Billy Scott Dies: Hall Of Fame R&B Singer Passes Away At 70

Billy Scott, a rhythm and blues singer well-known across North and South Carolina for his beach music, died Saturday at his home in Charlotte. He was 70.

According to The Washington Post, Scott, an original 1999 inductee into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame — now located in Kannapolis — died after a battle with pancreatic and liver cancer.

Born in Huntington, West Virgina, Scott — whose birth name is actually Peter Pendleton — started his musical career during his time in the Army, singing with a number of groups during his stint.

After being discharged from the Army in 1964, Billy and his wife Barbara formed the group The Prophets and begin recording music in 1966. Their first gold record was 1968’s “I Got The Fever” and other hits the group produced include “California” and “Seaside Love” as the Georgia Prophets.

In the 70s the Prophets switched up their style slightly and began recording a number of hits in the beach music genre, a regional variant of R&B.

Scott, who would eventually go on to serve as chairman of the Beach Music Association International, was inducted to the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 1999.

After Scott’s passing, The Prophets released a statement on their website which read:

“It is with great sadness to inform you all that Billy Scott passed away … Thanks for all the cards, letters, thoughts, prayers, and financial support. Also thanks to everyone involved in planning upcoming numerous Billy Scott Fundraisers in North and South Carolina to help Gail, his wife with medical expenses.”

In memory of Billy Scott, watch as he performs some of his hit songs with the Party Prophets in the clip below: