R.I.P. "You Sexy Thing" singer, Hot Chocolate's Errol Brown

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    We are sad to inform SoulTrackers of the death of Errol Brown, the lead singer of the group Hot Chocolate and the unmistakeable voice of such big 70s hits as “You Sexy Thing” and “Every 1’s A Winner.” He was 71.

    Hot Chocolate was formed in 1969 when Brown and his band submitted a reggae-fied version of “Give Peace a Chance” to John Lennon, who liked the song so much he signed the band. It began a string of hits that continued for over a decade. Hits like “It Started With a Kiss,” “Emma” and the band’s signature hit, “You Sexy Thing,” kept them in the spotlight in the US and especially in the UK.  In addition to the unique guitar work featured on many of the band’s songs, it was the distinctive, expressive lead vocals of Brown that made every Hot Chocolate song idenfiable.

    With the band’s recording career fading, Brown left in 1985, cutting back on his new music but resurfacing as a touring artist from time to time over the next two decades.

    We are sad to inform SoulTrackers of the death of Errol Brown, the lead singer of the group Hot Chocolate and the unmistakeable voice of such big 70s hits as “You Sexy Thing” and “Every 1’s A Winner.” He was 71.

    Hot Chocolate was formed in 1969 when Brown and his band submitted a reggae-fied version of “Give Peace a Chance” to John Lennon, who liked the song so much he signed the band. It began a string of hits that continued for over a decade. Hits like “It Started With a Kiss,” “Emma” and the band’s signature hit, “You Sexy Thing,” kept them in the spotlight in the US and especially in the UK.  In addition to the unique guitar work featured on many of the band’s songs, it was the distinctive, expressive lead vocals of Brown that made every Hot Chocolate song idenfiable.

    With the band’s recording career fading, Brown left in 1985, cutting back on his new music but resurfacing as a touring artist from time to time over the next two decades.

    Errol Brown was a unique talent who had a voice like no other, and he used his distinctive talent to create some of the most enjoyable songs of a decade. He will be missed.

    By Chris Rizik

    Special thanks to Gary Van den Bussche of Disco, Soul, Gold