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Robert Wilson of the Gap Band Dies at 53

by Jason Lipshutz, N.Y.  |   August 16, 2010 12:09 EDT
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Artists in this Article

Earth, Wind & Fire
The Gap Band
George Clinton

Albums in this Article

Greatest Hits [Universal]
The Gap Band

Robert Wilson, a member of R&B/funk group the Gap Band, died at the age of 53 on Sunday (Aug. 15). Wilson, known as the "Godfather of Bass Guitar," suffered a heart attack in his Palmdale, Ca. home.

 

Wilson formed the Gap Band with brothers Charlie and Ronnie in the early 1970s, and the Tulsa group expanded upon the funk sound of George Clinton and Earth, Wind & Fire. The band's hits include "You Dropped a Bomb On Me," "Party Train" and "Early in the Morning."

 

 

"My brother Robert was a bad boy on the bass," Charlie Wilson said of his brother in a statement. "We shared a bond as brothers, musicians and friends. I loved him and losing him is difficult for both Ronnie and I. The music world has lost a very talented man."

 

Wilson, who was scheduled to perform at Tulsa's Timeless Music Festival on Aug. 28, is survived by his wife Brenda and two daughters, Robin and Latina Wilson.

 

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