IN MEMORIAM: William Shelby, member of R&B/Funk Bands Dynasty & Lakeside, Dies at 65

By Paige Boyd, Managing Editor

We are sad to report the passing of Funk/R&B legend William Shelby, who died suddenly on October 26 at the age of 65. An official cause of death was not made public at press time, according to the Dayton Daily News.

A native of Dayton, OH, Shelby was a founding member of Dynasty, providing a string of hits in the late 70's & early 80s, including "I've Just Begun to Love You," "Do Me Right," and "I Don't Want To Be a Freak." He also penned hits for other artists on Dick Griffey's SOLAR label. Most notably, he wrote "And The Beat Goes On," and "It's A Love Thing" for The Whispers, as well as "I Can Make You Feel Good" for Shalamar.

Following Dynasty's success, Shelby would join his brother Thomas on tour as a member of Lakeside, best known for the big hit, "Fantastic Voyage." He would perform with Lakeside for over 30 years and was a key part of their live shows. Upon confirmation of his passing, founding member Stephen Shockley shared this post on Facebook:

Rhine McLin, former mayor of Dayton, offered additional thoughts to the Dayton Daily News, saying, "“William has left a void, but musical heaven is jamming. Dayton has such a rich history and slowly but surely Dayton is beginning to recognize its rich musical history, Funk music! However Lakeside is one of the musical institutions and William Shelby was an original institution of his own (and) Lakeside.”

In his own brief statement on Facebook, Lakeside vocalist & co-founder Mark Wood said, "I am shocked and saddened by the news that my friend and, as he said to me on his birthday, my brother from another Mother is gone. Will's talent was born in him and I know God will use him well."