US sources are belatedly reporting the recent death of singer BOOKER NEWBERRY III. It seems that the Ohio born Newberry, best known for his anthemic ‘Love Town’ died on Wednesday April 5th. No further details are forthcoming, save that he was 67.
Booker began his pro music career with the group, Mystic Nights but after a move to Philadelphia he became lead singer of Sweet Thunder. Their ‘Everybody’s Singing Love Songs’ became popular on the European soul circuit. The band recorded three LPs with their biggest hit being 1979’s ‘I Leave You Stronger’. Newberry eventually left that band to work with another group, Impact. Philly collectors revere their sweet, ‘I Thought You Would Like To Know’.
The singer eventually signed a solo deal with Casablanca Records where his 1983 release ‘Love Town’ became his biggest hit. It’s a proper feel-good song and sums up all the optimism of those memorable 80s weekender times!
After Casablanca, he recorded for Malaco and Omni but sadly, Booker Newberry remains a classic one hit wonder… but what a hit!
