A legendary voice in the world of classic soul and R&B has been silenced forever. Joe Blunt, a lifelong DMV resident, died Tuesday at this home in Temple Hills. He was 74 years old.
Blunt is known for being one of the lead signers for the Drifters. He performed alongside legendary Ben E. King and Johnny Moore. During this time, The Drifters’ careers resurrected, especially in England, where the group returned to the top of the charts with several top-10 hits, major tours, and media appearances.
Sony Music awarded Blunt the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his service to the music industry. Blunt was also awarded a Gold Disc for contributing to the compilation CD, “The Drifters: The Very Best Of.”
After 10 years with the Drifters, Blunt retired and returned to his musical roots as a gospel music performer in D.C. He reunited with his childhood friends Glenn Leonard (formerly of the Temptations) and singer/songwriter/theatrical producer Joe Coleman to perform as “Leonard, Coleman and Blunt.” He also became a founding member of the hugely successful vocal trio “Voices Of Classic Soul.” The group toured extensively all across the country and made dozens of media appearances, with Blunt singing lead on crowd-pleasing Drifters classics, including “Under The Boardwalk,” “This Magic Moment,” “On Broadway,” “Up On The Roof,” and King’s “Stand By Me.” Blunt retired from performing in 2023.
“Joe Blunt was a lifelong friend. We began singing together in the junior choir at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in D.C. when I was about eight and Joe was five. We’ve been all over several continents together. The world has lost a wonderful voice and a great man, and I’ve lost my best friend,” said Joe Coleman.
Read more about Joe Blunt’s WUSA9 report here: Local music legend Joe Blunt dies
Watch the TV coverage on Joe Blunt’s passing here: Local music legend Joe Blunt dies
