We suffered another loss in the entertainment industry. Smooth singer, actor, director, and pioneered game show host Adam Wade passed away Thursday at his home in Montclair, New Jersey. He was 87 years old. According to the Hollywood Reporter, his wife Jeree Wade told them that his passing was followed by a struggle with Parkinson’s disease.

The family released a statement on Facebook…..

“It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of our husband, father, brother, friend, Adam Wade. Arrangements are being made for his memorial and we will keep you updated; it is a great loss for everyone who knew and loved him. Please keep our family in your prayers. With deep sorrow, The Wade Family”.

Wade begin a career as a lab assistant for physician Jonas Salk on the polio research team, where they administered vaccine to children in the Pittsburgh area. During this time, Wade decided to start a recording career and was signed Coed Records in 1959. He achieved a variety of success including three of his songs charting on the Billboard Hot 100 “Take Good Care of Her” (No. 7), “As If I Didn’t Know” (No. 10), and “The Writing on the Wall” (No. 5).

In 1975, Wade became the first African-American to host a television game show, with the premiere of Musical Chairs. He appeared in a number of movies such as Shaft, Crazy Joe, and Claudine. He also starred in popular sitcoms like Sanford & Son, The Jeffersons, What’s Happening!, and he played Willona’s old flame Frank in the classic series Good Times.

Mr. Wade is survived by his wife, Jeree, their four children Ramel, Patrice, Jamel, and Layoya; and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

We lost a talented trailblazer. May he always be in our hearts forever.