In the world of R&B music, Joe Blunt was a shining star, beloved by many as a former member of The Drifters. With a heavy heart, we mourn his passing at the age of 74. As we pay tribute to this legendary figure, we delve into the circumstances surrounding his departure from The Drifters and the events leading up to his final moments. Join us as we celebrate the life and legacy of Joe Blunt, a true icon of the genre.
Joe Blunt’s Death
At the age of 74, Joe Blunt, a legend in the R&B music industry and one of the original members of The Drifters, passed away.
The musician passed away in his Temple Hills, Maryland, home. His cause of death has not been made public as of this writing, and his family has not yet released an official statement regarding his passing. The musician left behind three children: Bryan, Joshua, and Darren, as well as his wife, Paula.
Publicist says Joe Blunt, former member of The Drifters, died at his home in Temple Hills, MD at age 74. We spoke back in 2022 for the Voices of Classic Soul concert at the Carlyle Room in D.C.: https://t.co/ylhzpZOmIo
— Jason Fraley (@JFrayWTOP) March 27, 2024
The Drifters changed up their lineups a lot, and Blunt became a member in 1976 when their most well-known song went to number one in the charts. Songs like “This Magic Moment,” “Under the Boardwalk,” “Save the Last Dance for Me,” and the ever-popular doo-wop version of “White Christmas” grew to be cemented in American society.
But Blunt, along with other band members Ben E. King and Johnny Moore, preserved this musical heritage as one of the lead vocalists for The Drifters.
But before Blunt joined this well-known group, he was a teenage student with dreams of becoming a professional vocalist. His goal was fulfilled in 1967 when he got a record deal with Cap City Records and joined The Chancellors as a founding member.
The Drifters ruled the charts and performed live during their peak in the music industry, garnering enormous success from fans, particularly in England.
Blunt received the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award from Sony Music in recognition of his contributions to R&B music. After contributing to his band’s compilation album, The Drifters: The Very Best Of, he was also awarded a Gold Disc.
Why Did Joe Blunt Leave The Drifters?
In order to concentrate on his retirement, Joe Blunt decided to leave the Drifters. Still, he continued to perform as a gospel singer in Washington, D.C., and never really rested, choosing instead to devote himself to music.
Blunt did not limit himself to The Drifters; he also founded Leonard, Coleman, and Blunt with his childhood buddies Glenn Leonard and Joe Coleman.
The group had a successful time in their music career, traveling around America for shows. Eventually, after many years in the music industry, the singer decided to stop performing in 2023.
When news of his passing spread, one of his close friends shared a statement to honor his life and what he meant to them.
Joe Coleman, who was in the band Leonard, Coleman, and Blunt with him, remembered the singer as his “friend for life.” They both started singing together in church when they were young and then they went on to perform all around the world.
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