One of the founding members of the legendary funk group The Gap Band passed away at age 73.

According to TMZ, Ronnie Wilson, older brother to Charlie and Robert, died Tuesday morning after suffering from a stroke last week. Ronnie’s wife, Linda Boulware-Wilson, confirmed the musician’s death to publication.

The talented singer also produced music and played several instruments, including the trumpet, flugelhorn, and keyboard.

The trio of brothers hailed from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and in an interview with The Breakfast Club, Charlie explained the significance of The Gap Band’s name. 

“Growing up in Tulsa, we decided to name our band The Gap Band after Black Wall Street’s Greenwood, Archer and Pine streets as a tribute to Black Wall Street and to bring attention to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre,” he said.

 

The Gap Band released its first album in 1974. The ensemble had a stream of hits during the 80s including, “Outstanding,” “You Dropped A  Bomb On Me,” “Early In The Morning,” and  “Yearning For Your Love.”

Brother Robert passed away in 2010 at age 53. 

Ronnie, ultimately, pursued music in a non-secular manner in a San Antonio church. 

In 2015, Charlie and Ronnie were embroiled in a legal battle over who exactly had rights to The Gap Band’s legacy. Charlie left the group to pursue a solo career in 2009. Ronnie wanted to continue performing under the ensemble’s name and had booked two shows. The elder brother claimed The Gap Band existed before Charlie became a member in 1972. 

Ronnie started the group in 1967, according to The Oklahoman. He did finally get to play with The New Gap Band in 2016, where it all started.

Our prayers go out to his family.