Gene McFadden

[SilverHeels]

Gene McFadden dies from cancer
Tuesday, January 31 2006, 20:13 GMT
Gene McFadden has died from cancer at 56.

The soul star, best known for 1979 hit Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now, died at his home in Philadelphia, and is survived by a wife and four children.

Songwriting partner John Whitehead was shot dead in 2004, while changing a tyre on his car. The duo wrote a string of hits, such as For The Love Of Money and Wake Up Everybody

Founders of soul music label Philadelphia International Records Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff released a statement saying the pair's talent was "indispensible and their music capabilities...uniquely flexible. Not only could they write sensational singles but they could write amazing album songs, too."

[Borderstone]

Indeed,Silverheels,they were a great pair. Which is why I can not understand why they only had the one hit that they did have. They were the last successful music act of their kind,an R & B duo.

It's become a classic now and I even saw current R & B sensation Usher sing it on an ABC music special about 2 years ago. Also,shortly before the taking of Whitehead's life,the duo appeared together,for the last time,on a PBS 1970's music special.

Now they are both gone,but never forgotten. Which I'd like to think is true of all good songwriters and singers. A final R.I.P. to both of you.