R&B Legend, Buffalo Grove Resident Joe Simon Dead At 85

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Nicknamed "The Mouth of the South," Joe Simon — an R&B singer turned ordained minister — charted 51 U.S. pop and R&B hits between 1964 and 1981. The longtime Buffalo Grove resident died on Dec. 13 at the age of 85.

In 1970, Simon received a Grammy Award for "Best Male R&B Vocal Performance." Over his musical career, Simon amassed songs in the Pop Top 40 eight times and 38 times in the R&B Top 40, including three No. 1 hits and three gold records, according to his obituary.

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Following his prolific music career, he started Bishop Joe Simon Ministries, a not-for profit organization out of Buffalo Grove that provides charitable services and community outreach. Through his organization, Simon established educational opportunities, transportation and support for underserved youth.

Simon was born on Sept. 7, 1936, in Simmesport, Louisiana, to Meria and Nelse Simon. At a young age, he headed to California to pursue a solo singing career. In 1964, he debuted his first major hit single with the song “My Adorable One.” This was quickly accompanied by other fan favorites such as “Teenager’s Prayer,” “Hangin’ On” and “The Chokin’ Kind.”

Following the Grammy win, Simon had the No. 3 R&B hit, "Drowning in the Sea of Love," which became his second gold record in 1971. The following year, Simon hit No. 1 on the R&B charts with the hit single, “The Power of Love,” which earned him another gold record.

Simon also wrote the theme song for the movie "Cleopatra Jones" in 1973. A steady stream of hits eventually landed Simon at No. 8 on the Hot 100 and another No. 1 hit (his third) on the R&B charts with the 1975 song “Get Down, Get Down.”

In 1999, Simon was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Foundation and honored with its Pioneer Award for his music, according to his obituary. He has also been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. On Aug. 24, 2017, a portion of the Louisiana Highway that runs through Simmesport was named Joe Simon Boulevard. At the reception, Simon was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, making him the first artist to be inducted into a religious and secular music hall of fame.

Simon was an active leader in the fight for civil rights and promoted justice and equality around the world. He worked closely with the members of the World Conference of Mayors, the Mission Consortium of Churches, and was instrumental in establishing programs to provide access to fair housing for underprivileged families in Texas. Simon also supported the important work of the National Congress of Black Women Inc. and played a vital role in the victories of President Barack Obama during the national elections.

"His philanthropic life serves as a reminder to us all to trust in God, put others first, laugh as much as possible, and spread joy daily," reads his obituary.

Simon was a "loving, caring and kind man with a quick-witted sense of humor." He was affectionately called “Poppy” by all of his children, and he loved to call them nicknames. His loving family includes his wife, Melinee Simon; his children, Derby Simon, Melinee Simon Wilson, Valerie Ducksworth (Harry), Denice Simon, Kelly “Ms. Grouch” Simon, and Joshua “Spickum” Simon; sisters, Gertrude Simon Keller Davis, Louise Simon Bradford, and Gayle Simon Daniel [deceased]; brother, Roy Simon; grandchildren, Darienne Ducksworth, David Simon (Lara), Danyele Wilson, Kelsey Ndour (Maurice) and Chandler “The Feature” Levingston Simon; great grandchildren, Barry Isiah “Lamont” Hall, Jayden “Mr. Prez” Simon, Jaxson “Last-Train-To-Jacksonville” Simon, Jorden “Judge” Simon, Juniper “Reeby” Ndour, Channing Martinez, Irie Ndour, Angel Simon and Josiah Simon; and a host of nieces, nephews and other family.

"He will be greatly missed by all, but his voice, his laugh and his legacy will live on," reads his obituary.

A funeral service, being handled by Donnellan Family Funeral Services, is planned for 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22, at Victory Cathedral Worship Center, 369 N. Weber Road, Bolingbrook. Interment immediately follows the service at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 2501 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights.

Read Joe Simon's complete obituary here.