LOU RAWLS LOSES BATTLE WITH CANCER

Legendary R&B singer Lou Rawls died early Friday morning (January 6th) in Los Angeles at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Rawls, who has been hospitalized since November for treatment for lung and brain cancer, was 72 years-old. The Associated Press reports that Rawls’ estranged wife and manager Nina was at his bedside when he died.

The singer was first diagnosed with lung cancer in December 2004, and had been also battling brain cancer since last May. In addition to his wife, Rawls is survived by three adult children, Louanna, Lou Jr., Kendra Smith, and one year-old Aiden Rawls from his current marriage.

“I hope he is remembered for his music. He’s a name that we’ve been hearing since we were kids you know and so I wish him all the best. Cancer is something that it can be curable you know so it’s like….It’s a tough one. It’s a tough one.”

Rawls began his career in the fifties singing with his classmate Sam Cooke. The singer later embarked on a solo career which included hits like: “Natural Man,” “You’ll Never Find A Love Like Mine,” “Love Is A Hurtin’ Thing,” and “Let Me Be Good To You.”

Prior to Rawls’ death, we spoke to R&B singer Goapele about Rawls’ legacy. She said,