Legendary 80s singer Floyd Brown has died after a harrowing health battle as tributes flood in. US pop and country star Floyd Brown has died aged 79 after a prolonged fight with cancer, with tributes pouring in from fellow musicians and fans across the globe.
Family Confirms Death
Family members confirmed he passed away on Tuesday, 9th June, after a lengthy battle with cancer. His niece broke the news on social media, calling him 'one of the greatest'. Fellow Baton Rouge musician Chase Tyler paid tribute, saying: 'It's a shock for everyone. I don't think anyone saw it coming. Floyd was a mentor early in my career. He was always a sweetheart to me and very encouraging to the younger artists coming up behind him.'
Career Highlights
His first single, Thunderbird Beach, was released in 1960. His most famous songs included 'Kiss Me Just One More Time', 'I Can't Sleep If I Can't Sleep With You', and 'There Lies the Difference'. Brown was renowned for blending swamp pop and country genres, which earned him a loyal following across South Louisiana.
In 1979, Brown released his first album, 'Finally', on Jimmy Rogers' Baton Rouge-based Bayou Boogie Records. He rose to fame in the 80s after winning the Nashville Network talent show, 'You Can Be A Star'. However, his career faced numerous setbacks when the recording contract he gained through his triumph was cancelled during a corporate reshuffle. The same fate befell him at Capitol Records.
Despite this, he remained a local legend, and in 2005, a 12-track compilation album, 'The Best Of Floyd Brown', was released on AMG Records.
Tributes Pour In
Touching tributes poured in online, with one fan penning: 'RIP Floyd! Sympathies to his family! He definitely was a legend!' Another shared: 'The best in the business for many many years. He will be sadly missed.' A third observed: 'The Voice! We will miss him and the music but the music and memories will live on forever as it already has for generations in my family! Prayers to his family.' A fourth agreed: 'Loved dancing with my husband to his songs! So many wonderful memories! Thanks Floyd Brown!'
