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David Peaston Obituary
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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
371 Entries
Lynn
July 12, 2025
You're loved always. Thank You For Sharing Your Voice.
Juanita Johnson
July 12, 2025
Wow! I didn’t know! God bless his soul. Big loss♀♀
Tracey L Slater
April 13, 2025
Saw him in London back in the day. I was blown away. Gone too soon.
Pamela Dupree
February 12, 2025
Gone but never forgotten
How you can show support
Leslie W.
December 29, 2024
I didn't know him personally,, but still listening to his music and songs makes me feel better,,pray for peace,u will be missed My friend!!
C. Clark
December 24, 2024
I sit here typing this message after listening to his songs...with tears falling from my eyes...Continue to RIP Sir #BeautifulSoulStirringVoice
Zakeytha W
December 11, 2024
I´m so hurt to have found this out he had an amazing voice a beautiful smile and he is surely missed my deepest condolences to the family
Robert Jackson
December 1, 2024
Magnificent smile, soothing voice often wonder what happened to him and now I find out rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his loved ones.
Charlene Hamilton
July 7, 2024
I truly miss David Peaston, I´m grateful for his music which I listen to all the time, Can I
I love that song and David will always be missed in my heart forever and ever
My name is Ron McCall. I seen David Pearson and Mary Park Baptist Church in
March 26, 2024
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
Tesha riley
January 3, 2024
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.
Cecelia Smith Whitson
October 12, 2023
Miss your Beautiful Voice and Smile...
September 29, 2023
Love you Mr Peaston
July 3, 2023
When I first heard this man sing I immediately bought his CD. Rest In Peace Sir.
Barbara Brown
December 14, 2022
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.
Carmen Clark-Steward
July 6, 2021
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.
Dorethea A Winston
March 26, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
ron johnson
October 31, 2020
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
Deborah Hearne
July 9, 2020
Amazing talent he is missed but not forgotten. Rest in Peace Mr. Peaston.
Robin Ceesay
November 24, 2019
Such a beautiful Soul and tragic loss. I have been a fan since the beginning and love the grace and soul you exhibited. I find solace in knowing you are singing with the Heavenly host and touching as many in Heaven as you have on Earth. Rest On Sir..
Sabrina Thompson
August 19, 2019
Not forgotten
Jeff Phillips
December 2, 2018
For many years my collection of vinyl album have been packed away. Today, Sunday afternoon, I set them free once again. Among the many titles, I was immediately drawn to one in particular, your first, " Introducing... David Peaston". I found myself transported by the beauty of your voice, the lyrical silkiness of pitch, color and warm tones. " Thank you for the moment." You touched a part of me that I believed had all at once left me long ago.
Detroit
November 17, 2018
R.I.P. MR. DAVID PEASTON WITH THE LORD
SINGING WITH THE LORD'S CHOIR OF ANGELS
TAKE YOUR REST JOB WELL DONE.
YOUR BIGGEST FAN YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY
HEART....
YOUR MUSIC WILL BE PLAYED IN MY HOUSE FOREVER SO ALL OF MY GRAND CHILDREN
AND THERE CHILDREN,AND CHILDREN'S CHILDREN.
R.I.P. FROM DETROIT
MS.T
November 17, 2018
I AM STILL SADDENED BY YOUR PASSING
MR.DAVID PEASTON YOUR MUSIC CONTINUES TO PLAY IN MY HEART AND HOME UNTIL THIS DAY AND FOREVER. YOU ARE ARE WITH THE GOOD LORD SINGING IN HIS HEAVENLY CHOIR WITH
ALL OF THE ANGELS THAT HE SAID JOB WELL
DONE.NOW REST MY CHILD IN MY ARMS FOR
FOREVER. R.I.P.
Farris
July 22, 2018
Wow..
I didn't even know he was gone until now today this moment Wow.. This man really could sing he music got me through some tough times ..
With these 2 songs
take me now.. we're all in this together
Michael Williams
March 11, 2018
As I type this,I am listening to God Bless the child.By this late,wonderful Man!Your are greatly missed.RIP,David.
Ladypoet nfaith
February 4, 2018
RIP. Now you sing in heavenly places. Sorely missed but never forgotten. Your gift of singing bought down the house, broke barriers and captivated audiences. Truly truly a voice among voices which stood out And made an impact.
