STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Bobby Womack Has Died

The legendary soul singer passed away at the age of 70.

Bobby Womack died Friday at age 70, a representative for Womack's label XL Recordings confirmed. The cause of death was currently unknown and no further details were provided.

The legendary soul singer began his career as a member of Curtis Womack and the Womack Brothers with his brothers Curtis, Harry, Cecil and Friendly. The group released a handful of gospel singles before changing their name to the Valentinos and focusing on a more soul and pop sound.

The singer struggled with drug addiction throughout the 1980s, eventually checking himself into a rehabilitation center for treatment. A series of health problems would follow, including diabetes, pneumonia, colon cancer and the early signs of Alzheimer's disease, though it was unclear if any of these ailments contributed to his death.

In 2012, Womack released The Bravest Man in the Universe, his first album in more than 10 years. At the time of his death, Womack was in the process of recording his next album for XL, tentatively titled The Best Is Yet to Come and reportedly featuring contributions by Stevie Wonder, Rod Stewart and Snoop Dogg.

Womack was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.

Get ready for the BET Experience, featuring Mary J. BligeMaxwellJill ScottA$AP RockyRick Ross and many more. Click here for more details and info on how to purchase tickets.

BET.com is your #1 source for Black celebrity news, photos, exclusive videos and all the latest in the world ofhip hop and R&B music.

Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.