There are certain songs that do more than top charts and sell albums. They become a pop culture staple and an everlasting entertainment reference that the world will always move to and enjoy. One of the soulful crooners behind one of those legendary hits has passed away.
Errol Brown, the frontman of the British soul band Hot Chocolate, died at his home in the Bahamas in the midst of his battle with liver cancer. He was 71.
There may be some people who aren’t too familiar with the Hot Chocolate band, but there are indeed very few who can’t immediately sing along to the 1975 hit “You Sexy Thing.”
It’s a track that has stood the test of time and is still being covered by young singing hopefuls on YouTube.
The world has Brown to thank for that catchy tune that always managed to lift the spirits of everyone in the room.
Outside of the song’s sexual context, the song rose to popularity thanks to its upbeat nature and positive vibes that proved to be quite the representation of the man responsible for penning the hit.
Phil Dale, Brown’s manager, told Sky News that the late singer was “a wonderful gentleman” who kept music thriving wherever he went.
The Jamaican-born entertainer garnered a lot of support and critical acclaim throughout his career that earned him membership in the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2003 before he was awarded with the Ivor Novello award — one of Britain’s most prestigious awards for music.
His musical career started after he teamed up with other musicians to form the Hot Chocolate band that held its own popularity throughout the ’70s and ’80s. Eventually, however, Brown wanted to venture out on his own.
It’s a move that leads to the demise of some singers, but not in Brown’s case.
It was during his solo career that he released hits like “It Started With a Kiss” and “Still Sexy (Yes U Are).”
In addition to leaving the world with timeless music, he also left behind an incredible legacy.
“Sad news about Errol Brown of Hot Chocolate who kicked down a lot of barriers,” journalist and author Tony Parsons shared on social media.
Chic frontman Nile Rodgers recalled the good times he had with Brown, tweeting, “We had some good times back in the day. #ErrolBrown RIP.”
So as the world bids farewell to a beloved soul singer and iconic song writer, it is more than apparent that his joyful spirit and treasured hits will continue to live on.
