US pop and country star Floyd Brown has died at the age of 79. Relatives confirmed he passed away on Tuesday, 9th June, after a prolonged fight with cancer.
His niece shared the news on social media, describing him as “one of the greatest”. Fellow Baton Rouge musician Chase Tyler paid his respects, saying: “It’s a shock for everyone. I don’t think anyone saw it coming.
“Floyd was a mentor early in my career. He was always a sweetheart to me and very encouraging to the younger artists coming up behind him.”
His debut track, Thunderbird Beach, dropped in 1960. His best-known numbers included “Kiss Me Just One More Time, “I Can’t Sleep If I Can’t Sleep With You,” and “There Lies the Difference.”
View 2 ImagesTributes poured in from devastated fans on social media(Image: Facebook)
Brown was celebrated for merging swamp pop and country styles, which secured him a devoted fanbase throughout South Louisiana.
In 1979, Brown put out his debut album, “Finally,” on Jimmy Rogers’ Baton Rouge-based Bayou Boogie Records. He shot to prominence in the 80s following his victory on the Nashville Network talent competition, “You Can Be A Star.”
Yet his career encountered several obstacles when the recording deal he secured through his victory was axed amid a corporate restructure. The identical situation occurred with Capitol Records.
Nevertheless, he stayed a regional icon, and in 2005, a 12-track compilation album, “The Best Of Floyd Brown,” was issued on AMG Records.
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Heartfelt messages flooded in online, with one admirer writing: “RIP Floyd! Sympathies to his family! ! ! ! He definitely was a legend! !” Another contributed: “The best in the business for many many years. He will be sadly missed.”
A third remarked: “The Voice! ! ! We will miss him and the music but the music and memories will live on forever as it already has for generations in my family! Prayers to his family.”
A fourth concurred: “Loved dancing with my husband to his songs! So many wonderful memories! Thanks Floyd Brown!”.