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Bobby Womack performs at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2009 induction ceremonies in Cleveland, Ohio in this April 4, 2009 file photo. U.S. soul singer and songwriter Bobby Womack has died, his publicist said on June 27, 2014. He was 70. Image Credit: Reuters

Bobby Womack, a colourful and highly influential R&B singer-songwriter who impacted artists from the Rolling Stones to Damon Albarn, had died. He was 70.

Womack’s publicist Sonya Kolowrat confirmed on Friday that the singer had died but had no other details to provide.

Womack was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease two years ago and dealt with a number of health issues, including prostate cancer. Womack performed recently at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival and seemed in good health and spirits.

Womack’s caught the attention of the Stones in the 1960s and influenced many early rockers before fading from popular music for more than a decade.

Albarn and XL Recordings president Richard Russell helped Womack regain his career with 2012 comeback album The Bravest Man in the Universe.