Soul Survivors Founding Member, Kenny Jeremiah, Dies
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Kenny Jeremiah, the lead singer of the Soul Survivors, who scored a 1967 radio hit with “Expressway to Your Heart,” died December 4, 2020, at age 78. His death, from the Covid-19 virus, was reported by his brother, Al. The place of death was not known; he last posted on his Facebook page on November 7. He was still performing as recently as that month.
Jeremiah formed the soul music group in 1964 with brothers Richie Ingui and Charlie Ingui in New York City, three white guys who grew up listening to the R&B vocal groups of the ’50s. (The three were originally in a band called the Dedications, formed in 1962.) The Soul Survivors signed with Crimson Records in Philadelphia, a label co-owned by Philly DJ Jerry Blavat.
Blavat arranged for the group (which relocated to Philly after drawing large crowds there) to sing “Expressway,” written and produced by the newcomers Gamble and Huff. The tune, with a “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” vibe to it, was released as a single in July 1967. It ultimately reached #4 in Billboard, and not surprisingly, #3 on the R&B chart.
Related: The top radio hits of 1967
The Soul Survivors broke up in 1970, although the Ingui brothers eventually performed under the name again, as well as with other groups.
Richie Ingui died on January 13, 2017. The cause of death was heart failure. Ingui was 69.
Jeremiah went on to record with the disco group Shirley & Company, which topped the U.S. dance chart in 1975 with “Shame Shame Shame.”
The bio on his website notes that he spent much of the 1980s on the popular Jersey Shore circuit and continued to perform in 2020.
Related: Musicians we’ve lost in 2020
11 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationKenny was one of the nicest people on earth. His remarkable talent was only superceeded by his loving, energetic and upbeat personality. Always a joy to be around– a sad loss for the many who loved him and enjoyed his live music.
i had the pleasure of performing with him 3 times over the years, always great and always a gentleman and made you feel welcome as a part of his “band” even though you were only a sub.
Hey, Rah! Thanks for your comments on Kenny. I’m doing a story on him for The Press of Atlantic City. Would love to get your input. Please call me at (347) 602-3571. Hope we can chat soon.
Best,
Alison Grillo
For The Press of Atlantic City
(347) 602-3571
I performed with Kenny years back at Trump Plaza and he was one of the nicest and professional musicians I met
It Was My Ultimate Privilege To Know Kenny Jeremiah For 53 Years. I Was Also Happy To Be His Personal Asst/Adm Mgr/Photographer & All Around Gal Friday. He Was Amazing To Know & Super Amazing To Watch.
The Ultimate Entertainer.
Made it worth the drive to Wildwood to see him and Full House at the Stardust. What great times. Such a great guy
The Jeremiah family lived in ozone park, queens, ny. On 92nd street between 97th ave and 101 ave. My aunt and uncle lived next door to them. Way back in the 60s.
Kenny was Non-Stop Energy ! He was also part of the South Jersey Area Music Scene playing multiple clubs and Casinos with his bands Full House and The Jeremiah-Hunter Band. You can see and hear some Kenny of the past at http://www.rocklinemusicvault.com/FullHouse/
Kenny always said hi 2 u when he passed by, that’s how I remember him, and with a great big smile. God bless him and his family, small guy but a big personality. RIP my friend
What a terrible and unnecessary loss of a great guy and a super talent. God please grant us better leadership through this pandemic in the months to come.
We met Kenny about 10 years ago in Wildwood at a party at our hotel you couldn’t meet a nicer person than him. He will be truly missed by everyone