The Gap Band Music Icon Ronnie Wilson Passes Away At 73: Report

BY Erika Marie 11.4K Views
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Ronnie Wilson
The legendary group was made up of Tulsa brothers Charlie Wilson, Robert Wilson, and Ronnie Wilson.

The music world is mourning the loss of a legend today (November 2). The Gap Band is a beloved classic group whose hits remain staples and often, you'll find their tracks sampled through Rap and Hip Hop productions. It consisted of three brothers: Charlie Wilson, Robert Wilson, and Ronnie Wilson. It has been shared by several outlets that icon Ronnie Wilson has passed away at 73.

According to TMZ, Ronnie was with his wife Linda at their home in Tulsa, Oklahoma when he transitioned.

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Linda shared a post on Facebook where she paid tribute to her late husband.

"The love of my life was called home this morning, at 10:01am. Please continue to pray for The Wilson, Boulware, and Collins family, while we mourn his passing," she wrote. "Ronnie Wilson was a genius with creating, producing, and playing the flugelhorn, Trumpet, keyboards, and singing music, from childhood to his early seventies. He will be truly missed!!!"

TMZ also reported that Ronnie had suffered several strokes over the years, including enduring one just last week. Following that episode, the music legend reportedly slipped into a semi-coma. We send our heartfelt condolences to Ronnie Wilson's loved ones during this difficult time. Check out Linda Wilson's post, and revisit a Gap Band classic, below.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.