Vincent Bonham obit

Vincent Bonham, original member of 70s hitmaking group Raydio, dies

 

He was not on the list.

(March 24, 2024) We are saddened to report the passing of Vincent Bonham, a talented singer who was an original member of the 70s R&B group Raydio. His death was announced by Raydio today in a social media post. Bonham was a talented musician who could play keyboards, guitar, bass, percussion and horns. His vocals can also be heard fronting the Raydio song “You Need This (To Satisfy That).”

Raydio came out of the box red hot, and continued a chart run for several years with super melodic songs and great vocals to match. Formed by guitarist supreme Parker, the original band included Jerry Knight, Bonham and Arnell Carmichael.

Their debut song, the 1978 adult parody of the childhood rhyme “Jack & Jill,” shot to the top ten of both the pop and soul charts. The following year, the equally sing-songy release “You Can’t Change That” replicated that success and moved Raydio to the A-List of R&B acts.

By 1980, vocalist Knight had left the group (later becoming part of the “Breakin’” duo Ollie & Jerry) and the band’s name was changed to Ray Parker Jr and Raydio. Parker took a more front-and-center role vocally and continued to drive the songwriting and production. They scored additional big hits with “That Old Song” and “A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do),” before Parker split to establish what would become a solid solo career.

With four gold albums but without Parker at the helm, Raydio essentially became no more. Even the Raydio hits of the late 70s were ultimately subsumed in Ray Parker, Jr. compilations.

Bonham went on to produce former Raydio mate Jerry Knight on his hit Perfect Fit album, and then become a supporting musician for such notable acts as Prince, Chaka Khan , and Evelyn Champagne King.

After decades apart, in 2014 Bonham joined original member Carmichael in a revived version of Raydio. Bonham left a few years ago, but the Carmichael-led version of Raydio continues to tour to this day with additional members Giovanni Rogers (lead vocals), Lavon McPherson (bass) and Chris Thomas (drums).

Rogers reflected the emotions of many in the soul music world in his tribute today to Bonham: “We sure had a blast Vincent. Thank you for the opportunity and privilege to call you friend.” Rest in peace, Vincent Bonham.