Died On This Date (April 18, 1996) Bernard Edwards / Chic
themusicsover Bernard Edwards
October 31, 1952 – April 18, 1996
Bernard Edwards was a bass player and prolific producer. In the mid ’70s, Edwards formed Chic, a disco group that had a massive hits with “Le Freak” and “Good Times.” Edwards went on to produce hits for some of pop music’s biggest names throughout the ’80s and ’90s. That list includes Rod Stewart, Diana Ross, Power Station, Robert Palmer, Debbie Harry, Johnny Mathis, and Duran Duran. While in Tokyo for a concert in 1996, Edwards became ill. He was found dead in his hotel room. Cause of death was determined to be pneumonia.
What You Should Own
Robert Brookins began singing at the tender age of four, and never looked back. After winning a Motown talent search in 1974, he joined a group called Afterbach whose debut was produced by Earth Wind & Fire’s Maurice and Verdine White. Brookin’s vocals were featured on George Duke’s self titled release of 1986. He soon signed to MCA Records for whom he recorded a handful of acclaimed R&B albums. Over his career he worked with the likes of Stephanie Mills, Deniece Williams, the Whispers, Jeffrey Osbourne, and Bobby Brown. Robert Brookins died of a heart attack at the age of 46.