Singer-songwriter Solomon Burke died at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport this morning, at the age of 70. According to a note on Burke’s website, the death was due to “natural causes.”
Burke’s final album, Hold on Tight is due out this month. The disc sees Burke collaborating with Dutch group De Dijk, with whom he was scheduled to perform in Amsterdam.
Here is the note his family posted on Burke’s website:
Early this morning, Sunday, October 10, 2010, the legendary King of Rock & Soul, Solomon Burke, our father, passed away due to natural causes.
Solomon had just arrived at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, the Netherlands for a sold out show at Paradiso with Dutch band, De Dijk. He was on his way to spread his message of love as he loved to do.
This is a time of great sorrow for our entire family. We truly appreciate all of the support and well wishes from his friends and fans. Although our hearts and lives will never be the same, his love, life and music will continue to live within us forever. As our family grieves during this time of mourning, thank you for respecting our privacy.
Here’s a great article Kurt B. Reighley wrote on Burke from the ND archives. May he rest in peace.
