*Sadly we have to report the death Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner, founder and frontman of the legendary funk group, The Ohio Players.
He passed away on Saturday at the age of 69, according to a post on his Facebook page. An official family announcement says he passed away quietly in his hometown of Trotwood-Dayton, Ohio (see below).
A posting in the Dayton Daily News said the musician died following a “battle with cancer.”
Here is the official announcement of Sugarfoot’s death
Official Family Announcement of the Passing of Leroy Sugarfoot Bonner
Yesterday, Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner passed away quietly in his hometown of Trotwood-Dayton, OH. While his family, friends, colleagues, and fans mourn his passing they celebrate fondly his memory, music, and legacy.
Sugarfoot, or Foot, or Sugar, was the founding and cornerstone artistic talent of OHIO PLAYERS and the face and sound of the OHIO PLAYERS brand, which he knit together and launched in 1964 with former members of The Ohio Untouchables. With a career spanning 56 years, he passed barely short of his 70th birthday.
Humble yet charismatic, soft spoken and of few words, the weight of his thoughts, lyrics, and music has influenced countless other artists, songs, and trends. He will be missed but not forgotten as his legacy and music lives on. More details and an official historical perspective of his career will soon be forthcoming.
His Facebook page is available to all to post comments, reflections, and testimonials of this wonderful and gifted man:
https://www.facebook.com/sugarfootsohioplaye
In Los Angeles, Najee Ali of Project Islamic Hope has announced a community tribute and vigil for the frontman of the legendary Ohio Players. It’s scheduled for Wednesday, January 30 at 5pm in Leimert park (3415 W.43rd Place Los Angeles Ca, 90043 – Crenshaw &Vernon).
Check out live performances by Sugarfoot and the Ohio Players:
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I saw a report earlier hoping it was just a hoax…RIP. One of my favorite bands from the 70′s.
Loving you, loving you Is ectasy to me I could never leave you Never do without your love… … RIP… one of my favorite groups of all time !!!!
So glad I had the pleasure of catching one of his live performances. Ohio Players are right up there with Parliament Funkadelic in my book. May Sugar RIP.
“Say What!” …..Ohio Players one of my many childhood favorite bands thanks to my older brother and his collection of the Ohio Players albums.
Condolences to the family and thanks for the memories Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner ~RIP~
OMG … I didn’t know any of the Ohio Players by name, but I danced the hell out of “Skin Tight” every time I heard it. Thanks for the fabulous music! RIP.
I have had the pleasure of working with this great musical icon and recorded songs with this wonderful and talented man he was a really funny guy to be around my love go’s out the friends and family who are mourning his loss may god be with them J.Milligan President/CEO New Experience Rec.
RIP Sugar!!!! The Ohio Players made some bonafide hits!
Whaaat? Sugarfoot’s gone?!
Too sad. He still had more years left but he had a couple of strokes. Yet, he kept performing. ‘Skintight’, ‘Heaven must be like this’, ‘Sweet Sticky Thing’ and ‘Pain’ are my favorite OP hits. May he rest in peace!
My bad! Sugarfoot did not sing lead on “Pain”. That was Junie Morrison. Nevertheless, Mr. Bonner will be solely missed. And if you can, check out the Unsung episode on Ohio Players. It was pretty good!
I saw the OHIO Player’s a few times at Madison Square Garden they alway’s put on a fantistac show and were alway’s impeccably dressed and boy did they have fun. R.I.P. Sugarfoot you will be sorely missed I think the Ohio Player’s should be in the rock and roll hall of fame they have certanily earned it!!!!!!!