Gerald Alston reflects on the passing of the Manhattans' Blue Lovett
buzzz worthy. . .
(Jersey City,
NJ) – Thursday, December 18, 2014
–
It is with deep sadness that we announce
the death of Winfred ‘Blue’ Lovett, one
of the founding members of the legendary group, “The Manhattans.”
 |
| Winfred ‘Blue’ Lovett (photo provided courtesy of Gerald Alston) |
“Blue Lovett passed away Tuesday, December 9th
from cancer. Lovett, admired by all and known for his deep bass voice, big
personality, and smooth stage demeanor penned what became a signature song for
the Manhattans “Kiss and Say Goodbye.”
“Blue was the notable bass voice of our group
and one of my closest friends. He was like a brother and I will miss him
dearly,” says Gerald Alston, lead singer of “The Manhattans.”
We
also mourn the loss of our dear brother and member of “The Manhattans,” Edward
‘Sonny’ Bivins, who died on Wednesday, December 3rd. “Sonny was also a founding member and
added so much to the Manhattans with his silky tenor vocals. Sonny too, was like
a brother. It’s difficult to put into words the loss I feel with the passing of
these two talented and respected brothers in music. It’s a very emotional time
and my heart is heavy” adds Alston.
The funeral services for Edward “Sonny” Bivins were held on
Dec 15th at Mt Olive Baptist Church in East Orange NJ.
The Manhattans were formed in the early 60’s in New Jersey
as a quintet led by writer/bass vocalist Winfred "Blue" Lovett, lead
singer George Smith, tenor Edward "Sonny" Bivins, Richard
"Ricky" Taylor and Kenneth "Wally" Kelly. With the untimely
death of lead singer George Smith, the Manhattans looking to add a vocalist, met
a college student with an amazing voice. Quickly recognizing his incredible
talent, the group invited Gerald Alston to join the Manhattans and Gerald soon became their lead
singer.
The Manhattans have a body of work with hits spanning four
decades. They have received numerous awards including winning a GRAMMY for one
of their best known songs “Shining Star”.
A memorial service will be held for Winfred “Blue“ Lovett,
Saturday January 3, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Mount Olive Baptist
Church 400 Arlington Avenue Jersey City, NJ 07304. In lieu of flowers donations
can be made in memory of Winfred “Blue “ Lovett to Arizona Assistance in
Healthcare (AIH) via website www.arizonaassistanceinhealthcare.com/donate or by sending a check to: Arizona Assistance in Healthcare
PO Box 5157 Goodyear, Arizona 85338.
Condolence cards should be sent to P.O. Box 4063 Bergen
Station Jersey City, NJ 07304 Attention: Gerald Alston or website: geraldalstonmusic.com
