It has just come to light the very sad news that Leroy 'Sugarfoot' Bonner from the legendary old school funk group, The Ohio Players has died. He was not only their lead guitarist, but also one of their lead singers. Although the group (which formed in 1959) first released records in the late 60's, The Ohio Players really hit their stride in the mid 70's with a creative run of hit albums, beginning in 1974 with 'Skin Tight', which not only featured the killer funk title track, but also the 'quiet storm' epic ballad, 'Heaven Must Be Like This'. In the same year they also released the album 'Fire' (another huge seller) which brought forth one of their biggest ever hits, namely the stomping title track. However, it was in 1975 that they delivered their masterpiece, the erotic, soulful 'Honey' LP. This collection contained their biggest hit, the fun loving funky 'Love Rollercoaster'.
Throughout most of these amazing recordings the distinctive voice of Sugarfoot could be heard, with that real deep down dirty snarl, adding that gritty flavour to the proceedings. For a period of time (just before Earth, Wind & Fire exploded with their 'That's The Way Of The World' album), The Ohio Players ruled the roost when it came to American funk bands. My memory extends to seeing The Players perform live in London back in 1976 where their hot barnstorming set proved to all that they could deliver the goods and yes, Sugarfoot was the main component holding everything together. While on that same tour they became one of the only groups EVER to refuse to appearon the UK's top rated music TV show, Top Of The Pops. Apparently they were so disgusted with the dismal sound offered to them in the studio, they chose to walk! All of this, in spite of the fact that an appearance on the show would guarantee more records sales. Now that's what I call intergrity baby!
Sugarfoot briefly left the band in the 80's and signed with Warner Brothers where he released a solo album called 'Sugar Kiss'. Unfortunately this effort met with little support and re-joined The Ohio Players. This funky, creative character will be sorely missed by funk fans. Leroy Bonner sadly passed away on 26th January. The cause of death is unknown at this time.
R.I.P. Sugarfoot
Here are The Ohio Players, during their heyday, performing 'Love Rollercoaster'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBkVV9xxCHE
Throughout most of these amazing recordings the distinctive voice of Sugarfoot could be heard, with that real deep down dirty snarl, adding that gritty flavour to the proceedings. For a period of time (just before Earth, Wind & Fire exploded with their 'That's The Way Of The World' album), The Ohio Players ruled the roost when it came to American funk bands. My memory extends to seeing The Players perform live in London back in 1976 where their hot barnstorming set proved to all that they could deliver the goods and yes, Sugarfoot was the main component holding everything together. While on that same tour they became one of the only groups EVER to refuse to appearon the UK's top rated music TV show, Top Of The Pops. Apparently they were so disgusted with the dismal sound offered to them in the studio, they chose to walk! All of this, in spite of the fact that an appearance on the show would guarantee more records sales. Now that's what I call intergrity baby!
Sugarfoot briefly left the band in the 80's and signed with Warner Brothers where he released a solo album called 'Sugar Kiss'. Unfortunately this effort met with little support and re-joined The Ohio Players. This funky, creative character will be sorely missed by funk fans. Leroy Bonner sadly passed away on 26th January. The cause of death is unknown at this time.
R.I.P. Sugarfoot
Here are The Ohio Players, during their heyday, performing 'Love Rollercoaster'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBkVV9xxCHE
Throughout most of these amazing recordings the distinctive voice of Sugarfoot could be heard, with that real deep down dirty snarl, adding that gritty flavour to the proceedings. For a period of time (just before Earth, Wind & Fire exploded with their 'That's The Way Of The World' album), The Ohio Players ruled the roost when it came to American funk bands. My memory extends to seeing The Players perform live in London back in 1976 where their hot barnstorming set proved to all that they could deliver the goods and yes, Sugarfoot was the main component holding everything together. While on that same tour they became one of the only groups EVER to refuse to appearon the UK's top rated music TV show, Top Of The Pops. Apparently they were so disgusted with the dismal sound offered to them in the studio, they chose to walk! All of this, in spite of the fact that an appearance on the show would guarantee more records sales. Now that's what I call intergrity baby!
Sugarfoot briefly left the band in the 80's and signed with Warner Brothers where he released a solo album called 'Sugar Kiss'. Unfortunately this effort met with little support and re-joined The Ohio Players. This funky, creative character will be sorely missed by funk fans. Leroy Bonner sadly passed away on 26th January. The cause of death is unknown at this time.
R.I.P. Sugarfoot
Here are The Ohio Players, during their heyday, performing 'Love Rollercoaster'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBkVV9xxCHE
Sugarfoot briefly left the band in the 80's and signed with Warner Brothers where he released a solo album called 'Sugar Kiss'. Unfortunately this effort met with little support and re-joined The Ohio Players. This funky, creative character will be sorely missed by funk fans. Leroy Bonner sadly passed away on 26th January. The cause of death is unknown at this time.
R.I.P. Sugarfoot
Here are The Ohio Players, during their heyday, performing 'Love Rollercoaster'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBkVV9xxCHE
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