Cavin Yarbrough Death: Yarbrough & Peoples Singer Dies at 72
- Cavin Yarbrough, one-half of the R&B duo Yarbrough & Peoples, died at age 72.
- Yarbrough and Peoples achieved fame with thier 1981 hit, "Don't Stop the Music," which topped Billboard's R&B chart and earned a Grammy nomination.
- Michele Elyzabeth, a friend and representative, said Yarbrough's legacy would live on through his music and memories.
Cavin yarbrough, the voice behind the chart-topping R&B hit “Don’t Stop the Music” and one-half of the iconic duo Yarbrough & Peoples, has died at the age of 72.This news marks the end of an era for fans of 80s R&B and funk. Yarbrough’s musical role extended beyond the iconic song, with the duo garnering four more top 10 R&B hits. He, along with his partner Alisa peoples, received prestigious honors in Dallas. Featuring updates and more, stay informed with news Directory 3. His contributions will continue to be celebrated. Discover what’s next for Yarbrough & Peoples music.
Cavin Yarbrough, of R&B Duo Yarbrough & Peoples, dies at 72
Updated June 21, 2025
Cavin Yarbrough, one-half of the R&B duo Yarbrough & Peoples, died at age 72. His death resulted from complications related to heart disease, according to his wife and musical partner, Alisa Peoples.
Yarbrough and Peoples achieved fame with thier 1981 hit, ”Don’t Stop the Music,” which topped Billboard’s R&B chart and earned a Grammy nomination. The song remains a popular dance and funk staple. The duo’s musical role extended beyond that single, with four more top 10 R&B hits to their credit.
Michele Elyzabeth, a friend and representative, said Yarbrough’s legacy would live on through his music and memories. She described him as an extraordinary talent with a kind heart.
Born in Dallas, TX, Yarbrough met Peoples during childhood piano lessons. He later toured with Leon Russell’s band, which included members who formed The Gap Band. The Wilson brothers introduced Yarbrough and Peoples to Lonnie Simmons, who signed them to Total experience Records. The duo then relocated to Los Angeles and began performing in clubs.
Their debut album, “The Two of us,” featured “Don’t Stop the Music,” which peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song displaced The Gap Band’s “Burn Rubber on Me (why You Wanna Hurt Me)” from the top R&B spot.
The duo followed up with hits including “heartbeats,” “Don’t Waste Your Time,” “Guilty,” and “I Wouldn’t Lie.” After their final album for Total experience/RCA, Yarbrough and Peoples married, moved back to Dallas, and became music directors at their church.
In 2021, Yarbrough and Peoples received honors at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters in Dallas, celebrating the 40th anniversary of “Don’t Stop The Music.” Tributes came from the mayor of Dallas and the state of Texas.
What’s next
Yarbrough’s contribution to 1980s R&B and funk will continue to be celebrated, ensuring his musical role remains influential for future generations.