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The self-proclaimed "King of Rock and Soul" Solomon Burke died on Sunday at age 70 as he embarked on a sold-out tour in Amsterdam with the Dutch band De Dijk. One of the trailblazers of a yet-to-be-named R&B genre, Burke witnessed his songs being covered by giants of blues and rock & roll, including the Rolling Stones, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 -- an honor that was long overdue.
His family confirmed that he died from natural causes as he sat on an airplane at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport. Married three times, Burke is survived by 21 children and 90 grandchildren.
On his Website, he describes how deeply his roots are steeped in gospel music:
"Gospel was part of my total career, not just something I started with, but something I live with, as my foundation and rock. I grew up a normal black kid in the ghetto, exposed to all kinds of music that influenced me as a songwriter and recording artist. I loved country, big band, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Perry Como, Doris Day, Gene Autry, Ray Charles, Dinah Washington, Roy Rogers -- all of whom in some way inspired me to reach my goal of doing something extraordinary with my life that would connect with people."
Though he had an expansive career as a soul singer, Burke said his heart remained in the church. He also served as a preacher and began his music career hosting a gospel radio show.
During his illustrious career, he performed for a U.S. president and for one of his biggest fans, Pope John Paul II, at the Vatican in 2000.
This March, Burke turned 70 and continued to make music. His most recent album, 'Don't Give Up On Me,' resonated with fans and critics. The album won a Grammy in 2002 for best contemporary blues album.
In 1960, Burke joined Atlantic Records, along with Ray Charles, Ben E. King and Wilson Pickett. His first hit was 'Cry to Me,' followed by 'Got to Get You Off of My Mind,' 'Tonight's the Night,' 'You're Good for Me,' 'If You Need Me,' and his most commercial hit, 'Everybody Needs Somebody to Love.' 'Cry to Me' became a hit again, when it was used in the popular feature film 'Dirty Dancing.'
Like Charles who followed him, Burke defined R&B music by fusing gospel with secular R&B along with his country music roots. He was said to have gotten Atlantic Records out of the red with his hits from 1961 to 1964. He had 17 million record sales.
Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler called Burke "the greatest soul singer of all time." He was surely one of the greatest and the trailblazer who cleared the path for so many greats to follow.
Comments: (88)
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By: poetrysez on 10/11/2010 7:53AM
A great talent! My condolences goes out to his family :{
May you rest in eternal peace...Mr. Burke!
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By: dtrea3n605 on 10/11/2010 9:18AM
So sad to hear that! My best to his family, and all who loved him!
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By: Christopher Hacke on 10/11/2010 9:28AM
I wonder how many of those children and grandchildren were legitimate? Or did he, like others, pull in big welfare checks?
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By: Lisa on 10/11/2010 10:58AM
Chris and Al can you guys read? How can a married man have illigitimate children? He was married 3 times and obviously was making money. Since he was 70 his children are probally grown so he probally is not paying child support. I do know that some of his children work in the recording business so they followed in their father's footsteps. What about you are you on welfare? I know many white people who have been on it all their lives.
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By: goatgirl on 10/11/2010 10:43AM
NOT! He was a minister who was very strict with his children. I know this through personal association, and a very wealthy man.
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By: Debbie on 10/11/2010 1:30PM
To Lisa....how can the some of the children be illegitimate when he was married you ask. Well, if he had a child with a woman outside of his marriages then that child would be ILLEGITIMATE! Think about it!
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By: westfall on 10/11/2010 5:04PM
You gave yourself the right name...Hacke as in hacking into a black site and spewing nonsense. Life must be pretty dull for you, huh Hacke? No go and take your meds.
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By: AL on 10/11/2010 9:31AM
21 kids,wonder how many are welfare recipients..
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By: westfall on 10/11/2010 5:08PM
He was 70 years old and had been married three times. What makes you assume anyone is on welfare. Oh, what...did you run into him and his family while you were in line? Dumb azz.
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By: JazzyGuy126 on 10/12/2010 1:35AM
Your mother would know...isn`t she on it?
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