Robert “Bob” Kuban, the beloved St. Louis musician and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025, surrounded by his family after complications from a stroke. Born on August 19, 1940, Kuban rose from humble beginnings in St. Louis to become a renowned figure in the music industry, performing alongside legendary artists such as Chuck Berry, Ike & Tina Turner, Little Richard, The Four Tops, The Temptations, The Righteous Brothers, The Turtles, The Drifters, and The Beach Boys.
In 1966, Bob Kuban and his band, Bob Kuban and the In-Men, gained significant recognition with their Top 40 hit “The Cheater,” which reached #12 on the Billboard charts. They even appeared on *American Bandstand* with Dick Clark, a moment Kuban described as one of the greatest achievements of his career.
Kuban spent much of his life in the St. Louis area, particularly in St. Ann and Bellefontaine Neighbors. His music touched the hearts of thousands, performing at local venues like Club Imperial, Gaslight Square, and the S.S. Admiral, as well as at major St. Louis events such as Cardinal games, community concerts, proms, and private functions.
Kuban is survived by his partner Juanita Wheeler, his sister Madonna “Donna” Kuban, and his late brother Larry Kuban, along with many family members, including his granddaughter Finnley Hope, great-grandchildren Stella Hope and Edison Drier, and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and fans. He was a member of Ascension Catholic Church in Chesterfield. His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of his loved ones and the St. Louis community.