Friends Remember The Gap Band Founder Ronnie Wilson

He was one of the founding members of the Gap Band, which is widely considered one of the most influential funk bands in the world.

Brothers Charlie, Robert, and Ronnie Wilson were born and raised in Tulsa and that's where they created their unique funk music. The band started in Tulsa in 1967 and Ronnie was one of the founding members.

"Gap band wasn't always the three brothers," said Bobby Eaton. "It was a 9-piece machine at one time. Several people developed that group."

Bobby Eaton owns a radio station in Tulsa and was in a band himself. He knew musician Ronnie Wilson well.

"Not only was he a trumpet player, but he was also a songwriter, a producer, he did it all," Eaton said.

Two of those original band members were Ray D Rowe and Chris Clayton.

They were at Ray's house when they came up with the band's name as a joke, The Greenwood, Archer Pine Street Band, which was shortened to GAP.

"We had a lot of fun playing together and traveling together," said Ray D Rowe.

Ronnie's brothers joined the band later, and the band toured alongside Leon Russell and the Rolling Stones.

"Two trumpets and an electronic saxophone made a unique sound," said Rowe.

Clayton graduated from Booker T Washington with Ronnie in 1966.

He describes Ronnie as an extremely talented musician who loved the Lord and his family.

"He always had that pizazz about him," said Chris Clayton. "People were attracted to his personality."

Ronnie played several instruments and sang. He also wrote songs like the hit "Yearning for your Love."

"He touched a lot of hearts," Clayton said. "He was a minister too."

Eaton said Ronnie is a musical legend and icon.

He was 73, when he died with his wife Linda by his side, after having a stroke. Eaton said it's a heartbreaking loss for the community, but Ronnie's influence on music and people is here to stay.

"His legacy will live on forever," Eaton said.