Lloyd Price, the American R&B singer, died at a long-term care facility in New Rochelle, New York. He was 88.
According to a report by Associated Press, his wife confirmed on Saturday that the vocalist had died of diabetic complications on Monday.
Price was best known for songs like Lawdy Miss Chawdy. According to Variety, the Louisana-born singer emerged in the national scene following the release of the song. It also made it to the No 1 position on the R&B chart. The song sold over one million copies and was covered by other popular singers like Elvis Presley and Little Richard.
Some of his other famous songs included Stagger Lee and Personality.
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Nicknamed Mr Personality, Price experienced a brief lull in his career when he was drafted into the army in 1954. In 1956, he founded his own label KRC Records before going on to sign a successful deal with ABC-Paramount in 1958.
Price also ventured into other works such as building low-income housing and marketing a line of Southern soul food.
According to the New York Times, the singer was born on March 9, 1933, and was one of 11 children. As a child, Price used to sing in the gospel choir at the family church and he also played the piano and trumpet.
Price was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
Condolences poured in for the late singer on social media.
Maxwell Entertainment owner Rickey Poppell condoled his death on Facebook. He wrote, “Lloyd was one of the sweetest, caring and kindest man I’ve ever known, I’ll miss him.”
RIP Lloyd Price. Very important part of Rock history. He was BEFORE Little Richard! Lawdy Miss Clawdy of 1952 has a legit claim as the first Rock hit. (Fats Domino on piano). Had the pleasure of hangin with him on the “Oldies Circuit” in ‘73. Righteous cat. Enormous talent. https://t.co/Jv1UYjassF
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) May 8, 2021
He also appeared in the 1996 Oscar-winning documentary When We Were Kings.
Despite keeping a low profile in the latter half of his life, Price authored a collection of essays titled Sumdumhonky in 2015. He released his final album This is Rock and Roll in 2017. Price is survived by his wife Jackie Battle and five children.