’80s Hitmaker Dead at 72 originally appeared on Parade.
Cavin Yarbrough, one-half of the R&B duo Yarbrough & Peoples, died last week, his wife and musical partner Alisa Peoples confirmed late last week. He was 72.
The musician and producer died on Thursday, June 19, as a result of complications of heart disease, LATF USA announced. “He was the love of my life, my protector. Now he’s my guardian angel,”Peoples told the publication.
Michele Elyzabeth, the publisher of LATF USA and a longtime friend and rep for the couple, added, “Cavin was not only an extraordinary talent, but a kind man with a great heart. His legacy will live on in the music, in our memories, and in the hearts of everyone who knew him.”
Yarbrough is credited with a significant role in shaping the R&B and funk genres in the ’80s, having scored a number one hit with Peoples in 1981 that helped skyrocket them to fame: “Don’t Stop the Music.” According to Billboard, it spent five weeks at No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, reaching No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The single also earned gold status and a Grammy nomination and preceded several other successful tracks and a revered touring history around the world throughout their career.
The musician also served as a mentor and collaborator to many of his industry colleagues, with his rep emphasizing, “Cavin’s impact went beyond performance…he brought deep musicality to his work and…helped pave the way for future generations of R&B artists.”
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’80s Hitmaker Dead at 72 first appeared on Parade on Jun 23, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
