Sammie Lee Hutchins of legendary R&B vocal group The Masqueraders dies

(December 21, 2022) They never achieved the notoriety that many of the other soul groups of the 60s and 70s did, but The Masqueraders have certainly showed longevity, performing for 60 years in various forms. And that longevity brought with it a legendary status with soul music fans around the world. Today we’re sad to inform SoulTrackers of the death of singer Sammie “Sam" Lee Hutchins, who was a five decade member of the group. The Masqueraders posted on their Facebook page today:

The Masqueraders were formed by Charlie Moore and Robert Tex Wrightsil, in the early 60s, just before the group moved to Detroit, then the center of the soul music world. While they didn’t get signed by Motown, they stuck around the Motor City, and recorded several singles on the La Beat label. But their Gospel-influenced sound was a better fit for the gritty soul vibes in Memphis, and they finally found two hits there in 1968 with “I’m Just An Average Guy” and “I Ain’t Got To Love Nobody Else.”

They continued to record and perform in the Memphis area for another decade, scoring minor hits with “Love, Peace and Understanding” and “Let The Love Bells Ring.” While hit became harder to come by after that, the group continued on, backing other major vocalists and performing tirelessly. Hutchins joined the group in the 70s and was most recently performing with Wrightsil and Harold Thomas. They even had an auspicious appearance five years ago on the television show America’s Got Talent, where they received a standing ovation.

They may not be a household name, but The Masqueraders have provided great soul music to fans for an incredible length of time, and we praise Mr. Hutchins for his longtime role in keeping the flame alive.