Cavin Yarbrough dead: 80s music legend dies as heartbroken wife gives emotional tribute

Cavin Yarbrough, one half of the Grammy nominated iconic R&B duo Yarbrough & Peoples died on Thursday, June 19 at the age of 72, due to complications from heart disease. His wife and longtime music partner Alisa Peoples confirmed the news to LATF USA. "He was the love of my life, my protector. Now he’s my guardian angel," she said paying tribute to her husband of 37 years.

Michele Elyzabeth, who was a longtime friend and representative of the couple for more than 40 years, said, "Cavin was not only an extraordinary talent, but a kind man with a great heart. His legacy will live on in the music, in our memories, and in the hearts of everyone who knew him." Tributes also flooded in from fans as they learned the news. Writing on Facebook one commented: "My deepest condolences & prayers to his family and love ones...Thank you for all your awesome entertainment, Rest in Peace King."

"Rest in peace, love, and music Cavin Yarborough. Condolences and prayers to family and loved ones," another penned.

"All of the legends are leaving us… Rest in paradise Cavin Yarborough of Yarboro in Peoples," a thord chimed in.

"R. I. H. Cavin Yarborough your music will live on. My deepest condolences to your wife Alisa Peoples and your family. You will be truly missed. We will never forget that wonderful song that everybody loved in the 80s Don't stop the music. Dallas own R&B Legend," a fourth shared.

Meanwhile a fifth observed: "RIP Cavin Yarbrough Your voice, your artistry, and your legacy with Yarbrough & Peoples touched so many hearts. 'Don’t Stop the Music' — and we won’t. Your music lives on forever."

Cavin and his wife Alisa, who married in 1987, both grew up in Dallas, Texas, and met taking piano lessons as young children.

They began performing as s duo in the late 1970s and were originally discovered by Charlie Wilson of The Gap Band, who introduced them to Lonnie Simmons, who subsequently signed them to his label, Total Experience Records.

They quickly rose to fame with their 1981 Billboard chart topping R&B hit, Don’t Stop the Music. The single, went gold and earned them a Grammy nomination in 1982.

They later moved back to Dallas, to get back to their personal and spiritual roots and began their own production company. The couple continued to tour, and also moved into acting appearing in several movies. In 2021 they were honoured at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters in the Dallas Convention Center, with special tributes from the Mayor of Dallas and the State of Texas, all celebrating the 40th anniversary of Don’t Stop The Music.