(Getty Images)
R&B singer Percy Sledge died Tuesday morning at his Baton Rouge, Louisiana home after a long battle with cancer. He was 73. Sledge’s longtime agent, Steve Green, confirmed the news.
The singer, who earned the nickname “The King of Slow Soul,” was best known for his 1966 hit “When A Man Loves A Woman.” According to Sledge’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bio, the song was based off a real-life experience when a girl left Sledge for another man. The song was originally called “Why Did You Leave Me, Baby?” but eventually evolved into “When A Man Loves A Woman.”
The single reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the Billboard R&B chart. It was famously covered by Michael Bolton in 1991. Bolton’s version of the song also proved to be a huge hit, reaching No. 1 on the charts and appearing on more than 20 movie soundtracks. Thursday will mark the 49th anniversary of Sledge’s classic hit.
The singer continued to perform and make music up until last year. Sledge’s other hit songs include “Take Time To Know Her,” “Warm and Tender Love,” and “It Tears Me Up.” He is survived by his wife and children.
