Robert "Bob" Kuban, a famed St. Louis musician known worldwide for a lone 1966 hit, died on Monday at age 84, according to his family.

Kuban's 1966 pop hit "The Cheater" landed him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His family remembered him as an influential musician from humble beginnings.

"He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. We encourage those impacted by Bob and his musical legacy to share their memories," the Kuban family said in a statement.

During his long career, Kuban performed alongside famed musicians including Chuck Berry, Ike and Tina Turner, Little Richard, The Four Tops, The Temptations, The Beach Boys and more.

But he started his life in north St. Louis County, the son of a secretary and a milkman. Kuban would go on to describe himself as "a North County guy," his family said.

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Kuban first showed an interest in music, particularly drums, at age 9. But his school didn't have a music program and his parents couldn't afford private lessons. He got his first musical experience when Berry, a famous St. Louis musician, visited his school and asked if anyone could play drums. Kuban's friends volunteered him, and he played drums for 10 minutes on stage.

Berry asked him how long he had been playing drums. Kuban said, "10 minutes."

Berry helped launch Kuban's career. Early on, Kuban performed at Teen Town, a popular dance spot for teenagers in St. Louis, where he gained popularity. He went on to play at events throughout the St. Louis region.

In 1966, Kuban and his band's "The Cheater" climbed to No. 12 on the Billboard charts. The band, Bob Kuban and the In-Men, appeared on the TV show "American Bandstand" with Dick Clark. The song also became a No. 1 hit in Australia.

Meanwhile, Kuban had another job as a music teacher and band director at Bishop DuBourg High School, where he worked until 1970.

Kuban and his band made two other top hits: "The Teaser" and a cover of The Beatles' song "Drive My Car." In 2015, he was inducted into the St. Louis Classic Rock Hall of Fame.

Kuban died early Monday morning, surrounded by family, following complications from a stroke.

Funeral services were pending as of Monday afternoon.

View life in St. Louis through the Post-Dispatch photographers' lenses. Edited by Jenna Jones.

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