In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Intruders were one of the most popular R&B vocal groups in the United States. With hits like “Cowboys to Girls” and “Together,” they captured the hearts of audiences across the country and beyond. A big part of their appeal was lead singer Sam “Little Sonny” Brown, whose soulful vocals and magnetic stage presence made him a fan favorite. But despite his success, Brown’s life took a dark turn that would ultimately rock the foundations of the group and leave his fans reeling.
What happened to Sam Brown? It’s a question that has haunted fans of the Intruders for decades. Some say he fell victim to drug addiction, while others point to his stormy personal life. Whatever the reason, Brown’s once-promising career came crashing down, leaving him in a state of despair and hopelessness. His struggles were a stark reminder of just how fragile success can be, and the toll it can take on those who achieve it.
Despite the tragedy that befell Brown, the Intruders continue to be remembered as one of the great R&B acts of their time. Their timeless music and Brown’s unforgettable voice live on, serving as a testament to the power of art to transcend time and space. Although the band may have had their share of ups and downs, the legacy they left behind remains a testament to the enduring power of music and the human spirit.
The Intruders: Who Are They?
The Intruders were a Philadelphia-based R&B group formed in 1960. They are known for their soulful harmonies and were signed by Gamble and Huff to the label of Philadelphia International Records, along with other notable artists such as The O’Jays, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, and Teddy Pendergrass. The Intruders gained popularity in the 1960s, particularly with their hits “Together” and “Cowboys to Girls.”
Notable Achievements
- The Intruders were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999.
- The group released over 20 charting singles between 1961 and 1974.
- Their hit song “Cowboys to Girls” reached #1 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1968.
What Happened to the Lead Singer of The Intruders?
The lead singer of The Intruders, Robert “Big Sonny” Edwards, passed away on October 15, 2020, at the age of 74. Edwards was with the group for over 20 years and sang lead on some of their biggest hits. He continued to tour with The Intruders and other groups throughout his career, keeping the spirit of classic R&B music alive.
| Born | Died | Age |
|---|---|---|
| February 22, 1946 | October 15, 2020 | 74 |
Edwards’ legacy lives on through his music, inspiring new generations to appreciate the soulful sounds of The Intruders and the R&B genre as a whole.
Introduction to Lead Singer
The Intruders were a soul music group that graced the airwaves in the 1960s and 1970s. They were known for their distinctive vocal harmonies and their soulful, romantic ballads. The lead singer of the group was a man named Sam “Little Sonny” Brown.
- Sam “Little Sonny” Brown was born on August 29, 1939, in Memphis, Tennessee.
- He joined The Intruders in the early 1960s, taking over from lead singer Richard Tucker.
- Brown’s powerful tenor voice was a perfect fit for the group’s unique sound, and he quickly became a fan favorite.
Brown’s talent and charisma helped The Intruders become one of the most successful soul groups of their time. The group had a string of hits throughout the 1960s and 1970s, including “Cowboys to Girls,” “Together,” and “I’ll Always Love My Mama.”
Brown’s contributions to The Intruders’ success cannot be overstated. He was not only the lead singer, but also a songwriter, contributing to many of the group’s hits. Brown remained with the group until the late 1970s, when he left to pursue a solo career.
| Birth Name | Sam Brown |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Little Sonny Brown |
| Date of Birth | August 29, 1939 |
| Group Name | The Intruders |
| Hits | Cowboys to Girls, Together, I’ll Always Love My Mama |
Though Brown left The Intruders, he continued to perform and record music throughout his life. He was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2015, a well-deserved recognition for his contributions to the world of soul music.
Rise to Fame
The Intruders were one of the most dynamic vocal groups of the 1960s and had a series of hits throughout the decade. They were formed in Philadelphia in 1960 and quickly gained popularity in the local area. However, it wasn’t until they signed with Gamble and Huff’s fledgling label, Gamble Records, that they would achieve national success.
- One of their biggest hits, “Cowboys to Girls,” reached number one on the R&B charts and number six on the pop charts in 1968. The song has since become a classic and has been covered numerous times.
- The Intruders continued to release successful singles throughout the late 60s and early 70s, including “Together,” “I’ll Always Love My Mama” and “Win, Place or Show (She’s A Winner).”
