Soulful DetroitArchives - July 2004 � Lalomie Washburn passed away? Previous Next

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randyselzer (randysoul)
1-Arriviste
Username: randysoul

Post Number: 1
Registered: 9-2004
Posted From: 216.221.81.97
Posted on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 10:15 am: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

This was posted at soulwalking.uk site recently, is this true, can anyone confirm? thx

"I am sorry to report that singer/songwriter Lalomie Washburn passed on 9/18.

Aside from her own AMAZING album, My Music is Hot (Parachute/Casablanca - 1977 / who here remembers "Double Funkin'"), she is surely adored by many within this clique for co-writing a few of Rufus featuring Chaka Khan's best loved classics: "At Midnight," "Your Smile," "Better Together" and the epic "I'm a Woman (I'm a Backbone)." She also wrote Chaka's "The Message In the Middle of The Bottom" and "Pass It On (Sure Thing)."

Lalomie (affectionately known as "Lomie") did a second self titled solo album 20 years later in 1997, but the last thing I personally heard (and saw) her do was co-write and sing on Bridgette McWilliams' "Too Much Woman," accompanying her at an all-star launch concert for Ms. McWilliams at The Key Club on Sunset in West Hollywood.

Cause of death nor age are known at this time.

Ms. Washburn - a truly underrecognized talent - will be deeply missed.



A little more info:

Ms. Washburn, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, passed from liver cancer and is survived by one daughter. Among her credits are recording with Stevie Wonder, D.J. Rogers and Buddy Miles, plus background vocals on the title track of Quincy Jones' The Dude. She was also the lead singer of the band High Energy (NOT the Motown group but a BAND that also featured future Rufus members Tony Maiden and Bobby Watson) which recorded one album in the early `70s - THUS the Rufus & Chaka connection.

Lalomie Washburn was a colorful performer given to empowering, carnal and earthy lyrical perspectives - from a strong Black woman's point of view - served up over slow-cooked grooves of funk-rock origin. It comes as no surprise that nouveau funkateer Joi covered "I'm A Woman (I'm A Backbone)" as a member of Lucy Pearl and on her third album, Star Kitty's Revenge. The connection (as well as to funk-rock diva Betty Davis) is clear.

The night after Ms. Washburn's passing, Chaka Khan took the stage of the Monterey Jazz Festival and, in an emotional tribute to her departed friend, performed "I'm A Woman (I'm a Backbone)" in extra fiery form befitting her name!

R.I.P. Lalomie Washburn."
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Juicefree20 (juicefree20)
6-Zenith
Username: juicefree20

Post Number: 2555
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 24.46.184.162
Posted on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 11:42 am: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Again, more sad news! I loved At Midnight with a passion & that song brings back some very happy memories from '77. I send condolences to her family & friends. May our creator keep her in his rememberance.

R.I.P.
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Charise (mistrivia1)
6-Zenith
Username: mistrivia1

Post Number: 600
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 198.81.26.46
Posted on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 12:36 pm: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

My God! I know that as we live and breathe each day, someone else dies, it just blows my mind, you know?? Everyday is a Blessing!! I was listening to "At Midnight", about a week ago. I never knew of her, other than the credits on the albums, but I'm going to ask my mother if she knows some Washburn's as she is also from Omaha.
Prayers & Condolences to her family and friends.
P.S.- Thank You for the great lyrics to great songs, Lalomie Washburn!!!
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Mike Sku (mike_sku)
3-Pundit
Username: mike_sku

Post Number: 43
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 64.9.11.62
Posted on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 12:47 am: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I received an e-mail that said that both Lalomie Washburn and Izora Armstead (Two Tons o'Fun/Weather Girls) sadly passed away. My condolences to both their families.
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Don (don)
6-Zenith
Username: don

Post Number: 936
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 68.75.170.192
Posted on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 2:53 am: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

My condolences....
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Brother Love (brother_love)
4-Laureate
Username: brother_love

Post Number: 126
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 64.174.210.88
Posted on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 7:03 am: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Love Craft
Lalomie Washburn with Love Craft

It was on Love Craft's 1975 Mercury album "We Love You Whoever You Are" that she covered her song "Your Smile". Rufus featuring Chaka Khan had recorded it the year before on their album "Rufusized".
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Brother Love (brother_love)
4-Laureate
Username: brother_love

Post Number: 127
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 64.174.210.88
Posted on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 7:17 am: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Lalomie

Lalomie thanks for all the hot music, R.I.P.

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