Johnnie Wilder Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Johnnie Wilder Jr.
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| Background information | |
| Born | July 3, 1949 Dayton, Ohio, United States |
| Died | May 13, 2006 (aged 56) Dayton, Ohio, United States |
| Associated acts | Heatwave |
Johnnie James Wilder Jr. (born July 3, 1949 – died May 13, 2006) was a very talented American singer. He was a co-founder and lead singer of the popular R&B and funk band called Heatwave. This group was well-known in the late 1970s. They had many hit songs like "Boogie Nights", "Mind Blowing Decisions", "Always and Forever", and "The Groove Line".
Johnnie Wilder Jr.'s Life Story
Johnnie Wilder Jr. was born in Dayton, Ohio. He grew up there and later served in the U.S. Army. This was during the time of the Vietnam War.
A Life-Changing Event
On February 24, 1979, Johnnie was in a serious car accident. A van hit his car, which caused him to become paralyzed. This meant he could not move parts of his body, especially from his neck down. He had to stay in the hospital for a whole year to recover.
Music After the Accident
Even after his accident, Johnnie continued to make music. He kept recording albums with Heatwave throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He also worked on other projects. In 1989, he released an album with his brother called Sound of Soul.
Later, Johnnie started singing gospel music on his own. Gospel music is a type of Christian music. He sang without instruments, which is called a cappella. He released two gospel albums, My Goal and One More Day. The album One More Day included a new version of the song "All I Am". This song was originally on Heatwave's album Candles. Johnnie said that his gospel music was his way of thanking God for being alive.
His Passing
Johnnie Wilder Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 13, 2006. He was 56 years old. He died at his home in Dayton, Ohio, due to health challenges related to his earlier injury. He is remembered by his wife, Rosalyn, and many fans.
