Died On This Date (January 17, 1970) Billy Stewart / R&B Singer
Billy Stewart
March 24, 1937 – January 17, 1970
Billy Stewart was an R&B singer who achieved some success during the late ’50s and early ’60s. He started out in gospel before joining the Rainbows, a popular Washington DC area R&B vocal group. In 1956, he was reportedly discovered by Bo Diddley who brought him on as a back-up singer. He was soon signed by Chess Records where he released several hit R&B singles and albums throughout the ’60s. Tragedy struck in 1970, when he lost control of a car while on tour in North Carolina. The vehicle landed in a river, killing him and three members of his band. Billy Stewart was 32 years old when he died.