R.I.P Lou Rawls

RIP Lou Rawls

Published: 2006-01-09

Grammy award winning soul, jazz, and blues singer Lou Rawls passed away on Friday, January 6th. The 72-year-old had been battling cancer since 2004.

Rawls had been singing since the 60s, and scored hits with such tunes as "Love Is a Hurting Thing," "Lady Love," and his most popular single, "You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine." He sold over 40 million albums and won three Grammy Awards. His most recent album, Rawls Sings Sinatra, was released in 2003.

Aside from his work in music, he also did some work in animated cartoons like Garfield and Hey Arnold!, and appeared in live-action features like Leaving Las Vegas and Blues Brothers 2000.
He was also known for his charity work with the United Negro College Fund, for which he began an annual fundraising telethon. In fact, he hosted the pre-taped telethon for this year in spite of his failing health. It will air this weekend.

On his official website, a message is posted for fans by a certain "DH" that reads: "Having known Lou Rawls for over 25 years, I want you to know that he was a warm individual who was supremely generous in spirit. … In an airport, on the street, in restaurants and backstage Lou was always had a smile, a word, a handshake, a picture or an autograph for those who came up to him. He always ended his encounter with a big smile and his favorite phrase, ‘Yeah Buddy.’"
The singer passed away at a hospital in Los Angeles. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2004. He is survived by his wife Nina and children Louanna Rawls, Lou Rawls Jr., Kendra Smith, and Aiden.

Writer: Michelle Garcia