Robert “Bob” Kuban, a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer best remembered for his 1966 hit “The Cheater,” has passed away.
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The St. Louis musician died on Monday, Jan. 20, surrounded by his family, after experiencing complications from a stroke, his family shared. Kuban was 84 years old.
“We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Bob Kuban, a St. Louis musical legend who entertained generations of St. Louisans,” his family wrote in the statement. “Bob died peacefully in his sleep following complications from a stroke. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. We encourage those impacted by Bob and his musical legacy to share their memories.”
Rest in Paradise to a St Louis Legend. Bob Kuban has passed away at the age of 84. pic.twitter.com/SxrKmn3MnY
— Augie Nash (@AugieNash) January 21, 2025
Kuban was born on August 19, 1940, and began his music career at the age of nine. When Chuck Berry visited his school, he asked if anyone could play drums. Kuban’s friends volunteered him, and although he had never played before, he managed to drum for 10 minutes.
“You did a good job! How long have you been playing?” Berry, according to the family’s statement, asked the young Kuban.
“Ten minutes,” the nine year old shot back.
Bob Kuban Performed with Legends Like Tina Turner, Little Richard, and The Beach Boys
Berry helped jumpstart Kuban’s career, which went on to span decades. Over the years, Kuban performed with legendary artists like Ike and Tina Turner, Little Richard, The Four Tops, The Temptations, and The Beach Boys.
Kuban’s rise to fame hit a high note in 1966 when he and his eight-piece band, Bob Kuban and the In-Men, released their breakout hit, “The Cheater.” The song climbed to No. 12 on the Billboard charts and reached No. 1 in Australia.
“The Cheater” later earned a place in music history, joining the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s permanent exhibit celebrating One Hit Wonders.
While some may call being labeled a “one-hit wonder” dubious, Kuban took it all in stride.
“I don’t regard it as a put-down because I say I would rather have one hit than no hits,” Kuban reasoned, per the family’s statement. “I would rather be a one-hit wonder than a no-hit wonder. There’s a million groups out there that are no-hit wonders. That sort of shuts ’em up right there.”
That said, Kuban managed to chart outside of “The Cheater.” During his career, he achieved two additional Top 100 hits: “The Teaser,” which reached No. 70, and a rendition of the Lennon-McCartney classic “Drive My Car,” which climbed to No. 83.
Kuban is survived by his family and friends, including his sister and several great-grandchildren.