On June 13, the music world lost a legend with the passing of singer/songwriter Angela Bofill. She was 70.
During the late 70s and 80s, Bofill was a mainstay in R&B with a one-of-a-kind discography that included melancholic, heart-wrenching songs about the struggles of love that struck a chord with her loyal fans. But she could also bring the dance floor vibes with several disco and post-disco cuts that are still beloved to this day. Her unique sound was the soundtrack for many women who came of age during the height of her popularity. She was also a trailblazer as one of the few Latina performers to garner success in R&B and jazz with a majority Black following.
Because of her musical dexterity, as a graduate of the prestigious Manhattan School of Music where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1976, Bofill seamlessly sang R&B, jazz, pop, easy listening, and the blues with her passionate vocal prowess--an extremely rare combination.
In her illustrious career, Bofill released 10 studio albums, numerous hit singles and also provided background vocals for singers like Diana Ross, Kirk Whalum, and several others. She was also inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023.
Although she never achieved mainstream success, she was an incredible live performer and a singer’s singer.
After two debilitating strokes in 2006 and 2007, she returned to performing in 2011, much to the delight of her adoring fans. Being back on stage was where she always wanted to be.
“I feel happy performing again,” Bofill said in an interview with the Washington Post at the time. “I need a crowd. In the blood, entertain. Any time a crowd comes to see me, I’m surprised. No sing no more and still, people come. Wow. Impressed.”
To honor her unforgettable legacy, here are 5 of Angela Bofill’s Most Iconic Songs.
This Time I’ll Be Sweeter, 1978
Co-written by Pat Grant and Gwen Guthrie, “This Time I’ll Be Sweeter” was first recorded by Martha Reeves of Martha Reeves and the Vandellas in 1975. Eventually, Bofill recorded the song on her debut album Angie and she made it her own. Produced by Dave Grusin, "This Time I'll Be Sweeter" became Bofill’s first bonafide hit in 1978, peaking at #23 on the Hot Soul Singles chart.
Angel of the Night, 1979
On her sophomore album, Bofill showed her flexibility as a vocalist on “Angel of the Night.” Blending influences of R&B/Latin jazz with splashes of New York disco, Bofill’s charisma and vocal stylings are second to none on this deep cut. Upon its release, “Angel of the Night” was a club classic and a fan favorite that she would perform live for decades.
I Try, 1979
An instant quiet storm classic, Bofill penned “I Try” from her Angel of the Night LP in 1979. When it comes to exuding the complexities of love and relationships, “I Try” is one of the gold standards of R&B. Bofill passionately sang in the chorus, “You know that I tried to be with you/You know that I wanted to see it through/You know that I needed to make you mine/It was only a matter of time. The classic tune would be coveted by the likes of Will Downing, Leela James, Peabo Bryson, and several others proving Bofill’s brilliance as a singer and songwriter.
What I Wouldn’t Do (For the Love of You), 1979
Set against the sonic backdrop of a slick, funky mid-tempo track, “What I Wouldn’t Do (For the Love of You)” is another gem from her Angel of the Night album. Peaking at 18 on the Hot Soul Singles, “What I Wouldn’t Do (For the Love of You),” showed the world that she could do more than ballads but she could also sing a jam that could get the club going.
I’m On Your Side, 1983
"I'm on Your Side" was written by Bofill, Jeffrey Cohen, and Narada Michael Walden and captures her at her absolute best. Released in 1983 her fourth studio album Too Tough, the track once again displayed Bofill’s penchant to tap into the yearnings and desires of the realities of relationships. “I’m On Your Side” was another top 20 R&B hit for Bofill, continuing her streak of successful songs that have resonated deeper than any chart could ever measure.
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Bofill passed away at her daughter's home in Vallejo, Calif., according to TMZ. A cause of death was not provided, but she had suffered two strokes in 2006 and 2007 that caused paralysis on the left side of her body.
