On Saturday, January 26, 2013, music fans said goodbye to Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner, founder and frontman of the 1970s legendary funk group, The Ohio Players. He was 69.

The group was known for the hits, “Fire”, “Love Rollercoaster” and “Heaven Must Be Like This,” just to name a few.

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

The Ohio Players performing “Fire”

What is your favorite song by the Ohio Players? Feel free to leave your condolences below.

– @AshleyCaprice