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THE SOUL JURNEE MEMORIAL 2025
"REST IN SOUL: THE JURNEE NEVER ENDS"
We have already lost so many greats in the year 2025. Though they are no longer with us in physical form, their music and spirits will live on forever, echoing through the songs and memories they left behind. Their voices shaped generations, their artistry moved souls, and their legacies will never fade.
They will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Leave your notes of love, gratitude, and remembrance for some of the incredible artists we lost in 2025. Their jurnee continues through us.
 Brenton Wood July 26, 1941 – January 3, 2025 |
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 Sam Moore October 12, 1935 – January 10, 2025 |
 Gary Grier Birthdate Unknown - January 26, 2025 |
 Bobby Hamilton June 20,1950- February 2, 2025 |
 Irv Gotti June 26,1970 - February 5, 2025 |
 Tommy Hunt June 18, 1933 – February 12, 2025 |
 Jerry Butler December 8, 1939 – February 20, 2025 |
 Gwen McCrae December 21, 1943 – February 21, 2025 |
 Chris Jasper December 30, 1951 – February 23, 2025 |
 Roberta Flack February 10, 1937 – February 24, 2025 |
 Angie Stone December 18, 1961 – March 1, 2025 |
Brenton Wood (July 26, 1941 – January 3, 2025)
Brenton Wood, was a soulful singer-songwriter best known for his 1967 hits “The Oogum Boogum Song,” “Gimme Little Sign,” and “Baby You Got It.”
Blending doo-wop, soul, and pop, his smooth vocals and catchy melodies earned him a gold record and a lasting place in music history. Wood passed away on January 3, 2025, at age 83, leaving behind a timeless soul legacy.
Sam Moore (October 12, 1935 – January 10, 2025)
Renowned as one half of the soul duo Sam & Dave, Moore’s dynamic performances on hits like “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’” cemented his legacy in the R&B genre. He passed away at the age of 89 due to complications from surgery.
Gary Grier (Date of birth unknown – January 26, 2025)
As a long-time member of The Contours, Grier contributed to the Motown sound with classics like “Do You Love Me,” which became a dancefloor staple. He died at an undisclosed age.
Bobby Hamilton (Date of Birth Unknown – February 6, 2025
Bobby Hamilton, first tenor of the soulful vocal group Choice Four, helped shape the group’s signature harmonies during the golden age of ‘70s R&B. Choice Four made their mark with classics like “You’re So Right for Me,” “Come Down to Earth,” and “The Finger Pointers.” Hamilton’s artistry and dedication to soul music continue to resonate, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of R&B.
Irv Gotti (June 26, 1970 – February 5, 2025)
A prominent hip-hop record producer and co-founder of Murder Inc. Records, Gotti was instrumental in shaping the careers of artists like Ja Rule and Ashanti. He passed away at the age of 54.
Tommy Hunt June 18, 1933 – February 12, 2025
Tommy Hunt began his career with The Flamingos, contributing to their timeless hit “I Only Have Eyes for You” before launching a successful solo career. A 2001 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, his influence on soul music remains undeniable.
Jerry Butler (December 8, 1939 – February 20, 2025)
Nicknamed “The Iceman,” Butler’s smooth vocals on songs like “For Your Precious Love” earned him a lasting place in soul music history. He also served as a Cook County Commissioner in Illinois for over three decades. Butler passed away at 85 from complications related to Parkinson’s disease.
Gwen McCrae (December 21, 1943 – February 21, 2025)
Best known for her 1975 hit “Rockin’ Chair,” and " Funky Sensation" McCrae’s soulful voice made significant contributions to the R&B and disco scenes. She died at the age of 81.
Chris Jasper (December 30, 1951 – February 23, 2025)
A pivotal member of The Isley Brothers and later Isley-Jasper-Isley, Jasper’s innovative keyboard work and songwriting were instrumental in hits like “For the Love of You” and “Caravan of Love.” He passed away at 73 following a battle with cancer.
Roberta Flack (February 10, 1937 – February 24, 2025)
Renowned for her emotive ballads like “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” Flack’s fusion of jazz, soul, and folk left an indelible mark on music. She passed away at 88 from cardiac arrest resulting from ALS.
Angie Stone (December 18, 1961 – March 1, 2025)
A trailblazer who began with the hip-hop trio The Sequence, Stone later achieved solo success with hits like “Wish I Didn’t Miss You.” Her soulful voice and contributions to neo-soul are celebrated worldwide. She tragically died in a car accident at the age of 63.
 Harry Elston November 4, 1938 – March 4, 2025 |
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 Roy Ayers Roy Ayers September 10, 1940 – March 4, 2025 |
 D'Wayne Wiggins February 14, 1961 – March 7, 2025 |
Harry Elston (November 4, 1938 – March 4, 2025)
Singer and songwriter, best known as a founding member of The Friends of Distinction. Formed in 1968, the group gained fame with hits like "Grazing in the Grass" and "Going in Circles." Before establishing the group, Elston performed with The Hi-Fi's, touring with Ray Charles. His contributions to soul and R&B left an enduring legacy in American music.
Roy Ayers (September 10, 1940 – March 4, 2025)
Vibraphonist, composer, and producer, renowned for pioneering jazz-funk and being a key figure in the acid jazz movement. Beginning his career as a post-bop jazz artist, Ayers later formed Roy Ayers Ubiquity, blending jazz with funk and soul. Roy Ayers passed on March 4, 2025.
D'Wayne Wiggins (February 14, 1961 – March 7, 2025)
A legendary musician, producer, and founding member of Tony! Toni! Toné! He played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of Destiny’s Child, Keyshia Cole, and many others through his Grass Roots Entertainment studio. Even in his final years, he continued to tour and create, solidifying his legacy as a true icon of soul and R&B.
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Jerry Butler December 8, 1939 – February 20, 2025 |
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Gwen McCrae December 21, 1943 – February 21, 2025 |
Chris Jasper December 30, 1951 – February 23, 2025 |
Roberta Flack February 10, 1937 – February 24, 2025 |
Angie Stone December 18, 1961 – March 1, 2025 |