June 12, 2017
Sitting here listing to your music 10am June 2017.Amazing voice!!! rest in peace May God continue to Bless your family. Linda Jackson (Brooklyn NY)
June 12, 2017
Sitting here listing to your music 10am June 2017.Amazing voice!!! rest in peace May God continue to Bless your family. Linda Jackson (Brooklyn)
May 12, 2017
So very hurt to read this about David. I am still listening to his music.
GOD BLESS !!!!!
D J Royster
Washington DC
Lynda Tetteh
March 30, 2017
David Peaston had such a unique voice. In my book he is one of the greatest ballad voices of the 80's and 90's; he never got the attention and accolades that he should have received. David was a fantastic vocalist!!! RIP David.
Zay
February 11, 2017
God Bless your family. I was watching YouTube and I came across David Peaston's video "Can I". The memories, the strength, the power, and the talent he had was truly given by The Lord. I searched the web trying to find out where was he today and learned of his passing. Loss for those who loved and adored him it seems only yesterday. Big Cuddle Gentle Passionate Teddy Bear was He! I love and missed his bigger than life presence. An angel soaring high, praise on David until we meet again your gift remains with us. Love you!!!!!
Ian Skeffington
January 23, 2017
Remember watching David on television here in the U.K. (Live at the Apollo).
Brought his album as soon it was released.
An absolutely Amazing voice!!
So sad that he's Gone to soon.
R.I.P.
Jacqueline Thomas
November 9, 2016
Im so sad sitting here listening to your music inspires me.
T Washington
October 1, 2016
I was listening to Pandora and his song played. I remember that voice from the Apollo. I went to my phone and it was him. I was in the 10th grade when i heard him sing God Bless the Child. Never knew he had an album...didn't remember his name.... but I remember that voice (20+ years). Sad to hear of his passing. R.I.P
Ms Mia Black
September 17, 2016
I JUST LEARNED ABOUT YOUR MUSIC TODAY AND IT HAS TOUCHED ME IN SUCH A SPECIAL WAY AND I LOOKED YOU UP TODAY AND IT HAS HURT ME TO LEARN THAT YOU ARE NO LONGER HERE BUT GOD HAS A BIGGER AND BETTER PLAN FOR YOU AND I PRAY THAT GOD GIVES YOUR FAMILY THE COURAGE AND UNDERSTANDING TO KNOW THAT GOD DOES NOT MAKE MISTAKES AGAIN REST IN PEACE DAVID GOD HAS SAID WELL DONE.
REST IN PEACE DAVID...MS MIA B
E BLACK
September 17, 2016
PAMELA MURRELL
September 2, 2016
I shocked to hear of David Peaston's demise. I was just looking him up and found out. I remember David Peaston as being my son's music teacher at P.S. 184 in Brooklyn, to his win at the Apollo and his music career that followed. You will be greatly missed by all. R.I.P.
Jeri McCullough
August 19, 2016
I was watching a video of David & Dianna Reeves singing Stormy Monday. And wondering what you was doing musically and learned you were called from labor to rest. Prayers going out to your family. Heaven got another great voice for it's choir, R.I.P.
L Budd
August 6, 2016
Rest in peace. Your music is timeless and because of that, you will in our hearts forever.
Debra
July 29, 2016
Simply thee best....my husband and I sit often sit in the evening and listen to one of our favor love song...I believe in you and I ... Wow!! What a wonderful voice!....Rest in Peace
Dee Williams
July 21, 2016
I was shocked to find out he died I found out today looking him up on the internet, loved his voice....R.I.P FROM A DETROIT FAN. MRS.DEE
Brenda Graham
March 9, 2016
David you were so gifted, truly a spiritual person. Lived to hear you sing @ St. Paul Community Baptist Church, Brooklyn, BY, under the leadership of Rev. Johnny Ray Youngblood. Youe are truly missed. May God Bless your family & friends as you transitioned.
Yolanda McGhee Young
February 24, 2016
Hi, I just recently found out Mr. David Peaston was my cousin. We are related cause his mom and my granddad are siblings. I truly wish we had a chance to get to know each other. I would love to meet his kids and other family. Sorry for your loss, and may he R.I.P. it is a lot of us out here, that he probably never heard of. We have a massive family.
Tammy Kennedy
November 25, 2015
I am so sorry to learn of Davis Peaston death.
