Robert John, the Voice Behind the '70s Hit 'Sad Eyes,' Dies at 79

Mar. 15, 2025

Robert John in 1970.Photo:Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

Robert John, the singer-songwriter behind the chart-topping hit “Sad Eyes,” has died. He was 79.

John’s son Michael Pedrickconfirmed the news of his death toRolling Stone. John died on Monday, Feb. 24 and there was no immediate cause of death. However, the musician was still recovering from a stroke he experienced several years ago.

“He was a really great dad,” Pedrick told the outlet.

John, who is widely known for “Sad Eyes,” entered theBillboardHot 100 on May 19, 1979 and topped the charts 20 weeks later with the ballad.

“I look at the charts and see my name, but I still have trouble believing it’s really me,” John toldRolling Stoneat the time. “I didn’t think the song would be the first single from the album. It’s a ballad and I thought the company was crazy to release it.”

Around that time, he also worked as a producer and background vocalist, perRolling Stone.Then, in 1972, his rendition of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” rose to No. 3 on the Hot 100.

Robert John and Peaches & Herb in January 1980 at the American Music Awards.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

However, despite his success on single releases, it wasn’t enough for record companies.

“[Atlantic] didn’t have enough faith to let me do an album,” John told the outlet. “I decided if that’s what happens after a [hit] song, then I just was’t going to sing anymore.”

John went on to write for Motown before producer George Tobin reached out to him to reconnect in 1978. During their time together, “Sad Eyes” was born. The single went on to earn him a Grammy nomination for best pop vocal performance.

In 1979, John recorded a self-titled album that largely consisted of pop-disco tracks. The following year, he recordedBack on the Street, his final album.

source: people.com