A heartfelt tribute to R&B artist Cavin Yarbrough, celebrating his life and contributions to music.
Cavin Yarbrough, the celebrated R&B artist known for his work in the duo Yarbrough & Peoples, has died at the age of 72. His wife confirmed the sudden news, noting that just a day prior, he was making plans for a birthday celebration. A tribute to honor his legacy will be held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, where friends and fans will celebrate his remarkable contributions to music.
Dallas – Cavin Yarbrough, the iconic R&B artist and half of the legendary duo Yarbrough & Peoples, has passed away at the age of 72. Alisa Peoples, his wife, confirmed the news on Saturday, stating that Yarbrough’s death was sudden and unexpected. Just the day before, he had been in good spirits and was busy planning a birthday celebration for his wife.
A celebration of life for Yarbrough is set to take place at 11 a.m. on Monday at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. The event will be hosted by the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, honoring Yarbrough’s legacy and contributions to the music industry.
Cavin Yarbrough was best known for his work in the early 1980s alongside his musical partner, Peoples. They gained fame with their hit song “Don’t Stop the Music,” released in 1980 as part of their debut album, The Two of Us. The track topped the Billboard R&B chart and peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100, establishing itself as a defining piece of early ’80s funk and R&B.
Yarbrough was a talented, classically trained pianist who first met Peoples during childhood piano lessons. With the help of Gap Band frontman Charlie Wilson, the duo signed with Total Experience Records, leading them to achieve various top 10 R&B hits throughout the 1980s. Some of their most well-known songs include “Heartbeats,” “Don’t Waste Your Time,” “Guilty,” and “I Wouldn’t Lie.”
After leaving Total Experience Records in 1986, Cavin Yarbrough and Alisa Peoples married and returned to Dallas. They established a production company and served as music directors at their church, continuing their passion for music while nurturing their personal lives.
In 2021, Yarbrough & Peoples were recognized for their musical contributions when the Black Academy of Arts and Letters in Dallas held tributes to celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Don’t Stop the Music.” This acknowledgment highlighted the duo’s lasting impact on R&B and funk music.
Yarbrough’s passing is attributed to complications from heart disease. Friends and collaborators have described him as an “extraordinary talent” and a “kind man with a great heart.” His contributions to the music industry have had a significant influence on future generations of artists, ensuring that his legacy will be remembered and celebrated.
As news of his death spreads, fans and fellow musicians are expressing their condolences, honoring Yarbrough for his work and the joy he brought to audiences through his music. The impact of Yarbrough & Peoples’ sound remains evident, and tributes are pouring in, reflecting the deep respect and admiration he garnered throughout his career.
Cavin Yarbrough’s artistic journey serves as a testament to the enduring power of R&B and funk, and his music will undoubtedly continue to resonate with listeners for years to come.
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