Charles Bradley, the legendary soul singer and a late-in-life headliner, died on Saturday in Brooklyn. He was 68.
The news comes just days after the 'Changes' star cancelled his US tour, which was scheduled to continue until New Year's Eve, due to a cancer relapse, according to The Independent.
A statement shared on his official Twitter page read, "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Charles Bradley. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
As tributes began to pour in following the news, Soul legend Otis Redding thanked Charles Bradley for his 'inspiration' in a touching tribute to the singer.
"RIP, CharlesBradley. Thank you for the inspiration & for sharing your soul. You will be greatly missed. - Team Otis," he wrote.
The singer did not reach mainstream fame until his later years, releasing his debut album 'No Time for Dancing' in 2011, followed by 'Victim Of Love' in 2013 and 'Changes' last year.
An extended statement was shared on Bradley's Facebook page, which said, "Mr. Bradley was truly grateful for all the love he's received from his fans and we hope his message of love is remembered and carried on."
Earlier this month, it was announced that he had cancelled his tour as he was diagnosed with stomach cancer last fall.
Charles Edward Bradley was born on November 5, 1948, in Gainesville, Fla., to a single mother.
He was raised by his grandmother until he was 8, when his mother returned and moved with him to Brooklyn with her.
By his early teens, he was largely homeless, living on subway trains and in old cars, wherever he could find shelter.
Bradley went on to find work through the Job Corps program, moving between Virginia, New Jersey, Maine and upstate New York, and eventually found his way to California.
He soon began performing Brown's songs as Black Velvet while also working as a handyman.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
