Samuel Salter (February 16, 1975) was an American R&B singer from Los Angeles, California. The second of seven children, he began singing at his local church inspired by the likes of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. After one of his demo tapes made it to LaFace Records’ L.A. Reid, Sam Salter was signed to the label in 1997 and quickly started working on his studio debut with producer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. Featuring additional production by Tricky Stewart, Laney Stewart, Tony Rich, Robin Thicke, and Gordon Chambers, his first full-length It’s On Tonight saw the light in September 1997 and climbed to Number 199 on the Billboard 200. Subsequently, two of the album’s singles—"After 12, Before 6” and “There You Are”—entered the Billboard Hot 100 at Number 51 and 57, respectively. Around this time, he also worked as a songwriter, penning songs for 98 Degrees, Aaron Skyy, and Kandi Burruss. In 1999, Sam Salter released the single “Once My Sh.. (Always My Sh..)” as a teaser from his upcoming sophomore effort, Little Black Book. The album was eventually shelved due to label issues but some of its songs were later recorded by Boyz II Men (“Color of Love”) and Sisqó, who had a Number 1 hit with “Incomplete.” In 2008, Sam Salter planned to release his third album Strictly 4 the Bedroom but it would also end up being shelved. He spent the following years collaborating with artists such as Klé, Rayviss, Solé & Shae Jones, and Rich Moolah & Andiel before passing away on August 27, 2021, at the age of 46.
