Soul singer Charles Bradley has died at 68. The singer was diagnosed with cancerous tumor in his stomach during last year tour. “I will fight through this like I’ve fought through the many other obstacles in my life,” Bradley said of the diagnosis. After undergoing treatment, the cancer returned and spread to his liver, forcing show cancellations in 2017.
Bradley started his professional musical career in 2011, when he released his debut album “No Time for Dreaming”. He spent most of his life in poverty working part-time jobs and singing in cover bands. Details about his life and career beginnings were documented in the 2012 documentary Charles Bradley: Soul of America.
He was famous for his honest and striking shows. He emphasized the importance of making honest music. “If you want to give a show, make it real, and people will listen to you more carefully,” he said. “I’m singing the truth; I put my heart and soul into it. If you’re gonna sing, sing from your heart and the world will hear you.”
Bradley was heard by the world, but only when he was 62. He wasn’t bothered: “It took 62 years for somebody to find me, but I thank God. Some people never get found.”