Johnnie Wilder, Jr.

Who was Johnnie Wilder, Jr.?

Johnnie James Wilder, Jr. was the co-founder and lead vocalist of the international R&B/funk group Heatwave. Heatwave was a popular group during the late 1970s, with hits such as "Boogie Nights," "Mind Blowing Decisions," "Always and Forever," and "The Groove Line," on which Wilder sang co-lead vocals.

On 24 February 1979 a van broadsided Wilder's car, paralyzing him from the neck down and hospitalizing him for a year.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Wilder went on to record other albums with the group and later began a gospel career, singing a cappella on albums My Goal and One More Day.

He died in his sleep on May 13, 2006, at his home in Dayton, Ohio, aged 56. The cause of his death remains unknown.