Sadly, we must report on the passing of Keith Edward Wilder, one of the founders and co-lead singer of the legendary funk/R&B band Heatwave.
According to various reports as well as postings on his Facebook page, Wilder – an Atlanta resident – passed away over the weekend. He was 68. As of this posting, the details associated with his death have not been made public.
Heatwave, of course, came on the scene in 1976, with their debut album Too Hot To Handle featuring the hits “Boogie Nights,” “Ain’t No Half Steppin’” and their classic ballad “Always and Forever.”
In 1978, they experienced even more hits with their 2nd album Central Heating which featured “The Groove Line,” and “Mind Blowing Decisions.”
Unfortunately, Heatwave received a crushing blow the following year when lead singer and Keith Wilder’s brother, Johnnie Wilder Jr., was paralyzed from the neck down in an automobile accident. He died in 2006 as detailed in the Heatwave “Unsung” episode, which aired on TV One.
Here’s Questlove paying homage to the band:
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