Sharon Jones
Singer Sharon Jones passed away on Friday, November 18 at the age of 60 from pancreatic cancer. The soul singer spent much of her life working as a prison guard and an armored car guard before releasing her first album at the age of 40. Jones was backed by her band The Dap-Kings, who famously performed on Amy Winehouse‘s Back to Black album.
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings released their debut album, Dap Dippin’ with Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, in 2002. Her 2014 album Give the People What They Want, was nominated for a Grammy. Also, a documentary about Jones, titled Miss Sharon Jones!, was released last year.
In 2013, she was diagnosed with bile duct cancer, and the diagnosis later changed to pancreatic cancer. Jones had been undergoing chemotherapy in recent years to treat the disease.
A statement on her official Facebook page reads, “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.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations:
Cure Pancreatic Cancer – The Lustgarten Foundation https://www.lustgarten.org/donate
James Brown Family Foundation http://jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org/online/index.php/j-a-m-p
Little Kids Rock http://www.littlekidsrock.org/support-us/donation/
Additional memorial details will follow soon.”
