LOS ANGELES (AP)

What a cracking version of "Fire" they did. Needless to say, there are lots of great performers out there that are just slipping away unnoticed until the obits come in. I worked with the promoter that brought Marvin Gaye back into the circuit. So I was exposed to Junior Walker, Bobby Womack, Isaac Hayes, Curtis Mayfield, Rufus Thomas and his lovely daughter Carla "Gee Whiz" at a relatively early age. I also knew a few of the Trammps (some of whom are still active, although they are not allowed to use their own name for obscure legal reasons).

A whole generation of musicians in Europe that were used as backing bands can never look at singers in the same way. I wish I had kept copies of some of Carla's sessions in particular.

Am I beginning to sound like JK?

My thoughts and prayers go to her.

Very sad indeed. These girls could really sing, very dynamic. I communicated with Ruth maybe 6 or 7 weeks ago, asking her to call and give encouragement to a young singer of mine, feeling as if she has seen it all as a woman in music. Really great caring people. I was quite disturbed when I heard the news as she did not let on when we were in touch.