Grammy-nominated star and Yarbrough & Peoples singer dies aged 72 as wife issues tribute
Cavin Yarbrough, one-half of the Grammy-nominated R&B duo Yarbrough & Peoples, has died at the age of 72. The musician passed away on Thursday, June 19, due to complications from heart disease.
Yarbrough formed the iconic duo with his wife, Alisa Peoples, with whom he created some of the most memorable R&B music of the 1980s.
The pair achieved international recognition as pioneers who helped shape the sound of R&B during that era.
His death was confirmed by his wife to LATF USA, marking the end of a remarkable musical partnership that spanned decades and touched countless fans worldwide.
Peoples paid an emotional tribute to her husband of 37 years, telling LATF USA: “He was the love of my life, my protector. Now he’s my guardian angel.”
Michele Elyzabeth, who represented the couple for more than 40 years, also honoured the late musician. “Cavin was not only an extraordinary talent, but a kind man with a great heart.
“His legacy will live on in the music, in our memories, and in the hearts of everyone who knew him,” she said.
The couple first met during childhood piano lessons in their hometown of Dallas, Texas, before embarking on their musical journey together in the late 1970s.
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Their breakthrough came after being discovered by Charlie Wilson of The Gap Band, who introduced them to Lonnie Simmons. This connection led to a recording contract with Total Experience Records.
The duo’s meteoric rise followed their 1981 chart-topping hit Don’t Stop the Music, which achieved gold status and earned them a Grammy nomination in 1982.
The track remains a beloved classic in dance and funk circles.
Beyond their signature song, Yarbrough & Peoples released other successful tracks including Guilty, I Wouldn’t Lie, and Heartbeat.
As both a vocalist and producer, Yarbrough played a crucial role in shaping the distinctive R&B sound that defined the early 1980s.
Fans have flooded social media with tributes following news of Yarbrough’s death. One Facebook user wrote: “My deepest condolences & prayers to his family and love ones…Thank you for all your awesome entertainment, Rest in Peace King.”
Another fan posted: “RIP Cavin Yarbrough Your voice, your artistry, and your legacy with Yarbrough & Peoples touched so many hearts. ‘Don’t Stop the Music’ – and we won’t. Your music lives on forever.”
After achieving fame, the couple returned to Dallas to establish their own production company while continuing to tour.
A tough day for R&B fans, as Cavin Yarbrough of Yarbrough & Peoples has died at age 72 https://t.co/OYNVzfYOhQ pic.twitter.com/EXimC1rrIV
— soultracks (@soultrackscom) June 20, 2025
They also ventured into acting, appearing in several films.
In 2021, they were honoured at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters at the Dallas Convention Center, receiving special recognition from the Mayor of Dallas and the State of Texas to mark the 40th anniversary of Don’t Stop The Music.