Adam Wade: The Velvety Voice of 1960s Soul

A Smooth Rise to Fame

Adam Wade, the legendary American singer, musician, and actor, is best known for his soulful voice and chart-topping hits in the early 1960s. With a style often compared to Johnny Mathis, Wade's smooth, velvety tone captivated audiences and earned him a spot in the music industry's elite.

Early Life and Education

Born on March 17, 1935, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wade was raised by his grandparents in the East Liberty neighborhood. He attended Westinghouse High School, graduating in 1952, before moving on to Virginia State University. Although he dropped out in his sophomore year, Wade's passion for music and performance continued to grow.

A Career in Music and Beyond

Before pursuing a music career, Wade worked as a lab assistant with Dr. Jonas Salk on the polio research team. However, in 1959, he signed with Coed Records, marking the beginning of his successful music career. His first hit, "Ruby," a cover of the 1953 movie song, reached #58 on the charts in early 1960.

Chart-Topping Hits and Albums

Wade's subsequent releases solidified his position in the music industry. In 1961, three of his recordings – "Take Good Care of Her," "As If I Didn't Know," and "The Writing on the Wall" – made the Top Ten in the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with the latter two also reaching the Top Five of Billboard's Easy Listening survey.

• Take Good Care of Her (#7)
• As If I Didn't Know (#10)
• The Writing on the Wall (#5)

Wade released several albums in the UK, including "Adam and Evening" (1961) and "Adam Wade One Is A Lonely Number" (1962). His EP, "And Then Came Adam," was also released in 1960.

Beyond Music: Television and Stage

In 1975, Wade made history as the first African American to host a television game show, "Musical Chairs." He later starred in a stage production of "Guys and Dolls" in 1978 and hosted the talk show "Mid Morning LA." In 1979, he costarred with Della Reese in a production of "Same Time, Next Year."

Inspirations and Legacy

Adam Wade's vocal style was deeply influenced by Nat King Cole, whom he idolized since high school. In an interview with Connecticut Public Radio, Wade recalled, "My father introduced me to Nat's music when I was a kid. He was my idol since high school." Wade's smooth, soulful voice and chart-topping hits left an indelible mark on the music industry. As a trailblazer in the 1960s, he paved the way for future generations of soul and R&B artists.

Remembering Adam Wade

Adam Wade passed away on July 7, 2022, leaving behind a legacy of soulful music and unforgettable performances. His contributions to the music industry and beyond continue to inspire and influence new generations of artists and fans alike.