Gene McFadden was a singer, songwriter, and producer who helped shape the sound of Philadelphia soul in the 1970s. He was best known for his collaboration with John Whitehead as McFadden & Whitehead, the duo behind the disco anthem “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now”. But what was the cause of his death and how did he cope with his illness? Here is a brief overview of his life and legacy.
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Early Years and Career
Gene McFadden was born on January 28, 1949, in Olanta, South Carolina. He moved to Philadelphia with his family when he was young and met John Whitehead as a teenager. They formed a soul group called the Epsilons and were discovered by Otis Redding, who became their manager and mentor. They toured with Redding until his tragic death in 1967.
McFadden and Whitehead then signed with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff’s Philadelphia International Records, where they initially pursued a recording career. However, they soon realized their talent for writing songs and became one of the most successful teams in the label’s history. They wrote hits for artists like the O’Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Archie Bell & the Drells, and many others. Their songs were characterized by catchy hooks, smooth harmonies, and socially conscious lyrics.
The Peak of Success
In 1978, McFadden and Whitehead decided to record their own album as a duo. They came up with “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now”, a song that expressed their optimism and determination to overcome any obstacles. The song was a huge hit, reaching number one on the R&B chart and number 13 on the pop chart. It sold over two million copies and became a global anthem for empowerment and liberation.
McFadden and Whitehead continued to write and produce songs for themselves and others, but they never matched the success of their debut single. They released three more albums in the early 1980s, but none of them made a significant impact on the charts. They also faced personal and professional challenges, such as lawsuits, financial troubles, and drug addiction.
The Battle with Cancer
In 2004, McFadden was diagnosed with liver and lung cancer. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments, but his condition worsened over time. He remained positive and hopeful until the end, according to his family and friends. He died at his home in Philadelphia on January 27, 2006, one day before his 57th birthday.
His death came less than two years after his partner Whitehead was shot and killed outside his home in Philadelphia in May 2004. The murder remains unsolved to this day.
The Legacy of Gene McFadden
Gene McFadden left behind a rich musical legacy that influenced generations of artists and fans. His songs have been sampled, covered, and remixed by various genres and artists, such as Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Luther Vandross, Will Smith, and others. His song “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” has been used in movies, commercials, sports events, and political campaigns. It has also been adopted as a motto by many groups and movements that seek social change and justice.
Gene McFadden was a soul legend who died of cancer at a young age. He was a talented singer, songwriter, and producer who contributed to the sound of Philadelphia soul. He was also a resilient and optimistic person who faced many challenges in his life. He will always be remembered for his music and his spirit.
