(January 15, 2023) 2023 has been a cruel year so far. Just recently we reported the passing of classic soul singer George White, the second to last original member of the 60s and 70s R&B act The Dynamics. Sadly, this morning, the last surviving member of that group, Fred “Sonny” Baker, died.
Consisting of Baker, White, Zeke Harris, Samuel Stevenson and Zerben Hicks, The Dynamics had success on both the R&B and Pop charts in 1963 with “Misery,” backed by local band The Royal Playboys. The song became a flashpoint in a controversy, as it appeared to have been reworked – uncredited – with new lyrics a year later for the first hit by The Who, “Zoot Suit.”
Hits were harder to come by as the 60s wore on, but The Dynamics had a second life in the early 70s when Ted White (the husband of Aretha Franklin) managed the group and helped land a new record deal that resulted in two albums and additional hits like “Funkey Key,” “What A Shame” and “She’s For Real.”
Baker’s passing is a sad final chapter for this long underrated group, even as the discography of The Dynamics will continue to be enjoyed by deep soul music lovers around the world.