Trena Carter
September 9, 2015
I love his music. I have been looking for his music and on yesterday-9/8/15, I found his music in my google music. For months I had been putting in the wrong first name, but thank God I was enlightened to the correct name and now i can listen to his music, my two favorites are "Thank You For The Moment" & "Can I". Thanks for allowing his music to be found.
Tracey Grant
August 27, 2015
I was thinking about David as I listened to his music. Out of curiosity, I googled his name and was shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. I loved Mr. Peaston's beautiful voice and will continue to listen to the songs that he left behind for our pleasure and healing. I pray that his family has been able to find some peace in knowing that he touched so many lives in a positive way. May you Rest In Peace Mr. Peaston.
Katrina Hill
July 1, 2015
I have been a David Peaston fan since Showtime at the Apollo. His song "Can I" is out of this world. His voice.......well words can't describe. To hear him sing is like hearing God's greatest gift, it sends chills up and down my spine. He was very talented! ! A coworker told me he had passed , I didn't even know. May God ease the pain of loss from his family and friends. He was a gift to us all.
Dwight Howard
June 25, 2015
I was mesmerized by his voice, one of the greats and I pray I'll see him on the other side.
June 25, 2015
REST IN PEACE, SUCH A WONDERFUL BLESSING TO ALL ,GODS LOVE, MARI PEACHES GODBOLT CAN I ?
Alfreds baby giri
June 18, 2015
Dearest David i have tears in my eyes May God Bless u i will keep u in my prays.Sincerely a fan .
June 18, 2015
Dearest David i have tears in my eyes May God Bless u i will keep u in my prays.Sincerely a fan .
marilyn diggs
May 8, 2015
I remember the 1st time I heard Mr. David Peaston sing. When his first album came out I bought his cassette, I was blown away. Only once in a while you hear such a incredible voice like his! I did not know he had passed away! My heart goes out to his family .Dear God, please except his soul and voice in your heavenly choir.
May 8, 2015
RIP my true forever friend. Judy Armstrong
bandit Howard
April 27, 2015
grew up listening to ur music my mother love ur music rip David
SLIK RIK THA RULA
March 13, 2015
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIGG DAVE'''' R.I.P. HAPPY 57TH BIRTHDAY TODAY....WE ALL LOVE YOU AND MISS YOUR VOICE......
Bud Morries
March 5, 2015
Rest in peace david. Your voice was amazing
"Into The Eternal"
Diane Perry
February 16, 2015
His vocals were God's Gift to us.
Thank you for sharing your spectacular gift with us.
"Into the Eternal"
Diane Perry
February 16, 2015
Aaron Proctor
February 16, 2015
Rest in Peace as you bask in the Glory of The Lord.
"Always Remembering"
September Reese
February 16, 2015
Thank you, David Peaston, for sharing the gospel with your stellar vocals.
May God Bless you and your beloved family.
=September Reese
January 24, 2015
Remembering when David came to New York to "Showtime at the Apollo". The audience love him and so did I as I watched the performance on television. David won all his competitions... "GOD" bless him for his singing talent that he brought to the world for us to enjoy and love.....Rest in Peace... I love your music! Ethel Stevens Love
Warren Gary
November 27, 2014
I will always remember the great ones; and David Peaston was one of the great ones. Rest in peace David!
Debra Herrington
October 31, 2014
God bless
Paula Hanna
October 29, 2014
I will always remember..
Wanda Bush
October 28, 2014
Rip D U live on.
kAT S
October 19, 2014
Iam so sorry to hear about Davids passing When in high school I used to sing his song 2 wrongs in the talent shows I didnt know until just now
Ronnie Royster
October 18, 2014
David ,I found you to be a gentle giant. I turn on Pandora because I wore out the cassette that I had of your music. I was waiting for the next album to drop. May you have peace now, you are surely missed from singing down here.I miss your humor as well. God bless your family.
Tony D. Smith
October 17, 2014
David I love your music, your voice, you are a true inspiration to me as well. I want to be your understudy. I will let your music teach me. Help me to embrace your style and vocal talents and use them to bless the world, teach me, show me, help me to become the great singer that I am destined to become. In Jesus name, Amen. Written By, Tony D. Smith of Springfield, MA 10/17/2014
Patti Griffin-Franklin
October 8, 2014
David, you will be truly missed. What a beautiful voice. Your music will live on forever in our hearts and sole, and will always bring joy and happiness to everyone. God Bless you and your family will be forever in our hearts. God is love and he loves us all.
