Remembering Adam Wade: The First Black Game Show Host Died At 87

Photo Courtesy of Facebook (Richard Temple)

Singer and the first Black game show host, Adam Wade, passed away on July 7 at 87.

According to his wife, Jeree Wade, he died after battling Parkinson’s disease at his home in Montclair, New Jersey.

The family shared a public announcement on Facebook, writing, “It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of our husband, father, brother, friend, Adam Wade. Arrangements are being made for his memorial, and we will keep you updated; it is a great loss for everyone who knew and loved him. Please keep our family in your prayers.

With deep sorrow, The Wade Family.”

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1935, Wade grew up with his grandparents and went to Virginia State University before dropping out his sophomore year to pursue a music career.

In the 1960s, Wade’s career skyrocketed with Billboard Hot 100 hits: “Take Good Care of Her,” “As If I Didn’t Know,” and “The Writing on the Wall.”

In the 1970s, Wade turned to acting. He became a reputable entertainer, earning him the role of the first Black game show host in the United States.

In 1975, he hosted CBS’s game show Musical Chairs, and despite its cancellation five months after the premiere due to viewer controversy, Wade’s career continued to grow.

In a 2014 interview, Wade recalled some of the racism he experienced from viewers of the game show. “I’m sure [the show’s producers] hid some of the letters from me so I wouldn’t get upset. One I did see was from a guy who used all kinds of expletives, saying he didn’t want his wife sitting at home watching the Black guy hand out the money and the smarts.”

His notable roles and TV appearances include Search for Tomorrow, Sanford & Son and The Jeffersons, while he also starred in films like Kiss Me Goodbye. In 2020, he played his last acting role as Reverend Lovejoy in Drug Affected.

We are sending our thoughts and prayers to his survived family members, his wife, and his children Jamel, Patrice and Sheldon.

We hope his legacy continues to inspire others.