Charles Bradley Dies: Remembering His Gospel Soul

Soul singer Charles Bradley died on Saturday (Sept. 23) following a long bout with cancer. He was 68 years old. Bradley was diagnosed with stomach cancer in October 2016.

Bradley passed away in Brooklyn surrounded by family and friends, as well as members of bands he had worked with, including Menahan Street Band, His Extraordinaires, Budos Band and the Jimmy Hill Allstarz. The latter was his band while performing as as Black Velvet.  

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Charles Bradley," the singer's rep said in a statement. "Always a fighter, Charles battled cancer with everything he had. He was diagnosed with stomach cancer in the fall of 2016 and underwent treatment. Bradley headed out on the road earlier this year after receiving a clean bill of health but the cancer recently returned, spreading to his liver."

Bradley's reps added, "Thank you for your prayers during this difficult time. Mr. Bradley was truly grateful for all the love he's received from his fans and we hope his message of love is remembered and carried on."

In an interview with ChristianityToday, Bradley talks about his faith: "A lot of people haven't been through what I have been through, and I couldn't get through it without my faith in God. I believe in the promise of Jesus when he says 'Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.' I hold God to his word.

"I didn't know God was going to do something through music, but I know that he knows I love music, and I know he gave me those gifts. He knew I would do great things with it and love others with it."

"I don't throw my life away, I try to serve with my life. I try to give with my life. Give positively. I use my strength, my love, my everything to keep myself strong so that when I hoped and prayed that I would get a chance, I could use it." 

 

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