Eliot Mitchell
September 3, 2014
David, you continue to be such an inspiration to me. I remember laying in bed and watching you on Night at the Apollo so many years ago and being blown away by your voice and composure. David, God bless... Eliot
Diane Fulks
July 29, 2014
I was blessed to be able to sing with David in a couple of community gospel groups in the early and middle 80's in st louis, and before "God Bless the Child", he made popular a gospel song entitled "With a Made up Mind". His conviction to his Lord God poured from him each and every time he sang it. Miss u friend, but it ain't like i don't know where you are. (A smile from my heart to yours)
SLIK RIK
July 27, 2014
BIGG DAVE''''MAN I MISS YOUR VOICE,,,AND I STILL JAMM YOUR MUSIC RIGHT TO DAY'''MY HOMIE''YOU WILL BE CROWNED'''AS THE VOICE OF AMERICA'''''R.I.P. MY BIGG HOMIE.......SLIK RIK THA RULA......
July 11, 2014
I still miss this man today and his one of a kind voice. He was a blessing and still is for alot of people
lisa washington
July 3, 2014
I miss you so much and love your music.
May 28, 2014
Miss his voice.........
Vincent
Anthony Tinsley
May 4, 2014
i am a fan and will always be you will be missed i just found out of the passing god keep him in your arms he is special
janet howard
April 10, 2014
I first heard of David on Apollo wonderful beautiful voice. My prayers go out to David's family.
March 17, 2014
This is Leroy and Brendann; so sorry. I forgot to put where we are from. Lafayette Louisiana. Thank you then.
March 17, 2014
My name is Brendann from Lafayette Louisiana. Here it I March 17th 2014 and just learning that David Peaston had died. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. My husband and I was just talking about David the other day; wondering what happened to him. He was a great singer and will be dearly miss. our sympathy goes out to his wife and two sons. Leroy & Brendann
NICHOLE BALLARD
February 1, 2014
love you so much DAVID P I LOVE YOU ...!!!!! RIP ..
maryanne kerrigan
January 7, 2014
wow someone just turned me on to your music.... i am gonna find all of it and listen...now you sing with angels...rip
Ernie Samson
November 23, 2013
Your voice was something of angelic beauty! Thanks for the experience.
-A shoutout from the Caribbean
Yolanda Hayes-Mayes
November 10, 2013
David had a voice that could make chills run up and down your spine. Such a talented artist and wonderful person. Although you were a gift to all of us who were born and grew up in the St. Louis metro area... you were and still are an uplifting inspiration to those who are starting with just rare and raw phenomenal talent.
David Sonne
October 26, 2013
David asked us all..."CAN I" and then HE DID!
sandra cofield-Taylor
October 14, 2013
David God touched your heart with song. The rest is history. I loved and respected you with all my heart. May you rest in the arms of the lord until we meet again.
Dariece Nickerson
October 4, 2013
His voice still touches my spirit each and every time. The song "Can I" is still the best song I've ever heard and I listen to it everyday on my playlist. I was so sad to hear this.
Tasha Mills
August 31, 2013
Listening to your music...Mr.Peaston You Surely Missed....
Marcia Williams
August 21, 2013
Your'e just like Muhammed Ali the greatest of all times!!!
Marcia Williams
August 21, 2013
David your music is very touching, if it can touch me i know your music is special
quadralis arnold
August 6, 2013
I miss him I listen to his song over and over he's in agood place with god.
Cynthia Andrews
July 23, 2013
I am just finding out about the demise of David Peaston. My day instantly took a different turn with an abundance of sadden. I heard his song on the radio, and my sister said that he died about a year ago. I googled it to see if that info was true and it was. I saw his obituary to confirm it. Another one of our unique and great singers who has gone home to be with Our Heavenly Father. His legacy will continue to live on in those who truly adored his beautiful music and his spirit that help to make it. God Bless the family. Rest in Peace David.
terri lynn kyles
July 15, 2013
Thank you 4 your great music.
Nazarene Mckinney
June 29, 2013
What a beautiful voice! Your music will always bring happiness to listeners. You will always be in our hearts. Jehovah is love and he loves us all.
Shawana Williams
May 21, 2013
R.I.P
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