Soul singer Charles Bradley has died from stomach cancer at the age of 68.
The former James Brown impersonator, nicknamed “the screaming eagle of soul” found fame in his later years. He released his first album No Time For Dreaming in 2011, aged 62.
Charles Bradley had recently returned to live performance after receiving treatment for stomach cancer late last year.
The singer’s death comes just two weeks after the remainder of his 2017 tour dates were canceled due to illness.
Charles Bradley spent much of his life working odd jobs as a handyman – and some of it living on the streets, sleeping in subway cars in New York City.
However, he continued to pursue music, having been inspired by James Brown during a performance he saw as a teenager.
Charles Bradley was eventually signed to a New York label in the early 2000s, securing a spot as the opening act on tour for soul revival singer Sharon Jones – who died last year aged 60.
He recorded a string of singles before the release of No Time for Dreaming a decade later. It was named one of Rolling Stone magazine’s best albums of the year.
Charles Bradley’s critical success led to live performances at some of the world’s top music festivals, including Glastonbury, Coachella, and Primavera Sound.
His rags-to-riches story was the subject of the documentary Charles Bradley: Soul of America. It followed Charles Bradley from his initial signing to the record label, living in crippling debt, to his sold-out album release show.
Earlier in September, when announcing the tour’s cancelation, a message attributed to Charles Bradley on his social media accounts said: “I love all of you out there that made my dreams come true.
“When I come back, I’ll come back strong, with God’s love. With God’s will, I’ll be back soon.”
Confirming news of Charles Bradley’s death, his publicist 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.”
