According to St. Louis Today, R&B/gospel singer David Peaston, a St. Louis native has died. Peaston died on Wednesday. He was 54. His cause of death has not been released. Peaston’s longtime battle with diabetes led to the amputation of both his legs, beginning with his right leg in 2004. Speaking with the Post-Dispatch in a 2004 interview, in connection with an event honoring him at the time, he said he was initially angry with himself over his illness.
“I didn’t want to be back in the public. I wasn’t embarrassed or ashamed, but I felt I let myself down and, therefore, I let everyone else down. It was my fault for being sick, and I didn’t want anybody to see me like that.”
Peaston, known for a high-piercing falsetto that was unmatched, was a winner at “Showtime at the Apollo,” where he got his big break, and found national fame with hits such as “Can I” and “Two Wrongs (Don’t Make a Right).” His albums include 1989’s “Introducing…David Peaston” and 1991’s “Mixed Emotions.” The Soul Train Award winner is also well-known for his rendition of “God Bless the Child.” Peaston has also been a big presence on the local gospel scene. Friend Leslie Johnson, a St. Louis gospel singer, said on his Facebook page:
“FB FAM…On tonight my friend, David Peaston, received his complete healing. He is now with God. Please keep his wife Marilyn, their children and his entire family in your prayers.
Tonight, I dedicate my page to the memory of the Incomparable, “MR. DAVID PEASTON.”
Another friend, Cheryl Pepsii Riley, told eurweb.com:
“David Peaston and I were, in the beginning, the only secular artists doing Gospel traveling plays. Back then there were just about 4 shows out so they stayed out a long time. I met David doing the show “Momma Don’t”. We ended up doing several shows together after that and were official Road Dawgs! I Soooooooooo Loved this Man with the Hearty Laugh, Great Sense of Humor, That Incredible Voice, and He was The Most Amazing Friend!!! This hurts so much. He had a Gift that commanded the Room. David will be sorely missed. My Condolences go out to His Beautiful Wife and Children and All the Many Friends and Fans His Presence has Touched and Blessed.”
Peaston’s mother is the sister of “Rescue Me” singer Fontella Bass. His mother, Martha Bass, was a member of the Clara Ward singers.
Survivors include his wife Marilyn Peaston.
