coasters were included on that list. Nunn continued to record and perform well into the ’70s, including with a revamped version of the Coasters. Bobby Nunn was 61 when he passed away on November 5, 1986.
Billy Guy is best remembered as the bass vocalist in the 1950s R&B vocal group, the Coasters. It is he who sang lead on “Searchin,” “Run Red Run,” and numerous others. The Coasters were one of the few vocal groups that were considered as much rock ‘n roll as they were R&B. In fact, when the inaugural group of inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were announced in 1987, the Coasters were included on that list. Guy was also respected for his comedic abilities, as evident on a handful of comedy records he made outside of the Coasters. In later years, Guy worked as a producer, working on several albums between the late ’60s and early ’70s. Billy Guy, 66, died of cardiovascular disease in his Las Vegas home on November 5, 2002.
Jheryl Busby was a long time music industry executive who, in recent years, was the President and CEO of Motown Records. Busby’s career in music began in the early ’70s when he was hired by Stax Records to be the head of West Coast promotion and marketing. From there, he moved on to A&M, Casablanca, and then MCA Records where he helped establish the black music division which developed into the one of the most lucrative labels of the ’80s thanks to discoveries like New Edition and Jody Watley. In doing so, Busby was elevated to the rank of President. In 1988, Busby purchased a stake in Motown Records and became it’s President and CEO. There he helped develop such young talent and Boys II Men and Queen Latifah while rebuilding catalog sales during the height of the CD revolution. In the later years of his career, Busby worked for DreamWorks Entertainment. On November 4, 2008, Jheryl Busby, 59, was found dead in his hot tub. His death was ruled accidental, caused by pre-existing cardiovascular and other conditions.
Ray Ellis was an accomplished musician, producer and arranger during the ’50s and ’60s. He is best remembered for his work with Sarah Vaughan, Johnny Mathis, Emmylou Harris and most notably, on Billie Holiday’sLady in Satin. He also composed the Today Show’s theme song twice, one that was used throughout most of the ’70s and anoter that was used that was primarily used between 1987 and 1985. And he composed soundtrack music for numerous cartoons and game shows over the years as well. Ray Ellis, 85, died of malenoma on October 27, 2008.
Lee Leonard was an R&B singer who, with Shirley Goodman, performed as Shirley & Lee during the 1950s. Their first single, 1952’s “I’m Gone” reached #2 on the R&B charts and is considered by some scholars as an early influence on ska. In 1956, their recording of “Let the Good Times Roll” topped the R&B charts and made it into the top 20 of the pop charts. Shirley & Lee broke up in 1962 afterwhich Leonard a handful of solo records. He died of a heart attack at the age of 40.
Tommy Edwards
February 17, 1922 – October 22, 1969
Tommy Edwards was an R&B singer who had a #1 hit in 1958 with “It’s All In the Game.” The record went on to sell over 3.5 million records worldwide. His subsequent singles never achieved near the success of “It’s All In the Game.” Tommy Edwards died after suffering a brain aneuryrsm at the age of 47.
Rudy Ray Moore was a singer, comedian and actor who is best remembered for his character, Dolemite, the pimp from the film of the same name. After performing as an R&B singer, Moore switched to stand-up and released several “blue” albums during the ’60s and ’70s. During the ’90s he appeared on albums by Big Daddy Kane and 2 Live Crew. In 2000, Moore revived his Dolemite character in the Insane Clown Posse’s film, Big Money Hustlas. Rudy Ray Moore died of complications from diabetes at the age of 81.
Dee Dee Warwick
September 25, 1945 – October 18, 2008
One of Dee Dee Warwick’s earliest gigs was in the Gospelaires, a singing trio with sister, Dionne Warwick and aunt Cissy Houston. After a 1959 performance at the legendary Apollo Theater, the Warwick sisters were asked to do some session singing, a practice they continued for several years. Dee Dee recorded her first solo record in 1963 with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller at the helm. She continued to make Top 40 R&B hit records throughout the ’60s and early ’70s, with her version of future-Supremes hit, “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me,” being arguably her best known. Dee Dee suffered from drug addiction through much of her later life, perhaps hampering her career during those years. She passed away at the age of 63.
