Errol Brown (12 November 1943 – 6 May 2015) was a Jamaican‑born British singer and songwriter best known as the lead voice of the soul‑pop band Hot Chocolate. With a warm, expressive tenor and a knack for memorable hooks, he helped steer the band to international success in the 1970s and 1980s.

Overview and musical style

Brown combined elements of soul, pop and rhythm & blues to create songs that were both radio‑friendly and emotionally direct. His singing was often described as smooth and soulful; his songwriting ranged from upbeat dance numbers to slower, narrative ballads. The accessible production and catchy choruses of many Hot Chocolate records helped the group maintain a steady chart presence for more than a decade.

Notable recordings

  • "You Sexy Thing" — one of the band’s most enduring songs, known for its infectious groove.
  • "Emma" — a dramatic, story‑driven track that showcased Brown’s expressive delivery.
  • "So You Win Again" — a chart‑topping single in the UK that underlined the group’s pop sensibility.
  • "Brother Louie" — another high‑profile hit demonstrating the band’s crossover appeal.

Career and background

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Brown relocated to the United Kingdom as a young man, where he became involved in the vibrant club and recording scene. He formed and led Hot Chocolate, which grew from a club act into a successful recording group. Over the years the band released numerous singles and albums, toured extensively, and attracted audiences across Europe and beyond.

Recognition and later life

Brown received formal recognition for his contribution to popular music and was appointed an MBE. In later years he continued to perform on occasion and to be associated with the legacy of Hot Chocolate. He died at his home in the Bahamas on 6 May 2015, having suffered from liver cancer; reports of his illness and passing were widely reported in the press (death reported).

Brown’s voice and many of Hot Chocolate’s recordings remain in regular circulation on radio, in film and in compilation releases. For further details on his life and the band’s discography consult artist biographies and music histories (biography, band page, song histories, birthplace sources, news reports).