Sharon Jones of the Dap-Kings Has Died

Sharon Jones was battling pancreatic cancer. She was 60 years old.

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

Sharon Jones, the lead singer of the Dap-Kings, died on Friday. She was 60 years old.

According to her official website, Jones passed away from her battle against pancreatic cancer.

"We are deeply saddened to announce Sharon Jones passed away today after a heroic battle against pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by her loved ones, including the Dap-Kings. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts during this difficult time," the website said.

Her Facebook page has information on where you can donate to the following organizations: The Lustgarten Foundation, James Brown Family Foundation, and Little Kids Rock.

Upon hearing news of her death, a range of admirers, famous and otherwise, paid tribute.

Rolling Stonereports Jones was diagnosed with stage two pancreatic cancer in 2013. Nine months later, she went into remission, but the cancer returned in 2015, with tumors spreading to her lung, liver, and lymph nodes.

Jones was considered a soul and funk veteran, but she had trouble breaking out in the music industry. At one point in her life, she took a hiatus from music to work odd jobs like a corrections officer at Riker's Island or an armored car guard. In 1996, she returned to making music when Gabriel Roth asked her to be a back-up singer with the Dap-Kings for New York-based label Desco Records. They would eventually record their debut album Dap Dappin’ With Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings that was released in 2002.

Once Desco Records dissolved, Roth teamed up with Neal Sugarman to create Daptone Records. Jones and the Dap-Kings recorded notable albums such as 2007’s 100 Days, 100 Nights and 2010’s I Learned the Hard Way. In 2014, Give the People What They Want was nominated for Best R&B Album at the 57th annual Grammy Awards.

Information on Jones’ memorial will be available soon. 



Latest in Music