Big Bank Hank from The Sugarhill Gang Dies at 57

Big Bank Hank, a member of the Sugarhill Gang, whose pioneering hit “Rapper’s Delight” helped bring hip hop to mainstream audiences some 30 something years ago, died today (Nov 11) of complications from cancer.

“Big Bank Hank,” whose real name was Henry Jackson, died early Tuesday in Englewood, New Jersey, according to David Mallie, who manages the two surviving Sugarhill Gang members. He was 57.

Hank handled vocals in the early to middle portion of “Rapper’s Delight, the first rap song to reach the Top 40 on the U.S. Billboard charts.

Released in fall 1979, “Rapper’s Delight” became a novelty hit and a staple at dance clubs well into 1980.

#BigBankHank of #TheSugarhillGang has died today at 57. Hank was suffering from cancer. #RIP

A video posted by OhSoDJ (@ohsodj) on Nov 11, 2014 at 9:17am PST