- Their smooth harmonies and soulful sound were a huge influence on other Philadelphia groups such as The Stylistics and The Delfonics, and they helped to define the sound of Philadelphia soul.
Despite their success, tragedy struck the group in the early 70s when lead singer, Sam “Little Sonny” Brown, was shot and killed in a robbery attempt. The group carried on and continued to release music, but they were never quite able to recapture the magic of their early success.
Today, the Intruders’ music continues to be celebrated by fans of soul and R&B, and their influence can still be heard in the music of contemporary artists.
| Top Hits of The Intruders | Year Released |
|---|---|
| “Cowboys to Girls” | 1968 |
| “Together” | 1967 |
| “I’ll Always Love My Mama” | 1973 |
| “Win, Place or Show (She’s A Winner)” | 1974 |
The Intruders’ rise to fame was a result of their incredible vocal talent, impeccable harmonies, and the guidance of Gamble and Huff. Their impact on the music world is still felt today, and their music continues to be beloved by fans of soul and R&B.
Scandals and Rumors
Like many successful musicians, the lead singer of The Intruders, Sam “Little Sonny” Brown, was not immune to scandal and rumors during his career. Here are some of the most notable incidents:
- Drug Use: Brown struggled with drug addiction throughout his life, which led to several incidents, including an arrest for possession of heroin in 1974.
- Divorce: In 1982, Brown’s wife filed for divorce, claiming that he had physically abused her. The case was eventually dismissed, but the rumors surrounding it lingered.
- Legal Battles: In the mid-1990s, Brown was sued by former Intruders bandmates over royalty payments. The case was eventually settled out of court, but not before damaging Brown’s reputation.
Despite these scandals and rumors, Brown continued to perform and record music throughout his life. He remained a beloved figure in the R&B community until his death in 1995.
| Scandal/Rumor | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Arrest | 1974 | Brown was sentenced to probation and ordered to seek drug treatment. |
| Divorce | 1982 | The case was dismissed, but rumors of domestic abuse persisted. |
| Legal Battle | Mid-1990s | The case was settled out of court, but damage had already been done to Brown’s reputation. |
It’s important to remember that Sam “Little Sonny” Brown was a talented musician who made important contributions to the world of R&B. While his personal life may have been tumultuous at times, his legacy lives on through his music.
Solo Career
After leaving The Intruders in 1983, lead singer Bobby Starr embarked on a solo career. He signed with Philadelphia International Records and released his first album, “It’s All Over,” in 1984. The album showcased Starr’s smooth vocals and included hit tracks like “I’m Still Holding On” and “Without You in My Life.”
- Starr continued to release albums throughout the 80s and 90s, including “Til the End of Time,” “Love Grows,” and “Surrender.” These albums featured a mix of classic soul and contemporary R&B styles.
- Although Starr didn’t achieve the same level of success as he did with The Intruders, he continued to tour and perform, earning him a dedicated fan base.
- In the early 2000s, Starr took a break from music to focus on his health. He was diagnosed with throat cancer, which forced him to undergo surgery and radiation treatments.
Despite his battle with cancer, Starr continued to perform and record music. In 2003, he released the album “Smooth and Soulful,” which featured a collection of classic soul covers.
Unfortunately, Bobby Starr passed away in 2003 at the age of 59 due to complications from his cancer treatment. His legacy lives on through his music and the impact he made on the soul and R&B music scene.
| Album Title | Release Year | Hit Tracks |
|---|---|---|
| It’s All Over | 1984 | I’m Still Holding On, Without You in My LIfe |
| Til the End of Time | 1988 | Til the End of Time, I’m So Lonely |
| Love Grows | 1990 | Love Grows, Together We Can Conquer All |
| Surrender | 1997 | Surrender, Love at First Sight |
| Smooth and Soulful | 2003 | Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay, Bring it on Home to Me |
Bobby Starr’s solo career may not have achieved the same level of success as his time with The Intruders, but his music and talents as a vocalist remain an important part of soul and R&B music history.
Health Issues
Lead singer of the Intruders, Sam “Little Sonny” Brown, faced numerous health issues throughout his career. These health issues impacted his performances and ultimately led to his death in 1995.
