Hot News: Bobby Womack dies aged 70

The cause of death is currently unknown

The soul singer Bobby Womack has died aged 70, according to reports.

Rumours of Womack's death had been circulating for a week on the internet but had been ruled out as a hoax. Now, Rolling Stone reports that a representative for Womack's label XL Recordings has confirmed the singer's death. The cause of death is currently unknown.

Known for hits including 1972's 'Across 110th Street', Womack's career spanned seven decades. He released his first single in 1954. Womack enjoyed a renaissance in recent years, appearing on Gorillaz track 'Stylo' from the band's third album, 'Plastic Beach'. This association with Damon Albarn led to him producing Womack's 2012 album 'The Bravest Man In The Universe', which was released by XL. He appeared at Glastonbury Festival in 2013.

Womack's health had suffered in recent years; he'd been treated for colon cancer and in 2013 told fans he had 'signs of Alzheimer's'. In spite of this, he had reportedly been working with Snoop Dogg and Stevie Wonder on new material.

Ronald Isley of The Isley Brothers has tweeted about his 'long time friend'. He wrote: 'I am sad to hear of the passing of my long time friend Bobby Womack. He was a special person with a special talent. I will truly miss him.'

I am sad to hear of the passing of my long time friend Bobby Womack. He was a special person with a special talent. I will truly miss him.— Ronald Isley (@TheRealRonIsley) June 27, 2014

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