Alice Tan Ridley, Gospel Voice of NYC’s Underground and Mother of Gabourey Sidibe, Dies

Alice Tan Ridley performs for commuters at the 34th Street–Herald Square subway station in New York City, where she sang for decades before rising to national fame. " (Photo by Kbwords, via Wikimedia Commons)

Alice Tan Ridley, a beloved gospel and R&B singer whose powerhouse vocals captivated New York City subway riders for decades — and later millions of TV viewers — has died. She was 72.

Perhaps best known to mainstream audiences as the mother of Oscar-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe ("Precious"), Ridley carved out her own remarkable path in entertainment, rising from subway platforms to the national stage when she became a semifinalist on "America’s Got Talent" in 2010.

Ridley died March 25 in New York, her family confirmed. Her daughter, son Ahmed Sidibe, and twin grandchildren survive her.

Ridley’s emotional performance of Etta James’ “At Last” during her AGT audition brought the house down — but her story stretched far beyond the spotlight. For years before that moment, the Georgia-born performer was a staple at Herald Square, singing for tips and drawing crowds with a voice that stopped busy commuters in their tracks.

Born Dec. 21, 1952, in Charles Junction, Georgia, Ridley was the seventh of eight siblings in a musically inclined family. “Every one of us sings or plays music,” she told The New York Times in a 2016 interview. Inspired by artists like Aretha Franklin and Mahalia Jackson, she moved to New York in the 1970s and became a special education teacher in Brooklyn. But after losing her job and navigating the challenges of single motherhood, she turned to busking to support her family.

Happy Mothers Day to all mothers but especially to mine who is the best! 💐🌸🌷💐🌸🌸💐🌹🌸💐🐅🐯🐯 pic.twitter.com/MHB81iNZBH

— Gabby Sidibe (@GabbySidibe) May 10, 2015

“I was a big secret,” Ridley said. “With so many people passing by, I wondered, ‘Why doesn’t somebody introduce me to someone who could help me out?’”

That someone eventually came along. In 2010, Israeli student Dvir Assouline spotted Ridley performing and became her manager. Not long after, she made her prime-time debut, mesmerizing viewers nationwide.

Ridley’s road to recognition included stops beyond "AGT." She won $25,000 on Fox’s "30 Seconds to Fame" in 2002, sang "Amazing Grace" in the 2005 documentary "Rize," and performed "America the Beautiful" in the feature film "Heights." She was also a regular performer at Harlem’s Cotton Club.

At 63, she released her first studio album, "Never Lost My Way," a mix of covers and originals co-written with producer Jay Stolar. She toured internationally, performed at B.B. King’s in New York, and lent her voice to commercial campaigns for Buick and Royal Caribbean Cruises.

Even with her newfound fame, Ridley remained connected to her subway roots. In 2014, she returned underground to perform. “When I was no longer down under there, I missed it,” she told The New York Times.

Ridley retired in 2018 after being diagnosed with dementia. In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is survived by siblings James, Tommy, Julia, and Mildred. She was preceded in death by her sister Dorothy Pittman Hughes, a pioneering civil rights activist, and her brother Roger Ridley, the singer whose street performance of “Stand by Me” helped launch the Playing For Change movement.

Huey Williams, Whose Voice Defined an Era of Gospel Music, Dies at 86

Courtesy Photo

Huey P. Williams, the commanding voice of the Jackson Southernaires and a cornerstone of American gospel music for over five decades, passed away peacefully at his home in Smithdale, Mississippi, on Wednesday. He was 86.

Born into a distinguished musical family, Williams was the elder brother of Frank Williams, founder of the Mississippi Mass Choir, and sibling to Melvin, Doug, and Leonard Williams of the Grammy-nominated Williams Brothers. Together, the Williams family significantly influenced the sound and direction of modern gospel music.

