Mystery Behind Calvin Simon Cause of Death: Parliament-Funkadelic Singer Dead at 79

Funk music collective headed by George Clinton, Parliament-Funkadelic, has lost another member, as Calvin Simon reportedly passed away Friday, January 6, at the age of 79.

The news has been confirmed as the group's official Facebook page posted, "Rest in peace to my P-Funk brother Mr. Calvin Simon. Longtime Parliament-Funkadelic vocalist. Fly on Calvin!" Apart from that, they also left a YouTube video as a tribute to the singer.

As of writing, no reports have been made regarding his cause of death.

Who is Calvin Simon?

According to Best Classic Bands, Calvin Simon was born in Beckley, West Virginia, on May 22, 1942. By the late 50s, he started his path in the music scene, becoming a founding member of the New Jersey-based quintet, the Parliaments, also led by Clinton.

Their group managed to earn multiple successes during their early days. In 1967, they released "(I Wanna) Testify," with Clinton being the only member who participated in the Detroit recording session. Their song topped the R&B chart at number three and earned a place on Hot 100 charting at number 20.

Soon after they recorded the album, Simon was drafted into the US Army and served in the 9th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War.

During his time as a part of the Parliament-Funkadelic, he participated in the 1975's "Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)." Simon also became one of the 16 members to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

For his solo career, he released a gospel album, "It's Not Too Late," on August 27, 2018. As per his official website, the said album was published through Par Golf Music on the Simon Sayz Recording Label.

Fans and friends have immediately shared their tributes to those who passed through social media.

Bootsy Collins tweeted, "We lost another Original member of Parliament/Funkadelic. A friend, bandmate & a cool classic guy, Mr. Calvin Simon was a former member of Parliament/Funkadelic. He's in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, inducted in 1997 with fifteen members of P-Funk! R.I.P... Bootsy baby!!!"

This was followed by another post saying, "From doo-wop to funk rock. RIP to vocalist & soulful pioneer Calvin Simon, original member of The Parliaments and Parliament-Funkadelic. Photo #1: The Parliaments circa 1960s, Simon 2nd from left. Photo #2 Michael Ochs Archives: Parliament-Funkadelic 1971, Simon in white jacket," attaching multiple photos of the singer.

May his soul rest in peace.