Joe Simon, a Grammy-winning R&B singer who had a string of hits in the 1960s and 1970s, died on December 13, 2021, at the age of 85. He was known for his soulful voice and songs such as “The Chokin’ Kind”, “Power of Love”, and “Get Down, Get Down (Get on the Floor)”. His music influenced many artists and was widely sampled by hip-hop and pop stars. He also became a minister in later years and preached the gospel.
A Life of Music and Faith
Joe Simon was born on September 7, 1936, in Simmesport, Louisiana. He grew up in poverty and faced many hardships, including being homeless and living in a chicken coop. He began singing in his father’s Baptist church and was inspired by gospel and R&B singers such as Sam Cooke and Arthur Prysock. He joined the Golden West Gospel Singers in the Bay Area in California and later turned secular as a solo artist.
He signed with Vee-Jay Records in 1964 and had his first minor hit with “My Adorable One”. He then moved to Sound Stage 7 Records in Nashville, where he worked with producer John Richbourg. He had his first major success with “Teenager’s Prayer” in 1966, which reached #11 on the Billboard R&B chart. He followed with more hits, such as “(You Keep Me) Hanging On”, “Farther on Down The Road”, and “Yours Love”.
His biggest breakthrough came in 1969 with “The Chokin’ Kind”, a country-soul song written by Harlan Howard. It topped the R&B chart and reached #13 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also earned him a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. He continued to score hits in the 1970s, such as “Power of Love”, “Drowning in the Sea of Love”, and “Get Down, Get Down (Get on the Floor)”. His music blended soul, funk, disco, and pop elements and appealed to a wide audience.
Simon also wrote songs for other artists, such as Percy Sledge, who had a #1 hit in the Netherlands with Simon’s “My Special Prayer” in 1969. His music was also sampled by many contemporary artists, such as OutKast, Lil Kim, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Drake.
In the late 1970s, Simon left the music industry and became a minister. He founded the Joe Simon Community Outreach Ministry and preached across the country. He also wrote books about his life and faith, such as Don’t Give Up: You Can Make It If You Try; You Can Win With Christ; The Joe Simon Story: An Autobiography; and The Power of Love: How to Be Happy.
A Legacy of Soul
Simon died in his hometown near Chicago on December 13, 2021. The cause of death is yet to be revealed and further details are awaited from family members. He is survived by his wife Melanie and his children.
Simon’s death was mourned by many fans and fellow musicians who paid tribute to his legacy of soul. He was one of the nominees for the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2021. He was also honored by the Rhythm & Blues Foundation with a Pioneer Award in 2003.
