John Forté, who collaborated with the Fugees and Wyclef Jean, has died at the age of 50 in Chilmark, Massachusetts. That community is on Martha's Vineyard. According to the Associated Press, "He was found dead Monday afternoon [January 12] in his home...." The cause of Forté's death is under investigation. Forté leaves his wife, Lara Fuller, and their children, Haile and Wren.
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Forté distinguished himself musically by working alongside Wyclef Jean on The Carnival and with the Fugees on The Score. His solo efforts included I John and Poly Sci.
He Thought Highly of Carly Simon and Her Two Children
Another artist in Forté's circle was iconic singer Carly Simon. Her son, Ben Taylor, and daughter, Sally Taylor, were also close to Forté. (Their father is James Taylor.) In a 2010 interview with The Vineyard Gazette prior to a concert he gave with Simon and her two children, Forté said this. "I'm up there with my family. We fight and we love like any other family, but this is my family. So when I'm up there I don't feel like an anomaly. I don't feel like a fish out of water."
Artists Are Praising John Forté
On Instagram, Wyclef Jean honored Forté with this comment. "This one hurts my brother @john_forte has joined the Angels legends never Die look at the smile R I P my Refugee brother"
Actor and rapper Pras of the Fugees wrote in part on his Instagram Stories, "John was more than a collaborator - he was family. we came up together in an era when hip-hop was about pushing boundaries, telling real stories, and creating something that mattered. His talent as a writer, producer, and artist was undeniable. Anyone who heard his work knew they were in the presence of someone special. I'm glad I got to share the star with him one last time."
Forté Was Arrested 26 Years Ago
Forté ran afoul of the law in 2000 when he was arrested. The incident took place at Newark International Airport. The music maker was "charged with possession of liquid cocaine and drug trafficking," per the AP. He got a 14-year prison sentence, but it was commuted after about half that time by President George W. Bush. Carly Simon was one of those who pushed for Forté's freedom. It seems that while he was alive, a lot of people had his back. He will be missed dearly.
