Benny Mardones, who co-wrote and sang 1980 ballad “Into the Night,” has died.
Long time friend and record producer Joel Diamond confirmed the news to EW.
radio segment, it once again hit the charts and reached number 20 on the Hot 100.
There he wrote songs for the likes of Brenda Lee and Tommy James.
Mardones eventually transitioned into a performer himself, opening for Richie Havens on a 1977 tour.
He released his debut albumThank God for Girlsin 1978.
Mardones was praised for his powerhouse voice, which some even compared to operatic in sound and range.
Mardones was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2000, but he continued to perform live until 2017.
He is survived by his wife Jane, son Michael and sister Louise.
