Joseph L. Blunt

Joseph Linwood Blunt, Jr passed away peacefully at his home on March 26, 2024. Born on June 17, 1949, in Newport News, Virginia, he was the son of the late Joseph Blunt, Sr and Reverend Dr. Nan Marie Blunt Brown. An accomplished vocalist, Joe started his professional singing career while still a student at McKinley Tech High School in Washington, DC. He would go on to enjoy a decades-long career in the music industry as a member of several popular R&B/Soul groups, including 'The Chancellors', 'The Instant Groove', 'The True Reflection, and most notably, 'The Drifters'. During his time with the Drifters (1975-1985), Joe sang alongside Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Johnny Moore (Under the Boardwalk) and Ben E. King (Stand by Me). He toured all over Europe, performing to sold out venues, with European Pop Stars such as Elton John, Boy George, George Michael, ABBA and many others. After 10 years with the Drifters, Joe returned to his musical roots as a gospel music performer in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. He also eventually reunited with his childhood friends Glenn Leonard (formerly of the Temptations) and singer/songwriter/theatrical producer Joe Coleman to perform as 'Leonard, Coleman and Blunt'. As a founding member of the vocal trio 'Voices Of Classic Soul', Joe toured extensively all across the country and made dozens of media appearances, singing lead on crowd-pleasing Drifters classics. Among the many awards and accolades Joe received during his music career, Sony Music awarded him the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009 for his service to the music industry. Joe leaves to mourn his passing, his dedicated and loving wife of 47 years, Paula Blunt; his three sons, Joshua Ross, Brian Blunt, Darren Blunt and his 9 grandchildren. He also is mourned by his sister, Linette Adams and brother Alvin Blunt, nieces nephews, and a host of other family members. The family will receive friends on Tuesday April 9, 2024 at Alfred Street Baptist Church, 301 S. Alfred St., Alexandria, Virginia at 10 a.m. until time of his Celebration of Life at 11 a.m.

Joseph L. Blunt

June 17, 1949 - March 26, 2024