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Donny Gerrard, vocalist with Skylark, whose much-loved 1972 hit, 'Wildflower' has been covered by Johnny Mathis and The O'Jays, has died aged 75

Donny Gerrard, who scored a hit with “Wildflower” as the lead vocalist for the group Skylark, has died. He was 75.

Gerrard provided backup vocals for such stars as Elton John, Mavis Staples, Bette Midler and Neil Diamond.

Pervis Staples, whose tenor voice complimented his father’s and sisters’ in the legendary gospel group The Staple Singers, has died, a spokesman announced Wednesday. He was 85. Pervis Staples died May 6 at his home in Dolton, Illinois, according to Adam Ayers, a spokesman for Staples’ sister, Mavis Staples. The cause of death wasn’t given.…

Pervis Staples, Who Harmonized With the Staple Singers, Dies at 85 He sang alongside his father and sisters as his family’s gospel group achieved renown in the late 1950s and ’60s. The Staple Singers in the 1960s, with Pervis Staples at right and, from left, his father, Roebuck, and his sisters Cleotha and Mavis.Credit...Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images May 14, 2021, 1:31 p.m. ET Pervis Staples, who sang harmony and also provided quieter forms of support during the rise to gospel stardom of his family’s group, the Staple Singers, died on May 6 at his home in Dolton, Ill. He was 85.