The vocalist gained notoriety and a Grammy nomination with her band the Dap-Kings, died after battling pancreatic cancer.
American Soul and Funk singer Sharon Jones has died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 60. The vocalist gained notoriety and a Grammy nomination with her band the Dap-Kings.
“We are deeply saddened to announce Sharon Jones passed away today after a heroic battle against pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by her loved ones, including the Dap-Kings,” her representatives said in a statement.
We are deeply saddened to announce Sharon Jones passed away today. More details at https://t.co/D4nHMbOIgepic.twitter.com/pWmP9IDL2m
— The Dap-Kings (@The_DapKings) November 19, 2016
Tributes poured in from industry titans such as Nile Rodgers who said she was ‘mighty’ and Chaka Khan who said “She was the real deal in this industry. 2016 you’ve been awful”.
#RIPSharonJones – You are incredible and mighty. Condolences to your family.
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) November 19, 2016
This year has seen many famous faces pass away, including David Bowie, Leonard Cohen and Prince with whom Sharon Jones sang. Prince hired her and the Dap-Kings to open for him in 2011 at Madison Square Garden.