John Whitehead (singer)
American singer-songwriter (1948–2004)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John Cavadus Whitehead (July 10, 1948 – May 11, 2004) was an American singer and songwriter. He was best known as one of the key members of the Philadelphia International record label, and was one-half of the successful team of McFadden & Whitehead with Gene McFadden.[1]
July 10, 1948
John Whitehead | |
|---|---|
| Born | John Cavadus Whitehead July 10, 1948 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | May 11, 2004 (aged 55) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Genres | Disco, R&B, Philly soul |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, record producer |
| Years active | 1968–2004 |
| Label | Philadelphia International |
| Formerly of | McFadden & Whitehead |
McFadden and Whitehead wrote many hits for Philadelphia International artists, including the O'Jays and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, and had their own hit with "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" in 1979.[2]
He was the father of both members of the Whitehead Brothers, a mid-1990s duo.
Death
On May 11, 2004, Whitehead was fatally shot, possibly in a case of mistaken identity, while fixing a car outside his home in Philadelphia. Another man with him at the time suffered light injuries from the multiple shots fired by two gunmen, who fled the scene.[3] As of 2025, the murder remains unsolved.[4] Whitehead was 55 years old and had converted to Islam in 1996. He is buried in Mount Moriah Cemetery in Philadelphia.[5]