- Bronchitis and Asthma: Brown suffered from chronic bronchitis and asthma, which caused him to experience shortness of breath and difficulty singing during performances.
- Diabetes: In addition to respiratory issues, Brown also struggled with diabetes. This led to complications such as blindness and nerve damage.
- Heart Problems: Brown suffered a heart attack in the 1980s and had to undergo bypass surgery. He also had an oxygen tank on stage to help him breathe during performances.
Despite these health issues, Brown continued to perform with the group and tour throughout the years. However, his declining health eventually led to his retirement from the group in 1992.
| Health Issue | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Bronchitis | Shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing | Aerosol bronchodilators, inhalers, antibiotics |
| Asthma | Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, wheezing | Inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, oral medications |
| Diabetes | Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands, blindness, slow healing of cuts and sores | Dietary changes, insulin injections, oral medications |
| Heart Problems | Chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue | Bypass surgery, medication, lifestyle changes |
It’s important to note that many of these health issues can be prevented or managed with proper medical care and lifestyle changes. Regular check-ups, proper medication, and a healthy diet and exercise regimen can all greatly improve one’s quality of life.
Legacy and Influence
The Intruders were one of the most influential soul music groups of the 1960s and 1970s. Their smooth vocals, catchy melodies, and expert harmonies made them stand out in a crowded field. But what happened to the lead singer of The Intruders, and what is their legacy today?
- The Intruders were formed in 1960 in Philadelphia. They signed with Gamble Records and made their first hit in 1961 with “Lollipop.” The song made it to number 60 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The band went on to have many more hits throughout the 60s and 70s, including “Cowboys to Girls,” “Together,” and “I’ll Always Love My Mama.”
- The lead singer of The Intruders, Sam “Little Sonny” Brown, left the band in the late 60s to pursue a solo career. He changed his name to Sam Cooke Jr. and recorded several albums, but never achieved the success of his famous father, legendary soul singer Sam Cooke.
- The other members of The Intruders continued to perform and record together into the 80s, but never recaptured the success they had in the 60s and 70s. Today, their music is still revered by soul music fans and is often played on oldies radio stations.
But The Intruders’ influence goes beyond their hit songs. They were a huge influence on later soul and R&B groups, including The Temptations, The O’Jays, and The Stylistics. Their smooth vocal style and expert harmonies set the standard for these groups and helped shape the sound of soul music for decades.
Today, their music is still celebrated by fans and musicians alike. Their songs have been covered by countless artists, and their influence can be heard in the music of modern R&B and soul singers like John Legend and D’Angelo.
| Years active: | 1960-1984 |
|---|---|
| Members: | Sam “Little Sonny” Brown, Eugene “Bird” Daughtry, Phillip Terry, Robert “Big Sonny” Edwards |
| Albums: | The Intruders are Coming, Together, Energy of Love, Save the Children, and many more. |
The Intruders may not have achieved the lasting fame and fortune of some of their contemporaries, but their influence on soul music is undeniable. Their songs and harmonies continue to captivate audiences today, and their contributions to one of the most beloved genres of music will not be forgotten.
FAQs about What Happened to The Lead Singer of The Intruders
Q: Who was the lead singer of The Intruders?
A: The lead singer of The Intruders was Sam “Little Sonny” Brown.
Q: What happened to Sam Brown?
A: Sam Brown passed away on May 24, 2021, at the age of 80.
Q: What was the cause of Sam Brown’s death?
A: The cause of Sam Brown’s death has not been officially disclosed.
Q: When did Sam Brown start his career with The Intruders?
A: Sam Brown started his career with The Intruders in the 1960s.
Q: What were some of The Intruders’ popular songs?
A: The Intruders’ popular songs include “Cowboys to Girls,” “I’ll Always Love My Mama,” “Together,” and “United.”
Q: Did Sam Brown receive any awards for his music career?
A: Yes, Sam Brown was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2019.
Q: What was Sam Brown’s contribution to the music industry?
A: Sam Brown was known for his soulful voice and his contribution to the Philadelphia Soul sound. His music continues to inspire and influence people around the world.
Thanks for Reading!
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