(October 3, 2013) We’ve just learned that Keith ‘Sabu’ Crier, co-founder and bass player for disco group GQ, has died at age 58. The group was best known for the 1979 disco smash “Disco Nights (Rock Freak),” a platinum hit that topped the pop, soul and disco charts. GQ also landed hits with two covers of Billy Stewart soul classics, “I Do Love You” and “Sitting In the Park.”
Crier formed the predecessor to GQ in 1968, called Sabu & the Survivors, and later changed the name to the Rhythm Makers. The band consisted of Emanuel LeBlanc, Herb Lane, Paul Service and Crier. The group later changed its name to GQ and signed with Arista Records during the heart of the dance music boom of the late 70s. First as a quartet and later as a trio, GQ rode a wave of hits into the early 80s, but faded from view for several years before reuniting in 1999 for the album A Tribute to Marvin Gaye and Billy Stewart.
Keith Crier was predeceased by his twin brother Kenneth. A viewing will be held Thursday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Granby’s Funeral Home, 4021 White Plains Ave., Bronx, N.Y. Services will be Friday at 11 a.m.
[many thanks to SoulTracker Gary for letting us know of this sad event]
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