A Legacy of Music and Resilience
Robbie Pardlo, a prominent lead vocalist of the Grammy-nominated R&B group City High, passed away on July 17 in Willingboro, New Jersey, at the age of 46. He was surrounded by his loved ones during his final moments, marking the end of a life filled with music and personal challenges.
Pardlo’s death has been confirmed by his representative, although the cause of his passing remains undisclosed as his family is currently focused on arranging memorials and tributes. His passing has left a void in the music industry and among those who knew him personally.
City High, formed by Pardlo, Claudette Ortiz, and Ryan Toby, rose to fame after their debut single “What Would You Do?” from their 2001 album “City High” received widespread radio play. The group’s success continued with another hit, “Caramel,” featuring Eve, which earned them a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group in 2002.
All three members of City High were originally from Willingboro and graduated from Willingboro High School. The group was signed to Booga Basement, a subsidiary of Interscope Records, co-founded by Jean and producer Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis. Together, they created “What Would You Do?” a song that tackled serious themes such as poverty, sex work, drugs, and child sexual abuse.
After City High disbanded in 2003, Pardlo joined another R&B group called First Take. During this time, he collaborated with renowned artists like Whitney Houston and Lil Kim. He and his bandmate Toby also provided backup vocals for Houston before forming City High.
Pardlo’s struggles with alcohol addiction were highlighted on the A&E show “Intervention,” where his battle with addiction was documented. Following the episode, as reported by Billboard in 2010, Pardlo made positive changes in his life and embarked on a journey toward sobriety.
Pardlo is survived by his wife, Anika Pardlo, his children Lyric and Chord-Andrew Pardlo, his mother, Marion Pardlo, his brother, writer and poet Gregory Pardlo, who won a Pulitzer Prize in 2015 for his book “Digest,” and his aunt, Cynthia Boyer.
Personal Life and Contributions
Beyond his musical career, Pardlo’s personal life reflected a deep connection to his family and community. His brother, Gregory Pardlo, is a celebrated writer and poet, known for his impactful literary work. This family legacy of creativity and resilience adds another layer to Pardlo’s story.
Pardlo’s journey through addiction and recovery serves as an inspiration to many. His openness about his struggles helped raise awareness about the challenges of substance abuse and the importance of support systems.
As tributes pour in from fans and fellow musicians, it’s clear that Pardlo’s influence extends beyond his music. His contributions to the R&B genre and his personal story have left a lasting impact on those who followed his career.
In remembering Robbie Pardlo, it’s essential to recognize not only his achievements but also the personal battles he faced. His life serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of community support in overcoming adversity.
Final Thoughts
The loss of Robbie Pardlo marks the end of an era for fans of City High and the broader music community. His legacy will continue to be celebrated through his music and the memories shared by those who knew him.
As we reflect on his life and career, it’s important to honor the contributions he made to the world of R&B and the personal strength he demonstrated throughout his journey. Pardlo’s story is one of talent, resilience, and the enduring impact of love and support.
