Dean Burton Hummons

Dean Burton Hummons Sr., a gifted musician and cherished member of the Dayton community, departed this life on April 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy rich in rhythm, soul, and love.

Born in Dayton, Ohio, Dean was immersed in music from age 12. A master of the keyboard—organ, piano, and clavinet—and woodwind instruments, he brought passion and precision to every note he played. He was a lifelong fan of Jimmy Smith, an American jazz musician who helped popularize the Hammond B-3 organ, creating a link between jazz and 1960s soul music.

Dean played with several bands throughout his musical career. The first was as the organ/keyboard player with the Dayton Sidewinders, part of the first wave of Dayton funk in the late 1960s. In the early 1970s, Dean also played with singer Jean Lee, then later as a member of the group Overnight Low. 

Dean also played with Walter “Junie” Morrison, who had formed his own group, Junie and Eye. Dean met his wife, Cynthia, while working with Junie. Dean later joined the group Sun, which recorded with Capitol Records from 1976 to 1984. Then Dean and a few other members of Sun left to form the group Dayton, where Dean lent his keyboard talents to their first two albums.

He also contributed to the project Dayton Flic, releasing Takin’ You Back to the Music, a vibrant tribute to classic funk that showcased his enduring creativity alongside longtime collaborators. Dean also served as an audio/recording engineer for Johnnie Wilder Jr., founder and lead vocalist of the international funk group Heatwave, in Wilder’s home-based music studio.

Dean also launched his own full-service recording studio, Dean’s MIDI Madness, where he composed, recorded, mixed, and mastered music for other artists. Dean retired in 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents, Burton and Nelda Hummons, and his brother, Stephen D. Allen. He is deeply missed by his loving wife, Cynthia Renee (Sloan) Hummons, his children, David P. Sloan, Dean B. Hummons Jr., Michael White Sloan, Donald Hummons, and Olivia Hummons. He also leaves behind a beloved circle of grandchildren – Millani King, Khalil Sloan, Khamal Sloan, Dhani Sloan, Michael Sloan Jr., Maciah Byrd, Mason Sloan, and Crew Benedict; a niece, Shelley Allen; and extended family.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, at Central State University-Dayton, 840 Germantown St., Dayton, Ohio, 45402.

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