R&B Pioneer King Coleman Dies at 78

Carlton "King" Coleman, an influential R&B singer who worked with the likes of B.B. King, Jackie Wilson and James Brown's band, died of heart failure at a hospice in his hometown of Miami, FL on September 11. He was 78.

Coleman rose to fame as the vocalist of the 1959 hit '(Do The) Mashed Potatoes,' for which he was the lead vocalist. Recorded with James Brown's band, the song was originally intended for Brown, according to AP, but a dispute handed the song to Coleman. Coleman went on to release other successful solo hits, including 'Mashed Potato Man' and 'The Boo Boo Song.'

Coleman collaborated and performed around the country with other famous names on the R&B scene, most notably B.B. King and Jackie Wilson. He also made a name for himself as a DJ in Tampa and then Miami. Most recently, he reprised that role with a nighttime show called Nothing But Love on Miami's WMBM. Compilations and re-releases helped keep his music in the spotlight into this decade. Coleman toured as recently as 2005, embarking on a number of East Coast dates. He also worked as an actor, appearing in the movie 'Bad Boys II,' among other films and TV shows.

Coleman's son Tony, who confirmed his death, followed in his father's footsteps, becoming B.B. King's drummer. The younger Coleman said in a statement that he is "proud" to be King Coleman's son. "I'm proud to be working with one of his colleagues. He was one of the originals. He was one of the roots, and I'm one of his fruits."

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