The Manhattans Lose Two Founding Members At Close of 2014

Winfred “Blue” Lovett
The Manhattans

Legendary R and B group, The Manhattans lost two founding members at the close of 2014. Singer, songwriter, and founding member Winfred “Blue” Lovett lost his battle with cancer on December 9, 2014. A memorial service for Lovett will take place Saturday, January 3, 2015. Group member Edward “Sonny” Bivins passed away on December 3, 2014. His funeral service was held December 15, 2014.

According to lead singer of The Manhattans Gerald Alston, “Blue”, who was known for his silky smooth bass voice, penned the group’s 1976 certified Gold hit and signature song, “Kiss and Say Goodbye.” Alston said, “Blue was the notable bass voice of our group and one of my closest friends. He was like a brother and I will miss him dearly.”

The Manhattans’ double loss weighs heavily on Alston as the group comes together for “Blues”‘ memorial service. He stated, “Sonny was also a founding member and added so much to the Manhattans with his silky tenor vocals. Sonny too, was like a

Gerald Alston
The Manhattans

brother. It is difficult to put into words the loss I feel with the passing of these two talented and respected brothers in music. It’s a very emotional time and my heart is heavy.”

Edward “Sonny” Bivins, The Manhattans

The Manhattans was established in the 1960s in New Jersey. Founding members of the quintet were George Smith, Edward “Sonny” Bivins, Richard “Ricky” Taylor and Kenneth “Wally” Kelly. As the group began to carve out their career in music, George Smith passed away unexpectedly. The Manhattans subsequently added young college student Gerald Alston to complete the group. Among the Grammy winning group’s biggest hits was 1980s chart topper “Shining Star.”

There will be a memorial service for Winifred “Blue” Lovett Saturday, January 3, 2015, 2:00p.m.-5:00p.m. at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 400 Arlington Avenue in Jersey City, NJ.

Representatives of Winifred “Blue” Lovett ask that in lieu of flowers donations be made in his memory to Arizona Assistance in Healthcare (AIH) via www.arizonaassistanceinhealthcare.com/donate or by mailing a donation to: Arizona Assistance in Healthcare (AIH), P.O. Box 5157 Goodyear, Arizona, 85338.

Cards should be sent to: P.O. Box 4063 Bergen Station Jersey City, NJ 07304, Attention: Gerald Alston, or visit www.geraldalstonmusic.com

For more information, contact Dorean Edwards at 562-212-5281.