Fall 2K5 NEWS

[CrimsonTide4]

I used to love their songs


Surface Singer David Townsend Found Dead
Date: Monday, October 31, 2005
By: PRWeb

Vocalist/writer/producer David Townsend from the '80s vocal trio Surface, known for such lush ballads as "Happy," "Closer Than Friends," "Shower Me With Your Love" and "The First Time," was found dead inside his Northridge, California home Wednesday night by a close friend.

The cause of death was unknown. Townsend was 50.

Townsend was the son of the late songwriter/producer Ed Townsend, who was responsible for co-writing "Let's Get It On" by the late great Marvin Gaye and had his own solo hit, "For Your Love" back in 1958. David Townsend followed his father's footsteps and wrote, produced and performed with numerous artists over the past three decades. These artists included The Isley Brothers, Sister Sledge, New Edition, Rebbie Jackson, Jermaine Jackson and the legendary Aretha Franklin.

Randy Lopez, a spokesman for RDMJ Entertainment Management, Surface's management, released a statement early this morning. "We are all shocked and saddened by the sudden death of David Townsend. He was one of the most down to earth and nicest persons. He was such a great producer and a major talent. We will miss him."

The group's surviving members, Bernard Jackson and David "Pic" Conley, released a statement that read, "We are both shocked and very saddened by our loss of our close friend David. He was a great producer, songwriter and a great friend. We will miss him. We also want to say thank you to all our fans around the world for their love and support during this difficult time."

Funeral arrangements are as follows; the service is open to the public.

Thursday, November, 3, 2005 @ 3 p.m.
Inglewood Mortuary
3801 W. Manchester Blvd.
Inglewood, CA
(310) 412-6811