Williams joined the Jackson Southernaires in 1964, a group formed in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1940 by music producer Frank Crisler. Under Huey's guidance, the Southernaires rose to national prominence with their 1968 hit, "Too Late," a soulful anthem that quickly became Song Bird Records' best-selling track of the year.

In 1975, the Jackson Southernaires made history as the first gospel group signed to Malaco Records. Their groundbreaking partnership produced numerous Billboard-charting albums, including "Down Home" (1975), "Legendary Gentlemen" (1979), and "Lord, We Need Your Blessing" (1985). The group consistently ranked among Billboard’s Top Gospel/Soul Artists.

The Southernaires earned three consecutive Gospel Music Workshop of America awards for Traditional Male Group of the Year (1987–1989), a Stellar Award in 1989, and a Grammy nomination in 1992 for their acclaimed album, "Thank You Mama for Praying for Me." In recognition of their enduring impact, the city of Jackson renamed a street Jackson Southernaires Drive in 2010.

Williams performed as recently as late 2024, reflecting his lifelong devotion to gospel music. A musical celebration honoring his life is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, March 28, at East Fernwood Missionary Baptist Church in McComb, Mississippi. His official celebration of life will take place Saturday, March 29, at 1 p.m., preceded by visitation at 11 a.m.

D’Wayne Wiggins, Tony! Toni! Toné! Star and Mentor to Destiny’s Child, Dies

HIPINC, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

D’Wayne Wiggins, the founding member of Tony! Toni! Toné!, whose smooth guitar work and songwriting helped define 1990s R&B, has died at 64 after a private battle with bladder cancer

His family confirmed his passing on Friday in a statement shared on Instagram.

“With broken hearts, we share with you that our beloved D’Wayne passed away this morning surrounded by family and loved ones,” the statement read. “Over the past year, he has been privately and courageously battling bladder cancer. Through this fight, he remained committed and present for his family, his music, his fans, and his community.”

Wiggins, a native of Oakland, California, was a guitarist, producer, and mentor whose influence extended far beyond the stage. Best known for leading Tony! Toni! Toné! alongside Raphael Saadiq and Timothy Christian Riley, he helped create a string of timeless R&B hits, including “Feels Good,” “It Never Rains (In Southern California)” and “Anniversary.”

The Grammy-nominated trio dominated the late 1980s and early ’90s R&B scene, selling over six million albums and earning multiple gold and platinum records. Their sound blended old-school soul with new jack swing, paving the way for future R&B acts.

 

A Legacy in Music and Mentorship

Beyond his work with Tony! Toni! Toné!, Wiggins was instrumental in shaping the careers of some of the biggest names in music. He founded Grass Roots Entertainment, a West Oakland recording studio where he helped develop Destiny’s Child in their early years. The group, led by Beyoncé, went on to become the best-selling girl group of all time.

 

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A post shared by TONY! TONI! TONÉ! (@tonytonitoneofficial)

Wiggins also mentored Keyshia Cole, providing her with early guidance before she signed with A&M Records. His influence reached artists like Alicia Keys, India Arie, Ludacris, Jody Watley and Too Short, making him a pivotal figure in R&B and hip-hop’s evolution.

His 2000 solo album, "Eyes Never Lie," was released on Motown Records and showcased collaborations with Darius Rucker, Jamie Foxx and Carlos Santana. The album helped shape the neo-soul movement, which bridged traditional R&B with modern influences.

 

A Respected Figure in Entertainment

Wiggins' impact extended beyond music. He served as a bandleader for Comedy Central’s "Weekends at the D.L.", produced the indie film Me & Mrs. Jones, and worked on the Too Short documentary Life Is.

In 2023, Wiggins reunited with Raphael Saadiq and Timothy Christian Riley for Tony! Toni! Toné!’s Just Me and You Tour, their first tour together in more than 25 years. The reunion was highly anticipated by fans, cementing their legacy as one of R&B’s most beloved groups.

 

Tributes Pour In for Wiggins

Following the news of his passing, fellow artists and musicians paid tribute to Wiggins, recognizing his contributions to music and mentorship.

