Rock and Roll Trailblazer Lloyd Price Passes Away at 88
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The rock and roll hall of famer has passed away 'peacefully' at the age of 88 at a care facility in New York following a struggle with diabetes complications.

AceShowbiz - R&B and rock trailblazer Lloyd Price has died at the age of 88.

The "Stagger Lee" hitmaker passed away from diabetes complications at a New York care facility on 3 May (21), according to his wife Jackie, even though conflicting reports claim he died on Thursday (06May21).

In a statement issued to Billboard, Jackie wrote, "I am so touched by the outpouring of love and tribute for the passing of my husband Lloyd Price, who passed peacefully on May 3, 2021 at Schaffer Extended Care in Westchester County, NY."

"Lloyd's music crossed many boundaries and carried him to all corners of the world. He got the nickname 'Mr. Personality' because of his biggest hit but he also earned that name because he was charismatic, generous, smart, funny, talented with a very kind heart."

"I am so grateful for everyone who loves his music and have precious memories of his many songs. From the deepest part of me thank you, love to all (sic)."

Discovered at just 19 by famed producer Dave Bartholomew, the New Orleans, Louisiana native shot to fame in 1952 with his breakout hit "Lawdy Miss Clawdy", featuring Fats Domino on piano.

Follow-up singles like "Oooh-Oooh-Oooh", "Ain't It a Shame", and "Tell Me Pretty Baby" followed, until the singer was forced to take a brief career hiatus when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

He later went on to enjoy success with songs such as "Personality", "Stagger Lee", "I'm Going to Get Married", "Lady Luck", and "Question", while "Lawdy Miss Clawdy" would later be covered by the likes of Elvis Presley, Little Richard, and Paul McCartney.

Price notably helped boxing promoter Don King hype up a string of big bouts, including the historic 1974 Rumble in the Jungle fight in Zaire between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, and the preceding Zaire 74 music festival, where he performed as part of a line-up featuring James Brown, B.B. King, and Bill Withers.

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, four years after receiving the Pioneer Award from officials at the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.

He also joined the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2010, when he performed "Stagger Lee" on hit drama series "Treme", and was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2019.

Paying tribute to Price as a "very important part of Rock history," musician Steven Van Zandt posted on Instagram, "Had the pleasure of hangin with him on the 'Oldies Circuit' in '73. Righteous cat. Enormous talent (sic)."

And former Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles member Sarah Dash wrote, "I was saddened to hear of the passing of my friend, Lloyd Price. His music helped create a dance called the stroll. He was 'Mr. Personality' personified, always kind; plus he had a great big smile. RIP."

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