Richard Dimples Fields was a soul singer, songwriter, and producer who had a number one hit in 1982 with “If It Ain’t One Thing, It’s Another”. He was also known for his distinctive nickname, which he got from a female fan who noticed his smile. He had a successful career in the music industry, working with artists like Pat Benatar, The Ohio Players, and 9.9. But he also faced personal challenges, such as a genetic condition, a failed marriage, and financial troubles. He died in 2000 at the age of 57, as the result of a stroke. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Richard Dimples Fields, his cause of death, and his legacy in soul music.
## Early Life and Career of Richard Dimples Fields
Richard Dimples Fields was born on March 21, 1942, in New Orleans, Louisiana. His parents divorced when he was young, and he moved with his mother and sister to Oakland, California. He attended high school and college there, where he studied drama and psychology. He also developed an interest in fencing, which he practiced throughout his life.
He began his musical career in the early 1970s, performing in local clubs and cabarets. He bought his own venue, the Cold Duck Music Lounge, where he headlined and hosted other acts. He also started his own record label, DRK, and released his first single, “Earth Angel”, a cover of the doo-wop classic by The Penguins, in 1981. He changed his name to Richard Dimples Fields, inspired by the French actor Jean-Louis Barrault.
He signed with Boardwalk Records in 1981, and released his debut album, Dimples, which featured the song “She’s Got Papers On Me”, a duet with Betty Wright about a married man and his mistress. The song was a moderate hit on the R&B charts, and established Fields as a soul singer with a humorous and witty style.
## Richard Dimples Fields and His Biggest Hit
Fields’ breakthrough came in 1982, when he released his second album, Mr. Look So Good!, which contained his biggest hit, “If It Ain’t One Thing, It’s Another”. The song was a remake of a track he had recorded in 1975, in which he complained about the problems of the world and his own life, from politics and pollution to his girlfriend and his health. The song resonated with the listeners, who found it relatable and catchy. It reached number one on the R&B charts, and number 47 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also earned Fields a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male.
The song also gave Fields some international exposure, as it charted in the UK, Canada, and Australia. He toured extensively, and appeared on several TV shows, such as Soul Train, American Bandstand, and Solid Gold. He also collaborated with other artists, such as George Michael, who sampled his song “I’ve Got to Learn to Say No” for his duet with Jody Watley, “Learn to Say No”.
## Richard Dimples Fields and His Later Years
Fields’ success was short-lived, however, as he faced several challenges in his personal and professional life. He suffered from Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects male physical and mental development. He also had a turbulent marriage with his wife, Gloria, who filed for divorce in 1983, accusing him of domestic violence and infidelity. He also had financial difficulties, as his record label, Boardwalk, went bankrupt in 1983, leaving him without a contract.
He signed with RCA Records in 1984, but his albums and singles failed to match his previous success. He changed his name to Dimples, and tried to update his sound and image, but he lost some of his original fan base. He moved to different labels, such as Columbia and Life, but he never regained his popularity. He also worked as a producer, working with groups like 9.9 and The Ohio Players, but he did not achieve much recognition for his behind-the-scenes work.
## Richard Dimples Fields Cause of Death and Legacy
Fields died on January 12, 2000, at the Novato Community Hospital in Novato, California, as the result of a stroke[^1^][1] [^2^][2]. He was 57 years old. He was buried at Holly Gardens Cemetery in Hammond, Louisiana. He left behind four children, and a legacy of soul music that influenced many artists.
Fields was best known for his hit “If It Ain’t One Thing, It’s Another”, which is considered a classic of soul and R&B. He was also admired for his humorous and witty lyrics, his distinctive voice, and his charismatic personality. He was a pioneer and a trailblazer in the music industry, who broke racial and genre barriers. He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994, and inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 1997. His songs and albums are still enjoyed by millions of fans around the world. He is remembered as a talented, versatile, and original singer, who made a lasting impact on soul music.
Richard Dimples Fields cause of death was a tragic loss for the music industry and his fans. He left behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration that will live on for generations to come.
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