Sheila E., an Oakland native, shared her sorrow in a heartfelt post.

"Heartbreaking news, my brother D’Wayne Wiggins passed away this morning. He was the most amazing, kind person. He loved life, music, and people. My brother, you will forever be missed. Your music will live forever. Rest in peace, my brother."

Tony! Toni! Toné! was scheduled to perform at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts in Tracy, California, on March 22, but the event was canceled in February due to Wiggins’ illness. Another show at Detroit’s Music Hall Center on May 23 was also called off.

For now, his family has asked for privacy as they grieve, but fans and fellow artists continue to celebrate D’Wayne Wiggins’ enduring musical legacy.

Grammy-Nominated Singer Angie Stone Killed in Alabama Car Accident

Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone, a pioneering member of the all-female hip-hop trio The Sequence and known for the hit song "Wish I Didn’t Miss You," died early Saturday in a car crash. She was 63.

Stone was traveling from Alabama to Atlanta when the vehicle she was riding in overturned on Interstate 65 in Montgomery County and was struck by a big rig, according to music producer Walter Millsap III, who confirmed the news to The Associated Press. Stone was the only fatality in the crash.

Rest In Peace, Angie Stone.

A legendary voice of house, soul & disco, gone far too soon.

Her music transcended genres and ALWAYS made people dance.

Our thoughts are with her family & friends. pic.twitter.com/VXuwUr4XEu

— Defected Records (@DefectedRecords) March 1, 2025

The singer had just performed at the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association Grand Marshal’s Ball and was headed to Baltimore, where she was scheduled to perform during the halftime show at the CIAA men’s basketball championship game. Her passing was acknowledged at the event, with CIAA Chaplain Pastor Jerome Barber leading a moment of silence.

CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams-Parker described Stone’s loss as heartbreaking. "She used her incredible talent, passion, and presence to inspire and touch us with strength and hope," she said.

Stone’s longtime representative Deborah R. Champagne confirmed her death to TMZ, adding that she had just spoken to the singer the night before. "This news has devastated her family, friends, and fans," she said.

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone first gained national attention as a member of The Sequence, the first all-female rap group signed to Sugar Hill Records. The group, which included Cheryl "Salt" James and Blondy, released several albums between 1979 and 1985, and their song "Funk You Up" became a major influence in hip-hop, later sampled in Dr. Dre’s "Keep Their Heads Ringin’" and Bruno Mars’ "Uptown Funk."

Stone later transitioned into a successful R&B career, releasing her 1999 debut album "Black Diamond," which went gold. Over the years, she released a string of hits, including "No More Rain (In This Cloud),” which topped Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart for 10 weeks, as well as "Baby" featuring the late Betty Wright and "Brotha."

Her most enduring hit, "Wish I Didn’t Miss You," became a classic, sampling The O’Jays’ "Back Stabbers" and resonating across generations as an anthem of heartbreak.

‘Killing Me Softly’ Singer Roberta Flack Dies at 88, Leaves Behind Timeless Legacy

Roberta Flack in 1976.

Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer known for classics like "Killing Me Softly With His Song" and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," has died at 88, her representatives confirmed Monday.

Flack passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, according to a statement from her longtime publicist Elaine Schock. The legendary vocalist had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which she revealed in 2022 had made singing impossible.

Flack’s musical career was defined by a unique blend of soul, jazz, pop, and folk influences, carried by a voice that was both intimate and powerful. Though largely unknown before her early 30s, she became an overnight star when Clint Eastwood featured her rendition of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" in his 1971 directorial debut, "Play Misty for Me." The ballad soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 the following year and won the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1973.

Born Feb. 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack was a musical prodigy who won a scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old. Though she initially aspired to be a concert pianist, she eventually shifted to singing, drawing inspiration from gospel, jazz, and R&B. Discovered by jazz musician Les McCann while performing at a Washington, D.C. nightclub, she was signed to Atlantic Records, where she recorded First Take in 1969, an album that would later catapult her to stardom.

