Legendary singer Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner, the lead singer from the Ohio Players, died yesterday at age 70.  In an official family statement, Scott Hanover and his family said that he passed away quietly in his hometown of Trotwood-Dayton, OH.

The family statement continues, “Humble yet charismatic, soft spoken and of few words, the weight of his thoughts, lyrics, and music has influenced countless other artists, songs, and trends. He will be missed but not forgotten as his legacy and music lives on. More details and an official historical perspective of his career will soon be forthcoming.”

Originally formed in 1959 in Dayton, Ohio, the band went by the Ohio Untouchables.  Shortly after breaking up the band, they added Sugarfoot in 1963 to lead guitar and then lead singer.

Visit his Facebook page here to leave comments and reflections on his life and music.

Check out some of their classic funky hits here.

“Fire”

“Love Rollercoaster”

“Who’d She Coo?”

What’s your favorite memory from the Ohio Player’s funky songs of grooves?  Let us know in the Comment Section below!