David-Peaston-Obituary

David Peaston

Obituary

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Singer David Peaston, who had a string of R&B hits in the late 1980s and early 1990s, has died, his family said Thursday.

Peaston, 54, died Wednesday of complications from diabetes, his niece, Neuka Mitchell said.

Peaston was born into a St. Louis family with deep musical roots. His mother, gospel singer Martha Bass, was one of the Clara Ward Singers. His older sister, Fontella Bass, is a noted singer whose single "Rescue Me" reached No. 1 on R&B charts and No. 4 on pop single charts in 1965.

Peaston's highest charting song was "Two Wrongs (Don't Make It Right)," which reached No. 3 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1989. "Can I?" got to No. 14 R&B that year, and "We're All in This Together" reached No. 11 R&B and No. 45 on the dance charts in 1990. His first album, "Introducing ... David Peaston," reached No. 7 on the Billboard R&B album chart in 1989. At the height of his career, he toured with Gladys K night.

Peaston earned a degree in elementary education and taught in his hometown of St. Louis before moving to New York to pursue a career as a singer. He began doing session gospel and R&B work. His career got a big boost after winning several competitions on the "Showtime at the Apollo" television show in the late 1980s, winning over fans and the judges with his powerful rendition of "God Bless The Child."

Singer Cheryl Pepsii Riley recalled traveling with Peaston on several shows.

"I soooooooooo loved this man with the hearty laugh, great sense of humor, that incredible voice, and he was the most amazing friend!!!" she said in a statement to the website eurweb.com. "This hurts so much. He had a gift that commanded the room. David will be sorely missed."

Despite a rich tenor voice that awed fans, crossover success eluded Peaston.

"He's the greatest unsung artist ever," Mitchell said. "Fabulous. A great father, husband, uncle. A great man."

Peaston's Facebook page described him as a "joyful independent double amputee." Both of Preston's legs were amputated below the knees due to diabetes.

Survivors include his wife of 24 years, his high school sweetheart Marilyn, and two sons. Funeral arrangements were incomplete.

JIM SALTER/Associated Press


Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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I saw David peace in and married Park Baptist Church in Queens, New York many many years ago. I still play his songs till today. Very bright and beautiful smile. I will miss you very much. Ron McCall used to live in New York now in California. May you rest in peace forever and turn the life will be there. Amen

What a big lost,you will be truly missed.That big wide smile,the humor & the kindness you displayed to so many .(RUA)& make sure you keep singing ever so bright with that amazing voice.

Miss your Beautiful Voice and Smile...

Love you Mr Peaston

When I first heard this man sing I immediately bought his CD. Rest In Peace Sir.

Just watching his first performance on Showtime At The Apollo. I remember watching and was blown away by his voice and he tied with Omar. From that performance I knew he was going to make it in the music industry. He will never be forgotten. Continued Rest Mr.Peaston.

I remember when I first experienced David's voice on Apollo and I was blown away. Tonight I am watching old Apollo shows on Pluto and he song "God Bless the Child", so I googled him to see what he's doing today. Saddened to read that he'd passed long ago, but inspired to know that he is singing with the Angels of God. Rest in Peace David.

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

To this day his voice can bring a tear to my eye. Such range and soulful commitment to the art. Missed, but not forgotten. One of the best voices, I have ever heard in my 60 years. RIP