Bonner was the charismatic lead singer of the legendary funk band.
The Buckeye state lost one of its music greats on Saturday with the passing of Leroy "Sugarfoot" Bonner. The frontman and co-founder of the influential funk band Ohio Players died Jan. 26. at the age of 69, according to a post on his Facebook page.
Bonner passed away in his hometown, Trotwood-Dayton, Ohio, reportedly after losing a battle with cancer.
On Sunday, an "Official Family Announcement" was posted on Facebook.
"Yesterday, Leroy 'Sugarfoot' Bonner passed away quietly in his hometown of Trotwood-Dayton, OH. While his family, friends, colleagues, and fans mourn his passing they celebrate fondly his memory, music, and legacy."
"Humble yet charismatic, soft spoken and of few words, the weight of his thoughts and music has influenced countless other artists, songs, and trends. He will not be forgotten as his legacy and music lives on," the statement continued.
Bonner and his bandmates proudly repped their home state as they rose to fame in the 1970s thanks to hits like "Fire," "Love Rollercoaster" and "Funky Worm." Throughout the years the Ohio Players' music has had a heavy influence on the popular West Coast G-funk sound. N.WA. first sampled the band's "Funky Worm" on their seminal 1988 album Straight Outta Compton.
Funeral arrangements for the singer have not yet been announced.
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(Photo: Barry Brecheisen/WireImage)
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