REO Speedwagon presents song plaque to sister of George Floyd during Houston prayer vigil

Friday, April 9, 2021

Rock band shares song plaque with George Floyd's sister

Floyd and his sister used to sing the song "Keep On Loving You" to each other, so singer-songwriter Kevin Cronin gave her a keepsake to remember.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A sentimental song that LaTonya Floyd shared with her brother, George Floyd, is the focus of a unique gift presented Friday.

Lead singer and "Keep On Loving You" songwriter Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon gave LaTonya Floyd a plaque commemorating the song's success.

The plaque from the Recording Industry Association of America recognizes the 1981 song's status as a million seller.

The gift was presented at a prayer vigil and rally Friday at the Community of Faith Church in north Houston.

"Members of the band REO Speedwagon learned of the sentimental value that their hit song "Keep on Loving You" held for George Floyd and LaTonya, as they used to sing it to each other," according to the statement. "REO Speedwagon will present LaTonya with their RIAA plaque for the song to commemorate her brother."

The event happened as another day of testimony is taking place in Minneapolis in the trial of the former officer accused of killing Floyd. Derek Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter in connection with his death while in custody in May 2020.