Peggi Blu obit

Legendary "Star Search" winner and soul songstress Peggi Blu dies

 

She was not on the list.

(May 19, 2024) The world first discovered the unique vocal stylngs of Peggy Blu when she was crowned Grand Champion on the television talent contest Star Search in 1986, and that began a career where Blu became a icon among her peers and one of the most respected women in soul music. We are sad to report today the passing of Ms. Blu. Tributes have been pouring in online from Blu's musical friends. Her cause of death has not yet been reported.

The North Carolina born Blu began singing as a child, and she took her talent to a bigger stage when her family allowed her to relocate to New York at age 14 with her uncle, Bishop Walter, whose traveling Gospel choir she joined. She also was singing with the popular Nat Lewis Singers while still in high school.

Blu began her career as a session vocalist in the mid-70s on various Gospel recordings, but it expanded to a role as one of the most popular backing vocalists in the business. Blu supported a virtual “who’s who” of popular artists ranging from Barbra Streisand to Bob Dylan to Quincy Jones to Stephanie Mills.

With her name growing in music industry circles, Blu was signed to MCA Records in 1980, and, after her Star Search win, to Capitol Records, where she landed the hits “All The Way With You” and “Tender Moments.”

At the turn of the century, Blu reached new heights as the vocal coach on the smash television show American Idol. She also resuscitated her recording career, issuing the 2002 album Livin’ On Love on the UK label Expansion Records, and guesting on albums by the popular European production team Cool Million.

Peggi Blu was never a household name, but hers was a reputation that glimmered among her peers in the music world. May she rest in peace.