Ronnie Wilson, founding member of The Gap Band, dies aged 73

3 November 2021, 10:16

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Ronnie Wilson founded The Gap Band with his brothers "Uncle" Charlie and Robert.

Ronnie Wilson, one of the founding members of R&B icons The Gap Band, has died at the age of 73.

Ronnie's wife Linda Boulware-Wilson confirmed the news in a Facebook post on Tuesday morning (November 2).

"The love of my life was called home this morning, at 10:01am. Please continue to pray for The Wilson, Boulware, and Collins family, while we mourn his passing," she said.

The Gap Band - Party Train (Official Video)

"Ronnie Wilson was a genius with creating, producing, and playing the flugelhorn, Trumpet, keyboards, and singing music, from childhood to his early seventies. He will be truly missed!!!"

She added to TMZ that her husband died peacefully at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, while holding her hand.

Ronnie had been put in a semi-coma last week after suffering a stroke, one of many over the years, but he didn't recover.

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Lead singer "Uncle" Charlie, Ronnie and Robert formed The Gap Band in 1974.

They had a run of massive R&B hits over their 43-year career before they officially retired in 2010.

Their biggest singles included , 'Oops Upside Your Head', 'Party Train', 'You Dropped a Bomb on Me', 'Shake' and 'Steppin' Out'.

Robert Wilson died at his California home of a heart attack at the age of 53, and with Ronnie's death the sole surviving member is "Uncle" Charlie Wilson, who is 68.