Soul music icon Bobby Womack has passed away at the age of 70, a spokesperson from his record label has confirmed to Rolling Stone.
Bobby, born Robert Dwayne Womack in 1944, penned hits for some of the biggest names in music over the course of his decades-spanning career, and appeared on the recordings of stars like Dusty Springfield, Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin.
Bobby Womack
Although his cause of death has not yet been confirmed, the star suffered from a number of illness later in his life, including diabetes and prostate cancer, and was believed to be in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease after it was reported he was struggling to remember his songs and other people’s names.
He also had a much-publicised battle with drug addiction, which the star had said in the past had had a negative effect on his career, causing him to take a long break from the music industry prior to his comeback in 2009.
Bobby Womack first hit the big time as part of the group The Valentinos, going on to enjoy a successful solo career after a spell as a session musician.
He was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall Of Fame in 2009, and unveiled his most recent album ‘The Bravest Man In The Universe’ - his first new release in a decade - in 2012, to critical acclaim.
The album was co-produced by Damon Albarn of Blur, who paid tribute to Bobby on Twitter, after the news of his death broke, writing: “I will see my brother in church.”
Prior to his death, Bobby was working on his 28th album ‘The Best Is Yet To Come’, scheduled for release later this year, which will feature collaborations with Rod Stewart, Snoop Dogg and Stevie Wonder.
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