Gwen Guthrie was a talented singer-songwriter and pianist who rose to fame in the 1980s with her catchy dance and R&B hits. She also wrote songs for other artists, such as Ben E. King, Angela Bofill, and Roberta Flack. She was dubbed “The First Lady of the Paradise Garage” for her popularity at the legendary New York club. But her life and career were cut short by a devastating disease that claimed her life in 1999. Here is the story of Gwen Guthrie’s death and how it affected the music industry and her fans.
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The Cause of Gwen Guthrie’s Death
According to The Celebrity Deaths, Gwen Guthrie died of uterine cancer on February 3, 1999, at the age of 48. She was interred at Fairmount Cemetery in Newark, New Jersey, her hometown. Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the uterus, the organ where a fetus grows during pregnancy. It is the fourth most common cancer among women in the United States, and the sixth most common cause of cancer death. The symptoms of uterine cancer may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and weight loss. The risk factors for uterine cancer include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, hormone therapy, and family history. The treatment options for uterine cancer depend on the stage and type of the cancer, and may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy.
The Impact of Gwen Guthrie’s Death
Gwen Guthrie’s death was a shock and a loss for the music world, especially for the R&B and dance genres. She was one of the most influential and versatile singers of her time, who could sing soul, pop, disco, and reggae with equal ease and flair. She was also a prolific songwriter and a good pianist, who collaborated with many famous musicians and producers, such as Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Peter Tosh, Madonna, Sly and Robbie, and Larry Levan. She was best known for her 1986 anthem “Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On but the Rent”, which became a classic of the post-disco era and a feminist statement. The song, which she wrote and produced herself, featured the memorable line: “You’ve got to have a j-o-b if you want to be with me/No romance without finance”. The song reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart and number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also spawned a catchphrase that was later used by other artists, such as Foxy Brown and Mya.
Gwen Guthrie’s death also left a void in the hearts of her fans, who admired her voice, her style, and her personality. She was known for her frequent and dynamic performances at the Paradise Garage, where she connected with the crowd and created a festive atmosphere. She was also known for her generosity and kindness, as she donated money and time to various charities and causes, such as AIDS awareness, homeless shelters, and children’s education. She was survived by a brother and two daughters.
The Legacy of Gwen Guthrie
Gwen Guthrie’s death did not diminish her legacy, but rather enhanced it. Her music and her message continue to inspire and influence many artists and listeners, who appreciate her talent, her creativity, and her spirit. Her songs have been sampled, covered, and remixed by various artists, such as Mary J. Blige, LL Cool J, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Mariah Carey. Her songs have also been featured in movies, TV shows, and video games, such as Spenser Confidential, Chasing Amy, Very Bad Things, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and Dance Dance Revolution. Her songs have also been recognized and honored by various awards and institutions, such as the Grammy Awards, the Soul Train Music Awards, the Dance Music Hall of Fame, and the R&B Foundation. Gwen Guthrie’s death was a tragedy, but her life was a triumph. She left behind a rich and diverse musical legacy that will live on for generations to come.