Levi Stubbs (Born Levi Stubbles)
June 6, 1936 – October 17, 2008
Levi Stubbs was unquestionably one of R&B’s greatest vocalists. He is best remembered as the lead singer of the Four Tops, one of the Motown’s signature groups. The Tops recorded hit after hit for the label beginning in 1964. Such hits included, “Reach Out, I’ll Be There,” “Standing In The Shadows Of Love,” and “I Can’t Help Myself.” The group and Motown parted ways in 1972, with the Tops signing to ABC Dunhill Records where they had a brief resurgence with “Keeper Of the Castle,” and “Aint No Woman (Like The One I’ve Got).” They continued to record moderately successful records through the ’70s and reunited with Motown in time to celebrate the label’s 25th anniversary in 1983 after which they recorded a few more albums and toured with the Temptations. The Four Tops continued touring and recording until the passing of Lawrence Payton in 1997. They were elected into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. Levi Stubbs died in his sleep at the age of 72.
Thanks to Craig Rosen from Number1Albums and John Harrison
DJ Peachez was a popular DJ for Richmond, VA radio station, iPower WCDX 92.1. After graduating with honors from James Madison University where she began DJing at the school’s station as a freshman, DJ Peachez was hired by WCDX in 2006. Colleagues have said she was an inspiration to young women with dreams of being a DJ. She was also a popular draw at clubs throughout the area. DJ Peachez reportedly died after recently being hospitalized for meningitis.
Junior Walker was a saxophone player whose band, Junior Walker and the All Stars became part of the Motown family in 1961. In 1965, the band released the Walker penned “Shotgun” which reached the top of the Billboard R&B chart, and hit #4 on the pop chart. The tune became Walker’s signature song even though it was followed by several other hits over the next few years. Walker had another top 5 pop hit with “What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)” in 1969. In 1981, rock band, Foreigner took tapes of old Walker sax solos to put together their own “solo” to use as the centerpiece of their hit single, “Urgent.” On November 23, 1995, Junior Walker died of cancer at the age of 64.
Haydain Neale was the lead singer for popular Canadian R&B band, jacksoul. Formed in the mid ’90s, jacksoul built a devoted following thanks to their mix of soul, jazz, funk, and rock. The band released their first album in 1996. In 2001, jacksoul won a Juno award for Best R&B/Soul Recording. In August of 2007, Neale suffered serious injuries when he and his scooter were hit by a car. He was still recuperating from his injuries at the time of his death. On December 1, 2009, jacksoul released their first album, SOULmate, since Neale’s accident. Haydain Neale was 39 when he died of cancer on November 22, 2009.
Junior Parker was a Memphis blues and R&B singer and musician who became successful thanks to a voice that has been described as “velvet smooth.” He began playing the local blues circuit while still in his teens, and by the early ’50s, he had already performed alongside 
Bobby Nunn was an R&B singer who first came to some prominence as a singer in the ’50s vocal group, the Coasters. During those early years, Nunn also made a handful of recordings with 
Billy Guy is best remembered as the bass vocalist in the 1950s R&B vocal group, the Coasters. It is he who sang lead on “Searchin,” “Run Red Run,” and numerous others. The Coasters were one of the few vocal groups that were considered as much rock ‘n roll as they were R&B. In fact, when the inaugural group of inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were announced in 1987, the Coasters were included on that list. Guy was also respected for his comedic abilities, as evident on a handful of comedy records he made outside of the Coasters. In later years, Guy worked as a producer, working on several albums between the late ’60s and early ’70s. Billy Guy, 66, died of cardiovascular disease in his Las Vegas home on November 5, 2002.
Jheryl Busby was a long time music industry executive who, in recent years, was the President and CEO of Motown Records. Busby’s career in music began in the early ’70s when he was hired by Stax Records to be the head of West Coast promotion and marketing. From there, he moved on to A&M, Casablanca, and then MCA Records where he helped establish the black music division which developed into the one of the most lucrative labels of the ’80s thanks to discoveries like New Edition and Jody Watley. In doing so, Busby was elevated to the rank of President. In 1988, Busby purchased a stake in Motown Records and became it’s President and CEO. There he helped develop such young talent and Boys II Men and Queen Latifah while rebuilding catalog sales during the height of the CD revolution. In the later years of his career, Busby worked for DreamWorks Entertainment. On November 4, 2008, Jheryl Busby, 59, was found dead in his hot tub. His death was ruled accidental, caused by pre-existing cardiovascular and other conditions.
Lee Leonard was an R&B singer who, with 
Tommy Edwards was an R&B singer who had a #1 hit in 1958 with “It’s All In the Game.” The record went on to sell over 3.5 million records worldwide. His subsequent singles never achieved near the success of “It’s All In the Game.” Tommy Edwards died after suffering a brain aneuryrsm at the age of 47.
