Today we say a sad goodbye to popular 90s soul singer Sam Salter, who has reportedly died at a far too young 46. No cause of death was released. As a young man, Salter was signed by Babyface and L.A. Reid for their LaFace label, and immediately scored hits with “After 12, Before 6” and the beautiful ballad “There You Are.”
The Los Angeles native spent his youth singing at the local church Faithful Church of God in Christ, before a tape he recorded was discovered by LaFace executives who signed him and teamed him with popular producer Christopher “Tricky” Stewart for his debut album, It’s On Tonight. It yielded two top 40 R&B hits and seemed to portend a bright future for the 22 year old singer.
Unfortunately, that album would be the highpoint of Salter’s recording career, as his second album, Little Black Book, was never released by the label. Reportedly, it included the first version of “The Color of Love,” which later became a hit for Boyz II Men.
Salter continued to work independently, and we last heard him on the 2011 single “To Be Loved,” still sounding great. He also wrote songs for Destiny’s Child, Charlie Wilson and Tyrese Gibson, and worked as a vocal coach and producer.
We can’t help but feel that the world never heard all that this talented singer had to offer, and are saddened that he has died at such a young age. Rest in peace, Sam Salter.