Another fine voice has passed. Ronnie Hammond, lead vocalist of the Atlanta Ryhthm Section, has died.

Ronnie Hammond Dead of Heart Failure

I can’t say I was a huge fan of the band — but they always had much more oooomph than their languid singles suggested. And Hammond’s voice was smooth and rich, a really lovely thing to hear. Never over-emoted or over-sang anything I ever heard — almost as creamy-textured as a rock Lou Rawls.

Audio only, one of his best vocals and a great low-key groove:

Rest in peace, Mr. Hammond.