Tommy Hunt obit

Soul Legend Tommy Hunt Has Died

 

He was not on the list.

Soul legend Tommy Hunt has died.

The news has been confirmed by the singer’s family, who shared a statement on his social media networks. Tommy Hunt was 91 years old.

It is with deep sadness that we post on the evening of 12th February, Tommy has passed away peacefully in his sleep, the only regret he would of had was he wasn’t at his own home but circumstances wouldn’t allow him to be, he was the most loveliest and kindest Man anyone will ever meet and he loved you all, please don’t ever forget him and his last wish was his music lived on and please play Sammy Davis Jr “I got to be me” as he wanted everyone to understand this was his way of life.

As Tommy would have said “Good bye for now love you all”

Born Charles James Hunt, the singer first joined the US Army, before going AWOL to be with his dying mother. Serving time in prison for the offence, the aspiring singer joined doo-wop group The Flamingos on his release, scoring a number of hits – including the immortal ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’.

Turning solo at the dawn of the 60s, Tommy Hunt’s energetic performances made him a live star, blending gutsy R&B styles with something a little smoother. A hard-touring artist, he released frequently during the 60s, with his music becoming adored by the UK underground.

Performing at the second anniversary of the famed Wigan Casino all-nighters, Tommy Hunt developed a close association with the Northern Soul scene. Over the decades his discs would find new audiences, while the mutual adoration between the American artist and crowds in the North of England would make him an unlikely, if deserved, household name in some quarters.

Touring almost to the end, Tommy Hunt was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside The flamingos. His autobiography Only Human, My Soulful Life was released in 2008.