The ‘Screaming Eagle of Soul’ was diagnosed with stomach cancer in October 2016.

Soul singer Charles Bradley has died aged 68.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Charles Bradley,” reads a post on Bradley’s Facebook page last night (September 23). “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.”

The Florida-born singer was first diagnosed with stomach cancer last year and forced to cancel his remaining 2016 tour dates, after spending most of that year on the road in support of final album Changes. Earlier this month, he was forced to cancel another series of live dates after the cancer returned and spread from his stomach to his liver.

Despite enjoying a career in music since the ‘60s, the ‘Screaming Eagle of Soul,’ as he was known for his emotionally-charged performances, didn’t find success until 2011, at the age of 62, with the release of his breakout debut album No Time For Dreaming. The LP came in the wake of Soul of America, a documentary about Bradley that traced his Florida origins and homelessness to his eventual discovery by Daptone Records.

Bradley followed No Time For Dreaming with 2013’s Victim Of Love and his final, essential album, Changes, which was released in 2016. Watch our emotional interview with Bradley at South by Southwest last year, where he reflects on the “true, deep down” of that album, including how he made peace with his mother close to her death.

El-P, Questlove and Neko Case are among the artists who have paid tribute to Bradley on social media.

Respect to Brother Charles. So Much Soul.

A post shared by Questlove Gomez (@questlove) on

A representative for Bradley has asked for donations to be made in his name to the All-Stars Project and Music Unites.

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