(August 2, 2025) It has been a bad week for fans of the legendary R&B group The Chairmen of the Board. Earlier this week, former group singer Darryl Johnson died, and now we have received news from group leader Ken Knox that the band’s former guitarist and a oft-recorded songwriter, Darnell Kimbrough, has passed.
Knox posted on social media “It is with deep sorrow that we, the Chairmen Of The Board and alumni, announce the passing of our friend and former guitarist, Darnell Kimbrough. We were honored to be his first road band. In addition to being a gifted musician, he was also a talented writer for The Dramatics and 5 Special. My sincere condolences to his family and musical family. Darnell Kimbrough You will be missed my friend.”
Detroit native Darnell Kimbrough was a noted musician who worked for several years with the Chairmen. The Eastern Michigan University alum was also active with other popular Detroit vocal groups of the late 70s and early 80s, writing “It’s Such a Groove” and “Who You Been Lovin’” for Five Special and “Welcome Back Home” for the Dramatics. He also performed on albums by both groups.
