Johnnie Wilder Jr.

Johnnie James Wilder Jr. (July 3, 1949 – May 13, 2006)[1] was the co-founder and lead vocalist of the international R&B/funk group Heatwave, who were popular during the late 1970s with hits such as "Boogie Nights", "Mind Blowing Decisions" (which Wilder wrote), "Always and Forever", and "The Groove Line", on which Wilder sang co-lead vocals.

Johnnie Wilder Jr.
Background information
Born(1949-07-03)July 3, 1949
Dayton, Ohio, United States
DiedMay 13, 2006(2006-05-13) (aged 56)
Dayton, Ohio, United States
Associated actsHeatwave

Life

He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era.

On February 24, 1979, a van broadsided Wilder's car, paralyzing him from the neck down and hospitalizing him for a year.[2][3]

During the 1980s and 1990s, Wilder went on to record other albums with the group, as well as an album with his brother named Sound of Soul in 1989.[4] Later he began a solo gospel career, singing a cappella on the albums My Goal and One More Day.[5] The latter album featured a re-recording of the song "All I Am" written by Lynsey de Paul and Susan Sheridan, that was originally recorded for the Heatwave album, Candles.[6] Referring to My Goal and One More Day, he stated "The music that I'm doing is my way of giving thanks to God for being alive".[2]

He died in his sleep on May 13, 2006, at his home in Dayton, Ohio, aged 56, from complications of his paralysis. He is survived by his wife, the former Rosalyn Sanders.

References
  1. Rock, Doc. "The Dead Rock Stars Club 2006 January To June". Thedeadrockstarsclub.com. Retrieved 6 May 2017.
  2. "Johnnie Wilder Jnr". Independent.co.uk. June 19, 2006. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
  3. Clayson, Alan (May 19, 2006). "Obituary: Johnnie Wilder Jnr". Theguardian.com. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
  4. "Heatwave Frontman Johnnie Wilder Jr. Dies". Billboard. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
  5. "Johnnie Wilder Biography". Shalondainc.com.
  6. "Johnnie Wilder Jr. - One More Day". Discogs. Retrieved 6 May 2017.


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