Jimmy Gilmer, 83, died on Sept. 7. Gilmer and The Fireballs recorded the hit “Sugar Shack” in 1963. The band formed in New Mexico in 1957, and recorded such pop hits as “Torquay,” “Bulldog,” and “Quite a Party.” Gilmer continued with the Fireballs off and on till illness forced his retirement in 2022. Gil Hamilton, who performed as Johnny Thunder, died on Sept. 6, age 92. He started his career as a backup singer, till manager Teddy Vann changed his name, knocked a decade off his age, and he recorded the 1963 hit “Loop de Loop” (his other hits included “I’m Alive” and “Make Love to Me”). Thunder continued performing well into old age. Philadelphia R&B singer and songwriter Frankie Beverly, 77, died on Sept. 11. Founder of the funk and soul band Maze, he was best known for his 1981 hit “Before I Let Go.” Beverly was still performing up till the time of his death.
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