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Grammy-Nominated Singer Robbie Pardlo Passes Away at 46

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Remembering Robbie Pardlo: A Legacy of Music and Resilience

Robbie Pardlo, a Grammy-nominated singer and former lead vocalist of the R&B group City High, has passed away at the age of 46. His death was confirmed by a representative, who shared that he passed away on July 17 in Willingbro, New Jersey, surrounded by family and close friends. While the exact cause of his death has not yet been disclosed, his family is reportedly planning a memorial service that will be announced in the coming days.

Pardlo gained widespread recognition as part of City High, alongside bandmates Claudette Ortiz and Ryan Toby. The trio rose to fame with their 2001 hit single “What Would You Do?” This track, produced by Wyclef Jean, became an iconic anthem for single parents and resonated deeply with audiences across the country. The song reached number eight on the Billboard Top 100 and earned the group a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group.

The emotional impact of “What Would You Do?” continues to be felt by fans today. Social media has been flooded with tributes from admirers who remember the song as a significant part of their lives. One Instagram user wrote, “RIP ❤️ such a classic and beautiful song,” while another added, “The internet has been playing ‘what would you do’ a lot lately. Hope he felt the love before he left.” Many fans shared nostalgic memories of how the song played a role in their personal stories, highlighting its lasting influence.

Before forming City High, Pardlo had already made a name for himself as a solo artist. He later joined forces with his school friends Ortiz and Toby, creating a musical partnership that would leave a mark on the early 2000s R&B scene. Interestingly, Pardlo and Ortiz were once in a relationship, and Ortiz later married Toby, the other bandmate. Their marriage lasted until 2007, but the bond between the three musicians remained strong.

City High released only one album during their time together, which included another hit single, “Caramel,” featuring rapper Eve. Despite critical acclaim, the group disbanded shortly after the album’s release. Pardlo continued his music career by joining the R&B quartet First Take, where he collaborated with renowned artists like Whitney Houston and Lil Kim.

In 2010, Pardlo appeared in an episode of the documentary series Intervention, where he candidly discussed his struggles with alcoholism and depression following the disbandment of City High. His openness about these challenges demonstrated his courage and willingness to confront personal hardships.

Beyond his music, Pardlo was also known for his passion for sports. As a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, he frequently posted photos of himself cheering for the team on social media. His enthusiasm for the Eagles was evident even ahead of their Super Bowl win this February, when he shared a selfie wearing a team jersey.

Pardlo is survived by his wife, Anika Pardlo, and their two children, Lyric and Chord-Andrew Pardlo. His passing leaves a void in the music world, but his legacy will continue to inspire fans and fellow artists alike.

As more details about his life and career come to light, it is clear that Robbie Pardlo was not only a talented musician but also a resilient individual who faced life's challenges with grace and determination. His contributions to music and his personal story serve as a reminder of the power of art to connect people and transcend time.