Died On This Date (April 16, 2015) Johnny Kemp / New Jack Swing Pioneer
themusicsover Johnny Kemp
August 2, 1959 – April 16, 2015
Johnny Kemp was a Bahamian R&B singer who, during the 1980s, helped lay the foundation of what would be called new jack swing. Kemp launched his career at the age of 13, singing in local nightclubs. In 1979, he moved to New York City where he sang with the band, Kinky Fox. In 1986 he released his first album which contained his first hit, “Just Another Lover.” What followed was a string of R&B and pop hits including, “Just Got Paid,” “Dancin’ With Myself,” and “Birthday Suit.” Johnny Kemp was 55 when he died on April 16, 2015. Cause and circumstances surroundings his death were immediately unclear.
What You Should Own
Percy Sledge was a beloved American R&B singer whose recording of “When A Man Loves A Woman” went on to become one of popular music most enduring ballads. Born in Leighton, Alabama, Sledge earned his keep working in the fields and later as a hospital orderly while singing in area clubs on weekends. A former patient introduced him to a producer friend, leading to his first recording contract. What followed was a string of R&B hits that included “Warm and Tender Love,” “Take Time To Know Her,” “It Tears Me Up,” and of course, “When A Man Loves A Woman,” which was not only a hit upon its original release in 1966, but again in 1983 thanks to its placement in the film, The Big Chill. Sledge continued recording and performing well into the 2000s, and was ultimately inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. Percy Sledge was 73 when he passed away on April 14, 2015. Cause of death was not immediately released
Mike Porcaro is perhaps best remembered as the longtime bassist for Toto, however, he didn’t become an official member until he replaced original bassist, David Hungate, in 1982. He went on to tour and record with the band until his retirement in 2007. He can be heard on such Toto albums as Isolation, Fahrenheit, The Seventh One, and their popular soundtrack to the motion picture Dune. As an in-demand session player, Porcaro’s list of credits reads like a who’s who of popular music of the past five decades. That list includes albums by 