Robert John, the singer whose 1979 hit “Sad Eyes” reached No. 1 in the United States, died on February 24, 2025, at age 79. His son, Michael Pedrick, confirmed the death to Rolling Stone, according to The Independent. No cause of death was announced; John had been recovering from a severe stroke suffered several years earlier, but the stroke was not identified as the cause.
Who was Robert John?
Born Robert John Pedrick Jr. in Brooklyn in 1946, he first recorded as Bobby Pedrick Jr. He began charting as a child and went on to work under several record labels before scoring his best-known success as Robert John. AllMusic’s biography traces his career from his early recordings through work for Atlantic, EMI and Motown.
From child performer to Robert John
In 1958, at age 12, he recorded “White Bucks and Saddle Shoes” as Bobby Pedrick Jr. The single reached No. 74 on the US Billboard chart, according to The Independent. He recorded under different labels through the 1960s and began using the Robert John name in 1968. AllMusic says he signed with Atlantic in 1971.
The hits before “Sad Eyes”
John also found success with “If You Don’t Want My Love” and his cover of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” AllMusic describes the latter as a Top Ten hit; Legacy says it reached No. 3, without specifying the chart and territory. That distinction matters: the No. 3 figure should not be treated as a confirmed peak on a particular Billboard chart.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Why “Sad Eyes” became his signature song
Released in 1979, “Sad Eyes” reached No. 1 in the United States, according to AllMusic and Legacy. Legacy also reports that the song reached the Billboard Top 10 in Australia. The song’s narrator ends an affair when the other person’s partner returns home, as The Independent describes it.
The hit came after a quieter stretch in John’s career. Before working with producer and songwriter George Tobin, John had been working in construction in Long Branch, New Jersey, The Independent reports. “Sad Eyes” appeared on his third, self-titled album, released in 1979. The song received a 1980 Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What happened after the hit?
John later recalled frustration that Atlantic did not give him the opportunity to make an album after his earlier hit. The Independent quoted him, via Rolling Stone: “[Atlantic Records] didn’t have enough faith to let me do an album,” he said. “I decided if that’s what happens after a [hit] song, then I just wasn’t going to sing anymore.”
Legacy counts four albums between 1968 and 1980 and says John largely retired from music after the early 1980s. He did appear at a sold-out 1970s nostalgia concert in 1995. AllMusic lists a 1979 self-titled album in his discography; current availability and physical editions are not established here.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
When did Robert John die, and what was the cause?
John died on February 24, 2025, aged 79. The Independent reported that his son Michael Pedrick confirmed the death to Rolling Stone. The report did not give a cause of death. It noted that John had been recovering from a severe stroke he suffered several years earlier, but did not say the stroke caused his death.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
