Another Iconic Singer in R&B World Passes Away. Here's the List of Losses in 2025.

The year 2025 has brought immense sorrow to the R&B world as several legendary voices passed away, leaving behind legacies that shaped the genre. Heres a look at the artists we lost this year.

Randy Brown

Randy Brown passed away on March 5. Though not as commercially famous as some peers, he gained recognition in the 1970s and 1980s for his solo work after beginning with the group The Newcomers. Known for his smooth tenor and heartfelt delivery, Brown produced memorable tracks like Im Always in the Mood and I Wanna Make Love To You, becoming a favorite among quiet storm enthusiasts.

Jerry Butler

Legendary soul singer Jerry Butler, nicknamed the Iceman, died on February 20 after battling Parkinsons disease. Butler was a founding member of The Impressions and known for hits including For Your Precious Love and Only The Strong Survive. His solo career featured over 55 Billboard hits, and he was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2015.

Judy Cheeks

Judy Cheeks, former Ikette and acclaimed R&B and soul singer, died at 71 on November 28. She battled a rare autoimmune disease and performed internationally for over four decades. Cheeks collaborated with icons like Donna Summer and Stevie Wonder and contributed to Motown songwriting.

DAngelo

DAngelo passed on October 14 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The four-time Grammy winner, known for albums such as Voodoo and Black Messiah, was revered for his soulful performances and contributions to the neo-soul movement.

John Edwards

John Edwards, the lead singer of The Spinners, died on May 9 after long-term health struggles. He joined the group at age 33, maintaining its signature sound for over two decades, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.

Roberta Flack

Roberta Flack, Grammy-winning singer known for classics like The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly With His Song, died on February 24 at 88. She had battled ALS and suffered a stroke in 2016.

Gary Grier

Gary Grier of The Contours passed away in February. He had been with the group since 1993, preserving its legacy and stage presence that stretched back to the early 1960s.

Tommy Hunt

Legendary soul singer Tommy Hunt of The Flamingos died on February 12. Hunts career spanned over seven decades, including hits such as I Only Have Eyes for You, and he was recognized in multiple Halls of Fame.

Chris Jasper

Chris Jasper, member of The Isley Brothers and influential in crafting their hits, died on February 24 following a cancer diagnosis.

Terry Buzzy Johnson

Terry Johnson of The Flamingos passed on October 8 at age 86. Johnson helped craft the groups iconic harmonies and co-produced the legendary track I Only Have Eyes for You.

Wayne Lewis

Wayne Lewis, founding member of Atlantic Starr, died on June 5. He led the band to decades of success, including hits like Secret Lovers and Always.

Gwen McCrae

Gwen McCrae, known for her 1975 hit Rockin Chair, died on February 21 at age 81. Her career spanned over four decades, recording dance-oriented R&B music for loyal fans worldwide.

Niko McKnight

Niko McKnight, son of Brian McKnight, died on May 30 after battling cancer. He was a gifted musician and photographer, remembered fondly by family and peers.

Sam Moore

Sam Moore of Sam & Dave passed away on January 10 from surgical complications. Moores soulful voice produced iconic hits such as Soul Man and earned the duo a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.

Robbie Pardlo

Robbie Pardlo, lead singer of City High, died on July 17. City High gained fame in the early 2000s with hits like What Would You Do? and Caramel.

Walter C. Scott Jr.

Walter Scott Jr., half of The Whispers twin vocal duo, died on June 26 after battling cancer. He contributed to the groups hits like And the Beat Goes On and Rock Steady, leaving a lasting R&B legacy.

Angie Stone

Grammy-nominated Angie Stone tragically died in a car crash on March 1 at age 63. Stone was a key figure in neo-soul and rose to fame in the early 2000s alongside Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Maxwell, and DAngelo.

Michael Sumler

Michael Sumler of Kool & the Gang died on May 25 in a car accident. Sumler was a longtime band wardrobe valet and performer, known for energizing fans during stage performances.

DWayne Wiggins

DWayne Wiggins, founding member of Tony! Toni! Ton!, died on March 7 after battling bladder cancer. He was a celebrated musician, producer, and mentor who shaped the careers of many young artists.

Brenton Wood

Brenton Wood, known for hits like The Oogum Boogum Song, died on January 3 from natural causes. His music, spanning decades, continued to influence generations of listeners.

Cavin Yarbrough

Cavin Yarbrough, half of the duo Yarbrough & Peoples, died on June 19 from heart disease complications. Their hits, including Dont Stop the Music, left a permanent mark on R&B history.

The R&B community has been deeply affected by these losses, with fans and fellow artists commemorating the lives and contributions of these beloved musicians.

Analysis: A Year of Loss for the R&B Legacy

The events of 2025 marked a significant moment for the R&B community as the genre lost numerous influential voices whose careers spanned several generations. From pioneers of classic soul to key figures of the neo-soul movement, the passing of these artists reflects the gradual transition of an era that defined modern rhythm and blues.

Many of the musicians who died this year were directly responsible for shaping the sound and cultural reach of R&B. Artists such as Jerry Butler, Roberta Flack, and Sam Moore helped establish the genre’s mainstream recognition in the 1960s and 1970s, while performers like Angie Stone and D’Angelo later carried the tradition forward through the neo-soul revival of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Beyond chart success, their influence extended through songwriting, production, and mentorship. Figures like D’Wayne Wiggins and Chris Jasper played important roles behind the scenes, contributing to the development of younger performers and sustaining the genre’s creative continuity.

Collectively, these losses highlight the enduring impact of R&B’s foundational generation. Their recordings, performances, and collaborations remain central to the genre’s history and continue to influence contemporary artists and audiences worldwide.

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• R&B world rocked by death of another iconic singer. Here’s who we lost in 2025