Percy Sledge, soul singer, dies aged 73
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Local media reported that Sledge died at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Sledge, who worked as a nurse before trying his hand at music, hit the big time after he recorded debut single ‘When a Man Loves a Woman,’ taking it to top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, and the Billboard R&B Chart.
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Hide AdIt remained on the Hot 100 for two weeks and the R&B chart for six weeks.
The song also made the top 10 in the UK on two occasions, going to number four on its release and number two on its re-release in 1987.
The track was originally released on April 16th, 1966 - 49 years ago this Thursday.
Sledge’s other hits included ‘Warm and Tender Love’, ‘Take Time to Know Her’ and ‘It Tears Me Up’.
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Hide AdHe picked up a number of awards for his music, including a Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Steve Green, of Artists International Management - who represented Sledge - said: “He was a wonderful guy in a terrible business. He was truly a standout.”
‘When a Man Loves a Woman’ was ranked the 53rd greatest song of all time by Rolling Stone magazine.
Sledge is survived by his wife Rose and 12 children.
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