Free Republic

John Edwards, a former lead singer for legendary R&B and soul group The Spinners, died Sunday. He was 80. Edwards, who stepped into the spotlight after Philippé Wynne’s departure, carried the group’s legacy forward with grace and soul, according to a post on The Spinners’ official Instagram page. A cause of death has not been revealed. Edwards, who was with the group from 1977 to 2000, was praised in the post for not only meeting expectations but elevating the group’s sound during a new era. He was the group’s last founding member to still be alive. “We mourn the loss...

The Spinners helped create the sound of an era with a parade of soul and pop hits beginning in 1973. Their music has lived on thanks to its sly sophistication, love-struck lyrics and timeless hooks. The lineup whittled down over the years to stalwart Henry Fambrough and a group of newer collaborators, but the songs – and memories of the camaraderie – remain: "The other guys are gone, but they're still with us any time we sing," Fambrough told Billboard. "This group's bigger than any one of us." After a slow start at Motown, the Spinners switched to Atlantic Records...

Billy Paul, the soul singer best known for the No. 1 hit ballad “Me and Mrs. Jones,” has died. Paul’s co-manager, Beverly Gay, told The Associated Press that Paul died Sunday at his home in Blackwood, New Jersey. Gay says Paul was 80 and had been diagnosed recently with pancreatic cancer. …

This year just keeps getting sadder in the world of music, and this one really hits us hard. Legendary Philadelphia soul singer, Billy Paul, has died at age 81. Paul actively performed for a half century, but was best known for this chart-topping 1972 hit, "Me and Mrs. Jones." It was without a doubt one of the most lauded soul songs ever -- after overcoming some inital controversy -- and Paul made it his own with an expressive delivery over pristine Gamble & Huff production.