Classic Rock Q107 Remembers ‘Ohio’ Frontman Leroy Bonner [VIDEO]

Fi-er, BUMP, BUMP, BUMP, BUMP, BUMP, BUMP...

Those immortal lyrics sung by lead singer Leroy "Sugarfoot' Bonner are now silent. Most classic rockers, although true to the hard edge, still find time to appreciate the heart and soul of middle '70s quasi funk/disco, and the Ohio Players were the connoisseur of music during their time.

Peaking in 1975 with "Love Rollercoaster", it was 1974's "Fire" that put the Players on the road map to the music hall of fame, and behind the microphone, 'Sugarfoot' was the Ohio native screaming out psychedelic dance moves while wearing outrageous stage gear.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers covered "Rollercoaster" in 1996, and a new legion of Ohio Players followers emerged, cementing the group into immortality singing sensations.

Leroy Bonner was 69 years old. You can see him performing his Jimi Hendrix-esqe guitar licks here from 1974 beginning at about the 47 second mark:

Here's the Red Hot Chili Peppers video of "Love Rollercoaster" (1996):