The Love Family Prepares for Final Performance at Wichita  Juneteenth

Wichita’s legendary soul-funk group, The Love Family, is preparing to take the stage for the last time, Saturday night at Wichita’s Juneteenth Celebration in McAdams Park. Known for decades of heartfelt, crowd-moving performances, the group has been a cornerstone of Wichita’s music scene. 

According to Bob Love, the now patriarch of the family, this upcoming performance will  mark the end of an era.

A Legacy Rooted in Faith and Family

The Love Family’s story begins with Robert June Love, a gospel singer who toured nationally and recorded alongside his partner Don Levels as the Chess Record signed duo Don & Bob. 

His devotion to faith and music laid the foundation for what would become a multi-generational musical legacy  that passed directly to his eldest son, Rudy Love. 

From an early age, Rudy sang in church choirs and school groups like the Jr. Canaanites, and performed in bands such as Doug and The Intruders and The Jades. A gifted songwriter and musician, Rudy could charm an audience singing about anything—even carpet and furniture—with soulful authenticity.

At just 19, Rudy was invited to Chicago to write for Little Richard, a door that opened to collaborations with Ray Charles, Motown, and Sly Stone. His smooth vocals and charisma earned him respect in both mainstream and underground music circles.

Rudy’s early bands included The Soul Brothers Band and The Company Soul Band. In 1976, they officially became Rudy Love & The Love Family—transforming into a true family band with siblings and relatives performing together. Their unique fusion of gospel roots, soul, and gritty funk drew fans around the globe and solidified their legendary status in Wichita.

Bob Love: Honoring the Journey

Bob Love pondered what the upcoming era ending moment means.

“The remaining members of The Love Family are Peggy and Dennise Love—and myself,” said Bob. “Other members through the years included Gerald Love, cousin Tony Mathews, Tyree Judie, Diane Florence, Ron Wilson, and Avery Richardson

“Only Peggy, Dennise, and I will perform on Saturday,” he added. “We’ll be joined by our niece and nephew, Rochelle and Rudy Love Jr., along with some special friends.”

Now between the ages of 69 and 82, the members have been performing for over five decades. But this final show comes with mixed emotions.

 “It’s just not the same feeling without our leader Rudy,” Bob reflected. “We’ve lost so many—Larry Facuette (congas), Ace Love (vocals), Shirley Love (vocals), Gary Love (sound engineer), Evora Thurman (vocals), and Kenny Joe Love (guitar). All of them are gone.

 “We’re just tired,” he said. We’ve done so many performances in our lives. It’ll probably get emotional at the venue, but right now, it just feels like another gig we’re preparing for.”

 Passing the Torch

Rudy Love passed in 2021, his son Rudy Love Jr. stepped forward to carry the family’s musical torch—infusing it with fresh creativity while honoring its roots. This Juneteenth performance may be the final curtain call for one generation, but it also symbolizes a powerful handoff.

The music, the message, and the spirit of The Love Family live on—proof that while eras end, legacies continue.

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NOTES:  Bob Love sends love and gratitude to all the musicians who’ve been part of The Love Family Band over the years. “There are so many who haven’t been mentioned,” he said. “We love you, and we thank you!”

Bob is also collaborating with writer Ty Davis on an upcoming book documenting his life and the story behind The Love Family. Stay tuned for the release.