Her success continued throughout the 1970s with a string of hits, including "Killing Me Softly With His Song," which became her signature track and won her a second consecutive Grammy for Record of the Year in 1974 — a feat no other solo artist had achieved at the time. She followed with "Feel Like Makin' Love," which became her third No. 1 single.

Flack also formed a celebrated musical partnership with fellow Howard University alumnus Donny Hathaway. The duo released beloved duets such as "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You." Their collaboration ended tragically in 1979 when Hathaway died after a fall from a New York hotel room.

In the 1980s, Flack reinvented herself by teaming up with Peabo Bryson, scoring another hit with "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love." She later found renewed success in the 1990s when the Fugees’ Lauryn Hill-led cover of "Killing Me Softly" became a global sensation.

Her influence extended beyond music. In 1999, Flack received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and later performed for Nelson Mandela in South Africa. Throughout her career, she remained an advocate for music education, mentoring young artists and supporting various educational initiatives.

Flack’s impact on popular music and her ability to convey deep emotion through song cemented her place as one of the most revered vocalists of all time. In a statement, her longtime manager Suzanne Koga reflected on her legacy: “Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.”

Flack is survived by her family, close friends, and generations of artists inspired by her work.

Jerry Butler, Soul Legend Behind ‘For Your Precious Love,’ Dies in Chicago

Courtesy Photo: Stax Records

Jerry Butler, the smooth-voiced baritone whose blend of gospel roots, Chicago rhythms, and heartfelt soul earned him the nickname "Iceman," died Thursday night at his home in Chicago. He was 84.

His assistant, Marty, whom Butler called his “niece at heart,” confirmed his passing to TMZ, citing natural causes. Butler had been battling Parkinson’s disease.

Born in Sunflower, Mississippi, in 1939, Butler moved with his family to Chicago’s Cabrini-Green housing complex at the age of three. Raised in a deeply religious household, he was discouraged from listening to blues, but his love for music flourished through church choirs and television’s "Hit Parade." He learned to write songs by studying sheet music from Hit Parade magazine, setting the foundation for a career that would shape soul music.

Butler’s life changed in 1953 when he joined the Northern Jubilee Singers, a gospel group led by Rev. Annabelle Mayfield. There, he met her grandson, a young man with a soaring tenor voice named Curtis Mayfield. The two went on to form The Impressions, whose music would later become the soundtrack of the civil rights movement.

As the group’s lead singer, Butler helped propel their first hit, For Your Precious Love, in 1958. Rolling Stone ranked the song No. 335 on its "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list, and it remains a cornerstone of doo-wop and early soul. The Impressions' music traversed changing times and social movements, earning them a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.

Shortly after the release of For Your Precious Love, Butler embarked on a solo career, but early success eluded him. That changed when he reunited with Mayfield to craft "He Will Break Your Heart," a 1960 hit that re-established Butler as a formidable solo artist. He continued to record throughout the 1960s, eventually teaming up with songwriter-producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who pioneered the "Philly sound." Together, they produced classics such as "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Hey Western Union Man," and "Only the Strong Survive." The latter, a testament to resilience, was inspired by advice Butler's mother gave him after a teenage heartbreak.

His influence extended beyond his own recordings. "I’ve Been Loving You Too Long," a song he co-wrote with Otis Redding, became a standard covered by Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, and others. Method Man, Missy Elliott, The Game, and Snoop Dogg later sampled Butler’s music, ensuring his legacy endured across generations.

Though music was his first calling, Butler pivoted to public service in the 1980s. With support from Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, he was elected to the Cook County Board of Commissioners in 1985. During his 32-year tenure, he chaired the Health and Hospitals Committee and served as vice chair of the Construction Committee. He also advocated for artists’ rights, working to secure royalties and benefits for musicians.

