1230AM WDBZ The Buzz would like to acknowledge that the music world has officially lost another soldier in soul, R&B and funk music this week as Robert Wilson of The Gap Band died on Sunday in Los Angeles after suffering a massive heart attack.
The 53-year-old R&B veteran, known as the “Godfather of Bass Guitar,” died at his home in Palmdale, Calif., his manager Don Jackson confirmed to Tulsa World. Relatives became concerned when Wilson failed to make his regular phone calls throughout the day. His son went to his home and discovered he had died.
Wilson is the brother of Ronnie Wilson and The Gap Band breakout star, Charlie Wilson. Wilson had been recording material for a new CD that was slated to drop this fall. The album was co-produced by the late jazz artist and for NBA star Wayman Tisdale, who died from cancer in 2009.
The guitarist was supposed to headline the Timeless Music Festival in Tulsa, Okla. on Aug. 28. It’s expected the concert will serve as a tribute concert to the late musician now.
The family has yet to release a statement and funeral arrangements have yet to be determined.
The Gap Band is a 1970’s funk and R&B band best known for hits like ‘Yearning for Your Love,’ ‘Early in the Morning,’ ‘Outstanding,’ ‘You Dropped a Bomb on Me,’ and ‘Burn Rubber on Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me).’
For more on Wilson’s life and career with The Gap Band, please visit Billboard.com.
Our condolences are with The Gap Band, the family of Robert Wilson and the music world at large. Share your thoughts with us by posting below.
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