Linton Beckles, the lead singer of the 80s R&B/dance group Central Line, has reportedly died. Beckles played percussion and was out front singing on the group’s big international hit, “Walking Into Sunshine.”
Central Line was formed in 1978 by Steve Salvari, Camelle Hinds, Lipson Francis and Henry Defoe. The quartet later expanded the group to include Beckles and Jake Le Mesurier. The band was named Central Line because the members wanted to ride the “central line” between soul and funk.
The group recorded three albums for Mercury Records between 1981-4, and landed on the US charts with “You’ve Said Enough.” But their signature hit was no doubt their across-the-board smash “Walking Into Sunshine.”
Central Line split in 1984 and Beckles continued in the music industry for a few years. He later turned to religious ministry and became the Senior Pastor at LOVELight Ministries.
Linton Beckles, the lead singer of the 80s R&B/dance group Central Line, has reportedly died. Beckles played percussion and was out front singing on the group’s big international hit, “Walking Into Sunshine.”
Central Line was formed in 1978 by Steve Salvari, Camelle Hinds, Lipson Francis and Henry Defoe. The quartet later expanded the group to include Beckles and Jake Le Mesurier. The band was named Central Line because the members wanted to ride the “central line” between soul and funk.
The group recorded three albums for Mercury Records between 1981-4, and landed on the US charts with “You’ve Said Enough.” But their signature hit was no doubt their across-the-board smash “Walking Into Sunshine.”
Central Line split in 1984 and Beckles continued in the music industry for a few years. He later turned to religious ministry and became the Senior Pastor at LOVELight Ministries.
Though his time in the musical spotlight was relatively brief, Linton Beckles will be remembered for that fun, upbeat song that had us all dancing in the clubs in 1981.
Thanks to Gary Van den Bussche of Disco Soul Gold for letting us know about this sad passing.