Errol Brown, Hot Chocolate Singer, Dead at 71

The lead singer of the band Hot Chocolate died after a long battle against liver cancer last Wednesday (May 6). According to BBC, he died at his home in the Bahamas and he was accompanied by his wife Ginette and daughters Colette and Leonie. Phil Dale, Errol’s manager, mentioned about Brown’s love for life and music. He said that the Hot Chocolate singer, who also happens to be his personal friend as well, was never found in a hotel, car, or in any room without music playing. He continued that Errol was very kind, gentle and will sadly be missed by everyone who have come to know him.

Hot Chocolate was popular British soul band during the 1970’s and 1980’s. The band, which was originally named “Hot Chocolate Band”, was amazing for having a hit song each year from 1970 until 1984. Errol Brown formed the group with Tony Wilson. “You Sexy Thing” is the band’s catchiest single and reached top 10 for over 3 decades. 27 years later, it was featured in “The Full Monty” and was also able to reach the UK charts. Another big hit from the band is “Every 1’s a Winner” and “It Started with a Kiss”. John Lennon liked Errol’s version of “Give Peace a Chance” when the band decided to make a reggae version of it. Lennon also got them to sign to the Apple records label, where the band’s musical career began.

Many artists paid homage to the Hot Chocolate musician in their Twitter such as Nile Rodgers and Beverly Knight.
As what Brown’s manager said “His greatest legacy is that his music will live on!”