Died On This Date (April 19, 2005) Rick Lewis / The Silhouettes

Rick Lewis
September 23, 1933 – April 19, 2005

At 71 in 2005, Rick Lewis was the last surviving member of doo wop group, the Silhouettes.  Although credited to the entire group, Lewis was the songwriter of their huge hit, “Get A Job,” which by many accounts is the quintessential doo wop song. The group performed the song numerous times on American Bandstand, and it was later featured in movies such as American Graffiti and Stand By Me.  Lewis died of multiple organ failure on April 19, 2005 at the age of 71.



Died On This Date (September 21, 2009) John “Bootsie” Wilson / The Silhouettes

John Wilson
July 18, 1940 – September 21, 2009

Photo courtesy of Elaine Lewis

John “Bootsie” Wilson was a one-time singer for doo-wop vocal group, the Silhouettes.  Wilson joined the group in 1962 when original lead singer, Bill Horton left.  The group had one big hit with their 1958 single, “Get A Job,” which the group re-recorded with Wilson on lead in 1968.   No oldies collection is complete without that song.  It has been featured in numerous popular films over the years, including Stand By Me, American Graffiti,  and Trading Places.  After Wilson left the group, he became a minister.  He was the last surviving member of the Silhouettes when he passed away in his home at the age of 69.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Elaine Lewis at TheSilhouettes.org for the assist.