Sad news out of the world of R&B. Singer/songwriter/musician William Shelby, who played a key role in two classic R&B groups, first as a co-founder of Dynasty and later as a member of Lakeside, has died. Lakeside founding member Steve Shockley confirmed Shelby’s death via a Facebook post. With Dynasty Shelby helped create the singles “I Don’t Want To Be A Freak”, “I’ve Just Begun To Love You” and “Do Me Right.” The band’s hits continued from 1979 through most of the 1980s. Shelby was also a prolific songwriter at this time, co-writing “And The Beat Goes On” and “It’s A Love Thing” for The Whispers as well as “I Can Make You Feel Good” for Shalamar. After Dynasty slowed down, Shelby joined the R&B band Lakeside, whose hits had mostly stopped by then but remained a touring force to this day, with William Shelby an important part of the show. May he rest in peace.