Outside of politics, Butler remained an enduring presence in entertainment. He hosted PBS specials on doo-wop and R&B history, appeared in the 1972 film "The Thing with Two Heads," and even starred in a 1980s McDonald’s commercial for the McD.L.T., crooning about “cool” lettuce and tomato opposite Aretha Franklin.

Butler’s wife, Annette, whom he married in 1959, died in 2019. He is survived by their sons, Anthony and Randy, four grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

Gary Grier, Veteran Member of The Contours, Dies at 72

Gary Grier, bottom left, with The Contours in 2017. Grier, a longtime member of the Motown vocal group, died in February, the band announced.

Gary Grier, a veteran performer and staple of Motown’s legendary vocal group The Contours, has died at 72. The group announced his passing on Facebook.

"Today, we lost one of our own," the statement read. "We are profoundly saddened by the sudden death of Gary Grier. He was an integral part of our group, and he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Gary’s family and friends."

Grier, who joined The Contours in 1993, spent more than three decades helping preserve and extend the legacy of one of Motown’s most beloved groups. Although he was not part of the original lineup, his voice and stage presence became a defining part of the band’s continued success. He took over after the departure of Darell Nunlee, joining a roster that had already been evolving since the group's early years.

The Contours first rose to fame in the early 1960s as one of Motown’s premier vocal acts. Their signature hit, “Do You Love Me,” written by Berry Gordy, was a massive success in 1962, topping the R&B charts and reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track, known for its raw, high-energy vocals, became one of the defining sounds of early Motown and sold more than a million copies.

The song experienced a second wave of success in 1988, when it was prominently featured in the box-office smash Dirty Dancing. The exposure propelled it back onto the Billboard Top 40 charts for another eight weeks, introducing a new generation to the group’s infectious sound.

Beyond “Do You Love Me,” The Contours recorded several other charting singles, including “Can You Do It,” “Shake Sherry,” “First I Look at the Purse” and “Just a Little Misunderstanding.” Though they never reached the same heights as their debut smash, The Contours’ impact on rhythm and blues — and their reputation as one of the most dynamic acts in early Motown history — remained intact.

Grier played a key role in keeping the group’s legacy alive, performing well into the 2000s alongside longtime members Joe Billingslea and Al Chisholm. SoulTracks.com described him as “a seasoned performer with a commanding stage presence”, a reputation he upheld in performances across the country.

The Contours remained active in the decades following Motown’s golden era, adapting to lineup changes while continuing to tour and perform for loyal fans. In 2015, they were inducted into the R&B Hall of Fame, followed by their 2016 induction into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame.

Irv Gotti, Ja Rule and Ashanti’s Producer and Murder Inc. Founder, Dies at 54

Photo Credit: Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET

Irv Gotti, the influential music producer and record executive who built Murder Inc. Records into one of hip-hop’s most dominant labels, has died at 54.

The Hollywood Reporter first confirmed his passing Wednesday, though the cause of death has not been officially disclosed. Sources close to the situation told Variety that Gotti, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., had suffered a series of strokes in recent months, linked to his long battle with diabetes.

A key architect of early 2000s hip-hop and R&B, Gotti was the mastermind behind Ja Rule’s meteoric rise, Ashanti’s chart-topping success, and some of the most memorable rap and R&B collaborations of the era. 

As the co-founder of Murder Inc., he produced and oversaw a string of crossover hits, including "Always on Time," "What’s Luv?" and "I’m Real (Murder Remix)," which dominated radio and defined the sound of mainstream hip-hop at the turn of the millennium.

Born and raised in Queens, New York, Gotti started as a DJ and aspiring producer, earning early credits on Jay-Z’s "Can I Get A…", Foxy Brown’s "Hot Spot," and DMX’s landmark debut, "It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot" (1998). His talent for blending hard-edged rap with melodic hooks caught the attention of Def Jam executive Lyor Cohen, who gave him his own label under the Def Jam umbrella in 1998. That same year, Gotti co-founded Murder Inc. with his brother Chris Gotti, and their first major project, Ja Rule’s debut album "Venni Vetti Vecci" (1999), set the stage for the label’s ascension.

