Yesterday when news broke that St. Louis hometown hero R&B and gospel singer David Peaston passed on Wednesday at the age of 54, the lasting legacy and impression that he left upon the music industry was illustrated through kind words and condolences from outlets around the world.
The Associated Press and national urban entertainment news and gossip site Eurweb.com were just two of the outlets that paid tribute to the singer – who passed away from complications with diabetes Wednesday evening.
In addition to reaching out to fellow R&B stars, Eurweb.com posted a “10 Things You Didn’t Know about David Peaston.”
In the feature, the nation is given more insight on the man who was one of the brightest new stars in R&B when he burst on to the scene after a storied several week run as winner of the NBC broadcast of “It’s Showtime at the Apollo” in the late 1980s.
In “10 Things You Didn’t Know about David Peaston,” fans are informed that Peaston was a St. Louis native who shared his family’s legacy in music.
“Peaston’s mother, Martha Bass, was a member of The Clara Ward Singers gospel group,” The feature includes as the second fact. “His older sister is R&B/soul singer Fontella Bass. They recorded a gospel album with Fontella and Martha Bass entitled Promises: A Family Portrait Of Faith.”
The feature also reminds readers that Peaston won a Soul Train Music Award for “Best New Artist” and reflected on his remarkable run on the Apollo stage.
In another feature on the site, Eurweb.com allows for his colleagues in the business to react to his untimely passing.
“I met David doing the show “Momma Don’t”. We ended up doing several shows together after that and were official Road Dawgs,” singer Cheryl Pepsi Riley told the sit. “I Soooooooooo loved this man with the hearty laugh, great sense of humor, that incredible voice, and he was the most amazing friend!!! This hurts so much. He had a gift that commanded the room. David will be sorely missed. My condolences go out to his beautiful wife and children and All the many friends and fans his presence has touched and Blessed.”
Peaston suffered from serious health problems stemming from his diabetes in recent years. He had both legs amputated, but continued to lend his talents – and share his faith – with the area through performances at churches and special events.
Details of his final arrangements are yet to be released, but please check stlamerican.com for more information.
Information from Eurweb.com and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
