Today we say a sad goodbye to singer and Side Effect co-founder Louie Patton (Louis Sanford Patton, Sr.), who died on June 16, 2020. Side Effect was one of the most consistently enjoyable bands of the 70s and early 80s, with a generally upbeat catalog of hits and sunny approach to its music.
Patton was born in South L.A., and began playing piano at age five. A prodigious performer at a young age, he expanded to other instruments as he grew (clarinet, saxophone, bassoon), even as he became a high school track star.
Along with legendary musician Augie Johnson and others, Patton founded Side Effect in the early 70s, which, over its decade of recording, also featured future vocal stars Miki Howard, Helen Baylor and Sylvia St. James. While never achieving the level of attention that its music deserved, Side Effect maintained a loyal following for decades after its split, and the music of Side Effect holds up extremely well in 2020.
Patton also worked as a songwriter and session vocalist, helping other artists such as Marvin Gaye and Leon Haywood.
Louie Patton is survived by his five children, Kiahnna, Louis Jr., Kiarri, Armon and Talaun Patton, and three grandchildren (Noah, Sophia and Myles). He was predeceased by his late wife Deborah Reynolds.
By Chris Rizik