What happened to Angela Bofill? ›
Bofill passed away at her daughter's home in Vallejo, Calif., according to TMZ. A cause of death was not provided, but she had suffered two strokes in 2006 and 2007 that caused paralysis on the left side of her body.
How old is Angela Bofill now? ›
R&B singer Angela Bofill has died. She was 70 years old. On Friday, June 14, a rep for the performer, whose hits include "This Time I'll Be Sweeter," "I Try," and "Angel of the Night," told PEOPLE she died Thursday morning at her daughter's home in Vallejo, Calif.
Who is Angela Bofill's husband? ›
Who is Angela Bofill's daughter? ›
Who is the singer called Angela? ›
Angela Lisa Winbush (born January 18, 1955) is an American R&B/soul singer-songwriter, musician and record producer who rose to fame first in the 1980s R&B duo René & Angela, also scoring hits as a solo artist. To date, Winbush has sold over 10 million albums and singles worldwide.
What happened to Phyllis Hyman? ›
On June 30, 1995, only hours before a scheduled performance at the Apollo Theater in New York, Phyllis' lifeless body was found in her apartment; she had taken an overdose of sleeping pills and left a suicide note. Her suicide, while shocking, was not a surprise to many insiders.
Where does Angela Bofill live? ›
Bofill died on June 13, 2024, at the age of 70 at her daughter's home in Vallejo, California.
Who married Angela? ›
Dwight (Rainn Wilson) — fresh off his promotion to regional manager of the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin, and learning from Angela that he's the dad of her son Phillip — gets married to Angela (Angela Kinsey). The big event is what much of the finale revolves around.
How does Angela make a living? ›
Angela earns money through online partnerships
Since becoming reality TV-famous, Angela has capitalized on her fame through several partnerships. She currently hails 825,000 followers on Instagram alone, with hundreds of thousands more on TikTok.
Get to know the 90 Day Fiance star's family - IMDb. Angela Deem and most of her family have appeared in the 90 Day Fiance franchise. The 57-year-old reality TV star is the mom of two daughters and has six grandkids, who we most recently met in Season 8 of Happily Ever After?
Who does Angela have a baby with? ›
In "A.A.R.M.", Dwight proposes to Angela and she finally reveals to him that he is indeed the father of Phillip. She accepts the proposal and they are married in the series finale.
Does Angela have twins? ›
They're both award-winning actors, philanthropists and loving parents. After seven years of IVF, Bassett and her husband welcomed fraternal twins Bronwyn Golden Vance and Slater Josiah Vance, 18, on Jan. 27, 2006, via surrogate. "I had a dream about seven years ago that we were going to have twins.
Does Angela have a daughter in jail? ›
Scottie Deem, the daughter of 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Day's Angela Deem, is officially behind bars after pleading guilty to multiple counts of child molestation, PEOPLE confirms. Deem is currently in custody, where she is serving two years and one day of a 20-year sentence.
Is Ricardo Bofill alive? ›
Personal life and death
From the 1990s, Bofill lived in Barcelona together with Catalan designer Marta de Vilallonga. In October 2021, he was named in the Pandora Papers. He died from complications linked to COVID-19 in Barcelona on 14 January 2022, at the age of 82.
Who is Angela from the challenge married to? ›
The Challenge: USA 1
She was evicted in fourth place and is currently engaged to runner-up Tyler Crispen.
Who is Angela Khabeb husband? ›
She has dedicated her life and career to serving God and her community — both near and far. From 2000 to 2002, she was an ELCA missionary in Namibia, Africa, where she met and married her husband, Benhi. Benhi and Angela now live in Minneapolis, Minnesota with their three wonderful children, Konami, Khenna, and Khonni.
Who is Angela Montenegro married to? ›
Conlin played Angela Montenegro on the popular Fox drama Bones, which stars Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz. In the series, Angela is married to Dr. Jack Hodgins (T. J. Thyne), while her father is ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, who plays a fictionalized version of himself.
