Rest in Peace Donny Gerrard of Skylark, backup for Mavis Staples

[carlo]

Mavis Staples just shared on Instagram that Donny Gerrard passed away. He passed on Feb 3rd. He was a Canadian soul singer and performed with many different groups and acts, including his group Skylark, during the 70's. In recent years, he regularly toured and recorded with Mavis Staples, being one of her regularly featured backup singers. If you've heard any of her recent music, you may recognize his soulful voice, which was reminiscent of Pops Staples. Rest in peace.

[carlo]

Here is the top 10 hit, "Wildflower" by Skylark, with Donny on lead.

[reese]

So sorry to hear this. I saw him with Mavis many times. R.I.P.

[mark speck]

Talented man. May he RIP... :[[

Best,

Mark

[PeaceNHarmony]

A wonderful forever moment with Skylard & Wildflower. Happy to hear he lived a good life and will be remembered. Condolences to Ms. Mavis as well.

[Boogiedown]

Stumbled upon and enjoyed :



Jaye P Morgan with Donny Gerrard

[jsmith]

Mavis Staples has been a regular visitor to the UK over the past decade. Did Donny come here with her as one of her backing singers ?
He was very popular here for one of his solo tracks ...

[reese]

Stumbled upon and enjoyed :



Jaye P Morgan with Donny Gerrard

I had no idea Jay was still recording in the 70s. At that time, she was probably best known as a judge on Chuck Barris' THE GONG SHOW.

Barris also had a short-lived nighttime variety show and Jaye often appeared. One time, I remember her performing this song but she had the Originals accompanying her.

[Boogiedown]

Hi Reese!
Jaye is a personal guilty pleasure of mine. I often revisit this one by her from her last [?] album from the 80s:



a lot of it has to do with that impossibly long note she starts singing at 1:40. I don't know why I find it so clever as an added touch, but I do .