By the early 2000s, Ja Rule had evolved from a gritty rapper into a mainstream superstar, thanks in large part to Gotti’s vision. His knack for mixing rap with R&B hooks, a formula perfected in collaborations with Ashanti, Jennifer Lopez, and Fat Joe, led to back-to-back No. 1 albums and platinum-selling singles. 

In 2002, Ashanti’s self-titled debut album, produced and executive-produced by Gotti, sold over 500,000 copies in its first week and won a Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album. For a time, Murder Inc. rivaled Bad Boy Records and Roc-A-Fella, churning out hit after hit, with Gotti positioned as one of the most powerful executives in music.

That dominance began to unravel in 2003, when the federal government raided Murder Inc.’s offices, investigating the label for alleged money laundering and ties to drug kingpin Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff. Though Gotti and his brother were acquitted in 2005, the scandal damaged Murder Inc.’s reputation beyond repair. Around the same time, Ja Rule’s high-profile feud with 50 Cent further eroded the label’s standing in hip-hop, shifting the genre’s momentum toward a more street-oriented sound that left Murder Inc.’s brand of melodic rap-R&B hybrids struggling to maintain relevance.

Gotti rebranded the label as The Inc. in 2006, moving it under Universal Motown, but the momentum was gone. With Ashanti as the label’s only remaining major artist, The Inc. struggled, and Gotti eventually pivoted away from music, focusing on television projects, including the BET series "Tales." In 2013, he rebranded the label again as Visionary, before reviving Murder Inc. in 2017 through a partnership with 300 Entertainment. In 2022, he made headlines for selling a 50 percent stake in his Murder Inc. masters for $300 million in a deal with Iconoclast, ensuring financial control over his legacy despite the label’s decline.

In his later years, Gotti openly battled diabetes, a condition he discussed candidly in interviews. In 2023, he revealed on "Drink Champs" that the disease was taking a toll on his body, admitting that it was “not under control” despite taking insulin. "It starts deteriorating your body," he said. "And anything that tastes good is horrible for you." By August 2024, reports surfaced that Gotti had suffered another stroke, requiring the use of a cane. In a statement to The Shade Room, he addressed his health, saying, "I’m getting older, but the only thing worse than getting old is not getting old."

Even as his business ventures shifted, Gotti remained a larger-than-life personality, often making headlines for his outspoken opinions and lingering rivalries. His feud with 50 Cent, one of the most infamous in hip-hop history, resurfaced once again just hours before Gotti’s death, when 50 mocked reports that the Murder Inc. founder had suffered a stroke. Posting on Instagram, 50 wrote, "Damn, I wanted him to see my new shows, yo!"—a callous jab at his longtime adversary.

That rivalry dated back two decades, as 50 Cent’s rise coincided with Murder Inc.’s decline, leading to a years-long war of words that played out in interviews, diss tracks, and even courtrooms. In recent years, Gotti downplayed the feud’s significance, but 50’s persistent taunts kept their animosity in the public eye.

Though Murder Inc. never regained its early 2000s dominance, Gotti left an undeniable mark on hip-hop history. His production and executive credits shaped an entire era, with classics like:

• DMX’s "It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot" (1998)
• Ja Rule’s "Between Me and You" (2000)
• Ashanti’s "Foolish" (2002)
• Fat Joe’s "What’s Luv?" (2002)
• Jennifer Lopez’s "I’m Real (Murder Remix)" (2001)

Gotti’s legacy is complicated, but his impact on hip-hop and R&B is undeniable. At his peak, he was a visionary who redefined the intersection of rap and mainstream music, helping craft some of the most enduring records of the early 2000s. His ability to blend street narratives with radio-friendly melodies influenced a generation of artists, and his business acumen paved the way for future moguls navigating the industry.

He is survived by his children, siblings, and extended family.