Died On This Date (April 13, 2008) Syke Dyke / Trouble Funk
themusicsover Syke Dyke (Born Robert Reed)
DOB Unknown – April 13, 2008
Known professionally as Syke Dyke, Robert Reed was the founding keyboardist and singer for legendary Washington DC go-go group, Trouble Funk. The group formed in 1977 and quickly separated themselves from other funk groups of the time by adding a raucous party vibe and 60s style horn section to their music. If R&B had a “punk” side, it was Trouble Funk. They built an incredibly loyal following due to their “can’t miss” live shows. Sales for the group’s 1982 debut, Drop The Bomb showed promise outside of the DC area, but they were never able to build upon its success. Reed passed away on April 13, 2008 after struggling with pancreatic cancer. He was 50 years old.
Founding member of the Pointer Sisters, June Pointer passed away from cancer on April 11, 2006. Along with sisters Bonnie and Ruth, June Pointer began recording in 1973, but it wouldn’t be until 1978 with a song written by Bruce Springsteen that they would crack the top 10 and become world-famous. That song was “Fire.” That would be followed by a succession of hits including “He’s So Shy,” “Automatic,” “Slow Hand,” “Neutron Dance,” and “I’m So Excited.” June Pointer struck out on her own during the ’80s and had a few semi-hits, but nothing like she saw with her sisters. It was during this period that she posed for Playboy.
Chuck Willis had a relatively short career as a singer and songwriter of Blues, R&B and early Rock ‘n’ Roll. He recorded for Columbia, Okeh and Atlantic Records over a career that lasted less than ten years before he unexpectedly died. But what a career he had. His hits included “It’s Too Late (She’s Gone),” covered by no less than 
Linda Creed was a successful songwriter best known for several chart-topping hits closely associated with the Philly Sound of the 1970s. Her break came in 1970 when