(August 3, 2023) Over the years, SoulTracks has tended to skew our coverage more toward urban adult contemporary and classic soul artists than blues or southern soul, but there was no way we could ignore the releases of talented singer and songwriter Wendell B, a 6’ 5’ giant of a man who has graced our pages several times. Sadly, today we mourn the passing of Wendell after a long battle with cancer, with the news provided to us by our friends at The Boogie Report.
The St. Louis native won for himself a large following, particularly as a southern soul balladeer. But he began as a gospel singer when he was just a child as part of the group The Sensational Wonders. As a teenager, Wendell became more interested in Rhythm & Blues – despite his mother’s objection – and found local entertainers who mentored him on all of the elements of becoming a true stage performer.
He ultimately relocated to the emerging R&B showcase city of Atlanta and there he became a southern soul star, beginning with his debut album Make It Good For Ya and through another half dozen releases running into the 2020s. Throughout this period, Wendell’s voice resonated like a southern blend of Barry White and Isaac Hayes. We most recently covered his great cut “Still Learning About Love” from the 2020 hit album Real Talk.
Wendell B.’s passing leaves a large hole in the R&B world, where his kind of authentic ballads never grow old. Rest in peace.
By Chris Rizik
