Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2025

Source: Reach Media / Urban One

UPDATED: 2:50 pm EST May 15th, 2025

As we’ve come to understand year after year, day after day even, death is unfortunately an inevitable part of life. Still, as much of a fact as that may be, the blow of experiencing loss never gets any easier, nor does reporting on the subject in Black culture.

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The music world and fans of soulful funk are mourning the loss of Eddie Fluellen, a key member of the beloved 1970s group Switch. Known for their smooth harmonies, infectious grooves, and pioneering musicianship, Switch was a force on the Motown scene, and Eddie’s contributions as keyboardist and co-founder will forever resonate in the fabric of R&B history.

Eddie’s passing was announced by fellow Switch member Jody Sims, who honored his friend and bandmate with heartfelt words. “Eddie was one of those rare souls,” Sims shared on social media, “incredibly talented in music, but even more impressive in the way he lived: genuine, humble, and full of heart.”

Formed in 1974 by Greg Williams and the DeBarge brothers (Bobby and Tommy), alongside Akron natives Eddie Fluellen, Jody Sims, and Phillip Ingram (brother of R&B icon James Ingram), Switch brought a distinct sound to soul music, blending sweet melodies with Ohio-inspired funk. The group’s name came from their ability to seamlessly “switch” instruments during performances, a feature that wowed audiences and industry insiders alike.

Early in their career, they were discovered by Barry White and went by “White Heat,” but it was their Motown-era transformation into Switch that brought them chart-topping fame. Their debut album spawned the timeless hit “There’ll Never Be,” followed by fan-favorites like “I Wanna Be Closer” and “I Call Your Name.” Eddie’s profound touch on the keyboard helped define their sound.

While the group faced difficulties around internal dynamics and individual struggles, their music endured. Eddie Fluellen remained a steadfast force behind the scenes, later thriving as a producer and music director, notably working with the Stone City Band.

We will have more on this as it develops

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Learn more below about who in our culture has passed away so far this year in 2025 Below

The article ‘Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2025‘ was created with the help of Jasper.AI