Keith Beaton ‘Blue Magic’ Cause Of Death

Keith Beaton, a vocalist who came to prominence in American R&B and Soul group, Blue Magic has died. He was 72 years.

A cause of death was not given.

Blue Magic comprised Ted Wizard Mills – lead tenor, Wendell Sawyer – baritone, lead, Keith “Duke” Beaton – tenor, Richard Pratt – bass and Vernon Sawyer- tenorwas and it was one of the earliest acts produced by Norman Harris, a Philadelphia recording veteran.

The group’s harmonies were supported by the MFSB studio house band. Their first early song release in 1973 was “Spell” which went onto the Billboard R&B charts at number 30.

The group was also known for making dreamy ballads and their choreographed stage moves.

Their second release was the uptempo “Look Me Up”; which reached number 36, stayed on the R&B chart for 11 weeks, and was popular on the early disco scene. Their next single, ballad “Stop to Start” was even more successful, reaching #14 on the Billboard R&B chart and #74 on the pop chart.

The group had their first world tour in 1975 and it lasted for 42 weeks.

The tour included 48 states in the United States, five countries in Europe and a 10-day stay in the Philippines.

By 1977, due to the rise of disco and changing music styles, the group’s popularity faded.