Robbie Pardlo Death: City High Member Dies At 46
singer-robbie-pardlo-dead/” title=”… lead … Robbie Pardlo dead at 46 – New York Daily News”>Robbie Pardlo, City High singer, Dies at 46
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Willingboro, NJ – Robbie Pardlo, a beloved member of the R&B trio City high, has passed away at the age of 46. The news was confirmed by a representative close to the singer, who shared that Pardlo was surrounded by family and friends in his final moments. He was pronounced dead on thursday, July 17, in Willingboro, New Jersey. The cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed.
A Star Rises with City High
City High, comprised of Robbie Pardlo, Ryan Toby, and Claudette Ortiz, made a significant impact on the music scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Their self-titled debut album, released in May 2001, garnered critical acclaim, largely propelled by their Wyclef Jean-produced hit single, “What would You Do?”
The Iconic “What Would You Do?”
The powerful track “What Would You Do?” was initially featured in the 1999 film Life, starring Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence. It wasn’t until the release of their debut album in 2001 that the song became widely available to the public. According to Billboard, the single soared to reach No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, solidifying City High’s place in contemporary R&B.
Chart Success and Grammy Recognition
Beyond their signature song,City High released two more singles: “Caramel,” which climbed to No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100,and “City High Anthem.” While “City High Anthem” did not achieve the same chart success, the group’s debut album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance By A Duo or Group and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The Group’s Journey and Disbandment
Despite their promising start and critical recognition, the trio disbanded while working on their second album. In a 2020 interview, Ryan Toby explained that the sophomore project “wasn’t as good as the first album” and felt “a little rushed.” He cited internal group dynamics, stating, “There was some turmoil in the group; the vibe and chemistry were off. We decided to walk away.”
The family of Robbie Pardlo is currently making arrangements for his memorial service, the details of which are yet to be announced. His passing leaves a void in the R&B community, and his contributions to music will be remembered.