We have the sad news to report that Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner, best known as the frontman for the legendary Ohio Players, has passed away. Funk lovers and hip-hop heads alike are well versed in the music of Bonner and his band, who churned out such timeless jams as “Fire” and “Love Rollercoaster”. The latter received a resurgence in popularity in the mid-’90s when one-time funkers Red Hot Chili peppers covered the track for the Beavis & Butthead Do America soundtrack.
Crate diggers no doubt fell in love with the Players upon seeing their eye-grabbing artwork, especially the not-particularly-safe-for-work Honey cover. Some of those vinyl collectors would go on to sample the funk group, leading to such hip-hop staples as A Tribe Called Quest’s “8 Million Stories“, a number of Gang Starr joints, and J Dilla’s “Give It Up“, among many, many others.
You can revisit some Ohio Players classics below. The cause of Bonner’s death is yet to be released.[via]
UPDATE: Bonner apparently died of cancer. He was 69. [via]
The following are some tweets paying tribute to Bonner.
Dawn Silva from Brides of Funkenstein has posted that Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner from the Ohio Players has died.RIP. facebook.com/photo.php?fbid…
— Phonte (@phontigallo) January 27, 2013
Rest in power LEROY SUGARFOOT BONNER of #OhioPlayers. Our brother + friend. Love + prayers for his family + OP. fb.me/2oYldhw91
— George Clinton (@george_clinton) January 27, 2013
R.I.P. Sugarfoot of one of my fav funk bands Ohio Players. Sad.
— Nicolay (@nicolaymusic) January 27, 2013
Rest In Peace… Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner, of the Ohio Players.
— Zo! (@Zo3hree5ive) January 27, 2013
When we heard the ohio players in the UK we lost our minds ! So much great music , love and respect to Leroy so sad to hear of his passing
I have had the pleasure of working with this great musical icon we recorded songs togeather he was just a great guy funny and good hearted man to be around my heart go’s out to the family and friends as they mourn the loss of such a talented man from James Milligan recording artist and President/CEO of New Experience Rec.
Ohio is hurting right now, we are losing so many great ones. The man who I met in 1979 as a kid got me started playing the guitar, and I will always be grateful for that inspiration and guide, I love you man I miss you, mike mike
We Love You Sugar!
http://www.wyso.org/post/boogie-nights-history-funk-dayton