MACON, Ga. — Macon musician Arthur “Bo” Ponder died of natural causes on Saturday, according to Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones. He was 77 years old.
“Great guy, great musician,” Jones said.
His nearly 60 year career as a singer, songwriter and recording artist started when he was just 16-years old.
Ponder’s most famous work was as the lead artist of the band Johnny Jenkins and the Pine Toppers. He took over after Otis Redding began his solo career.
As a teenager, Ponder took over for Redding and stayed with the band for some time. Years later, he became a recording artist and released “Dr. Strange Love,” a moderate hit record he made with Phil Walden’s Capricorn label in 1969.
He’s also released other songs including “My Love,” “Sexy Lady,” and “Baby I’m For Real.” His most recent album, “The Prince of Georgia Soul,” was released in 2022.
Eventually, he worked as the lead singer for a new band, “Sideshow,” which formed in 1985. This group, in 1987, represented Macon during memorial ceremonies in Madison, Wisconsin for Redding. Ponder’s group performed all of Redding’s music.
In 1995, Ponder was included in the archives of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame Museum. The exhibit in his name featured photos and publicity material that represented his life and career.
He’s also opened and performed at several events even into the 2000’s, including the Cherry Blossom Festival as recently as 2023. He performed there in 2008 and 2010 as well.
Ponder performed at a Georgia Jubilee Festival and Georgia Music Hall of Fame sponsored event, “Do You Like Soul Music,” where he served as a featured artist.
He opened for the “Architect of Rock & Roll," Little Richard at the opening of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame Museum.