It has been reported that Donny Gerrard, the lead singer of the soul band Skylark, passed away at the age of 75.
His niece, Kimberly Christian, has confirmed his death in a Facebook post, saying, "My uncle, Donny Gerrard. Words cannot express my grief at this time. Rest peacefully."
The sad news was posted on Thursday, February 3, followed by a statement from his management label, revealing that he died due to cancer.
Adam Ayers from Red Light Management said, "Our dear brother Donny passed away early this morning at home, peacefully, surrounded by family."
Also reported by NY Daily News, Donny Gerrard is a Vancouver, Canada native who gained fame with the mentioned band centered around then-keyboardist David Foster, who "become one of the most prolific pop music producers of the late 20th century."
The band comprises Foster, Robbie King for the organs, Duris Maxwell for the drums, Steve Pugsley for the bass, and Gerrard on the mic. Skylar's "Wildflower" became one of their hit tracks, which spent 21 weeks on the Billboard charts, and topped at No. 9 on the Hot 100 chart and No. 1 on the adult-contemporary chart in Canada as per source.
Due to the song's success, it has launched Foster's career of becoming a multi-Grammy award-winning producer, songwriter, and arranger.
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According to The Sun, it further became a hit as it got covered by multiple artists in the industry, including The O'Jays, Lisa Fischer, and Silk.
Aside from "Wildflower," Gerrard also recorded the 1985 charity single "Tears Are Not Enough," for African famine relief with the likes of Joni Mitchell and Neil Young.
The singer followed a second album release, including the single "Wildflower," yet it failed to find an audience, which has made the band decide to call it quits, as per Celebrity Access.
Gerrard also became a well-known baritone backup singer for Mavis Staples, making him a part of the backing vocals in her album, "One True Vine," and performed live.
Gerrard continued with his solo career and also performed as a backup singer for musicians like Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, and Cher.
His last work in the music industry before passing was in 2018 with "We Get By."
May his soul rest in peace.
