Sam Salter, a 90s R&B singer who rose to fame with his hit single “After 12, Before 6”, has died at the age of 46. His death was confirmed by his family and friends on social media, but no official cause of death has been released yet. Here is what we know so far about the life and death of Sam Salter.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Salter was born in Los Angeles, California on February 16, 1975. He grew up singing gospel music at Faithful Church of God in Christ and won several local talent shows. He was influenced by R&B legends like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, and aspired to have a long-lasting career in music.
He got his big break in 1997, when his demo tape caught the attention of L.A. Reid, the co-founder of LaFace Records. Reid signed him to the label and paired him with producer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, who helped him craft his debut album It’s On Tonight. The album was released on September 23, 1997 and received positive reviews from critics and fans alike. It spawned three singles: “After 12, Before 6”, which reached No. 19 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 51 on the Hot 100 chart; “There You Are”, which peaked at No. 38 on the R&B chart; and “It’s On Tonight”, which did not chart.
Salter also collaborated with other artists, such as Tamar Braxton, Scott Galbraith, Nicci Gilbert, and Talking Book. He wrote songs for 98 Degrees, Aaron Skyy, Kandi Burruss, Boyz II Men, Sisqó, Jesse Powell, Jersey Ave., B2K, B5, The Isley Brothers, Tyrese, J. Holiday, Klé, and Deborah Cox.
He was working on his second album The Little Black Book, which was supposed to be released in 2000, but it was shelved due to label issues and other problems. Some of the songs from the album were later recorded by other artists, such as “Color Of Love” by Boyz II Men and “Incomplete” by Sisqó, which became a No. 1 hit.
A Mysterious Death
Salter’s death was announced on August 28, 2021 by You Know I Got Soul, a website dedicated to R&B music. The website tweeted: “We are saddened to share the news that R&B singer Sam Salter recently passed away at age 46. Confirmed in posts by his family. A special and often overlooked talent gone too soon.”
The tweet was accompanied by a photo of Salter smiling and holding a microphone. Many fans and fellow musicians expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Salter on social media. Some of them shared their favorite songs and memories of him.
However, no official date or cause of death has been reported by Salter’s family or representatives. Some sources have speculated that he might have died from a health problem or a car accident, but these are unconfirmed rumors. The circumstances surrounding his death are still a mystery.
A Legacy Remembered
Despite his short-lived career and tragic death, Salter left behind a legacy of soulful music that touched many hearts. His voice was smooth and expressive, his lyrics were honest and relatable, and his melodies were catchy and memorable. He had a unique style that blended classic R&B with contemporary influences.
He was also a talented songwriter and producer who worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. He contributed to the success of many artists and helped shape the sound of R&B in the late 90s and early 2000s.
He will be remembered as one of the underrated gems of R&B music who deserved more recognition and appreciation for his work. He will be missed by his family, friends, fans, and peers who loved him and his music.
Rest in peace, Sam Salter. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.
