Angela Bofill, ‘I Try’ Singer, Dies at 70
Angela Bofill, the R&B singer behind the hits “I Try,” “I’m on Your Side” and “This Time I’ll Be Sweeter,” has died. She was 70.
Bofill died Thursday at her daughter’s home in Vallejo, Calif., a rep for the performer told People.
News of her death was also shared in a post on her official Facebook page, stating: “On behalf of my dear friend Angie, I am saddened to announce her passing on the morning of June 13th.”
A subsequent post, which was signed by her manger Rich Engel, added, “Just to clear up the confusion. On behalf of Shauna Bofill, husband Chris Portuguese, we are saddened but must report that the passing of Angela yesterday is indeed true. We thank Melba Moore and Maysa for their early condolences. Thanks for your many posts.”
A New York native and of Cuban-Puerto Rican descent, Bofill started her professional career as a singer when she was a teenager in the early 1970s. She grew up listening to Latin music and was also inspired by Black performers. She attended the Manhattan School of Music, receiving a Bachelor of Music degree in 1976.
Her first album, “Angie,” was released in 1978 and included her chart single “This Time I’ll Be Sweeter” and jazz composition “Under the Moon and Over the Sky.” Not even a year later, she released a second album: “Angel of the Night.” The album included songs like “What I Wouldn’t Do (For the Love of You)” and “I Try.” She was one of the first Latina singers to find success in the R&B and jazz markets.
Bofill released 10 studio albums throughout her career, and also provided backing vocals on albums for singers like Diana Ross and Kirk Whalum. She was also inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame last year.
She is survived by her husband, Chris Portuguese, and daughter, Shauna Bofill.
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