We were saddened to learn of Angela Bofill’s death. The 70-year-old singer’s melodious voice was a constant presence on urban radio from her debut in 1978 through the 90s. According to Variety, she recorded ten studio albums and sang backup for Diana Ross and Kirk Whalum.
People reported she died at her daughter’s home in Vallejo, California. The singer had suffered two strokes in 2005 and 2006, left partially paralyzed. The Denver Post says Bofill took some years to recover and resumed interviews and appearances but could no longer sing.
According to the Berklee Library, Bofill was born in Brooklyn, NY, to a Cuban father and a Puerto Rican mother. The singer grew up listening to Latin music and earned a Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music. She performed with the Ricardo Marrero & the Group and Dance Theater of Harlem Chorus before being introduced to Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen of the GRP Records, who produced her first record with her two chart-top hits, “This Time I’ll Be Sweeter” and “Under the Moon and Over the Sky.”
Bofill switched to Arista, and her music was considered more R&B, with some crossover pop hits. People might remember her more “I Try.” She often closed her shows with “I’m On Your Side.”
When Bofill was at the height of her career, her manager, Rich Engel, said. “She could hit low notes and could hit high C. Her pitch was perfect.” She had a coveted 3 1/2-octave range.”
Our prayers are with her family. She is survived by her husband, Chris Portuguese, and daughter, Shauna Bofill.
