ANGELES (AP) - R. B. Greaves, a pop singer who had a 1969 hit with "Take a Letter, Maria," has died in Los Angeles. He was 68.
The coroner's office says Ronald Bertram Greaves died of prostate cancer on Sept. 27 at his home.
"Take a Letter, Maria," about a man's final letter to his cheating wife, hit No. 2 on the Billboard chart and went gold. The song, with its soul style and brassy horn edge, went on to sell more than 2.5 million copies and remains a popular oldie.
Greaves also broke into the Top 40 in 1970 with his version of "(There's) Always Something There to Remind Me."
His career flagged in the 1970s, however.
Greaves was a nephew of the legendary R&B singer Sam Cooke.
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I was 8 yrs old when the song 'Letter to Maria' came out. Even then it was one of those songs that just stuck in memory. I never knew who the singer was until I recently googled it and was sad to learn that R.B. Greaves had passed on. RIP....thank you for this memorable song that transcends time.
Tony Arthur
February 13, 2025 | Other
What a blessing a gift to us R.. Greaves. Thank you for sharing your God Given talent with the World. I didn't know you lived in Albuquerque, my hometown. REST-IN-LOVE beloved RB. You'll always be loved and missed! Tears!
Elvira Abraham
December 20, 2024 | Phoenix, AZ | Friend
I really enjoyed hearing Mr. Greaves sing. I wish I could have met him. The family has my condolences.
August 05, 2024
My father had a 8 track of him I remembered playing it so sad to hear of his death RIP
Eric
July 17, 2024 | Greensboro, NC
So sorry Mr.R.B. Greaves, Passed away.There was so many songs for him to sing.He had a wonderful voice!Will be truly missed!The Lord has gathered a lot of wonderful singers up there and R.B. is high on that list!
Carolyn Jones
February 24, 2024 | Other
Godspeed R.B., and thank you for the wonderful music memories, and one of the anthems of my youth, and beyond, "Take a Letter Maria". Unforgettable.
Harry Simpson
April 01, 2023
I was just listening to his song this morning, he truly was an amazing talent. It obviously ran in the family .
Steve Michaels
September 27, 2020 | Friend
One of my best friends and the best man at my wedding. He was the best brother I've ever had. To travel with RB was to experience life anew. He always shined while performing and loved his audiences. To know the real RB and to share so much was a lifetime blessing not just for me, but for everyone. He was and will always be my favorite singer. I loved watching him develop his songs and share his ideas, he cared so much and his heart was so big. There is no friend or person to match this...
Bud Brown
January 14, 2020 | Las Cruces, NM | Friend
December 27 2019. You are remembered and so is your wonderful voice.
Paul Mcmenamin
December 27, 2019 | Cardiff.
