Photo by Jacob Blickenstaff
Soul and funk great Sharon Jones has passed away, her rep confirmed to Variance on Friday evening.
"We are deeply saddened to announce that Sharon Jones has passed away after a heroic battle against pancreatic cancer," the singer's publicist said tonight. "She was surrounded by her loved ones, including the Dap-Kings. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts during this difficult time."
The family has asked that donations be made to one of the following locations in lieu of flowers: The Lustgarten Foundation, James Brown Family Foundation or Little Kids Rock.
The singer was born on May 4, 1956, in Augusta, Georgia. She fronted Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings and released her first album at the age of 40. Over the course of her career, she collaborated and performed with the likes of Prince, Lou Reed, Phish, Michael Bublé, David Byrne, Questlove and more.
Details about a memorial for Jones will be provided at a later time.
The fabulous Sharon Jones has passed tonight she & her band The DapKings made great music together & she sang her butt off. Condolences RIP
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) November 19, 2016
So very sad to hear of Sharon Jones' passing. An incredibly strong person and a magical performer. Heartbreaking.
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) November 19, 2016
Rest In Peace to the beautiful black queen Sharon Jones pic.twitter.com/SUftVhDSYt
— Leon Bridges (@leonbridges) November 19, 2016
RIP Sharon Jones. This record never felt more appropriate pic.twitter.com/FtSgkLktv3
— Bonobo (@si_bonobo) November 19, 2016
#RIPSharonJones - You are incredible and mighty. Condolences to your family.
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) November 19, 2016
We aren't ready to say goodbye to your enormous talent. RIP @sharonjones ? pic.twitter.com/KO84cnnDJZ
— Hollywood Bowl (@HollywoodBowl) November 19, 2016
Heartbreaking: Sharon Jones passed away today after a heroic battle against cancer. Thank you for all the joy you brought us. ?Douglas Mason pic.twitter.com/PTTVIB3yYA
— New Orleans JazzFest (@jazzfest) November 19, 2016