R&B singing legend, Natalie Cole, has died at the age of 65.  The New York Daily News reports the daughter of the iconic Nate King Cole, passed away Thursday (December 31, 2015) of congestive heart failure according to publicist Maureen O’Connor. Prior to her death, the nine-time Grammy Award winning singer had fallen ill and was forced to cancelled several performances.  Cole was diagnosed with hepatitis C, a result of early drug use, many years ago.  Her declining health was a direct result of the disease.

Learning of the singers passing, Rev. Jesse Jackson took to Twitter on New Year’s Day, tweeting “Natalie Cole, sister beloved & of substance and sound. May her soul rest in peace.”

Natalie Cole was a legend in her own right, well known for her soulful hits like, "Our Love,"  "This Will Be," "I've Got Love On My Mind,"Inseparable" and my personal favorite, "Sophisticated Lady."  She was only 15 when her father died, yet in 1991 they would make history together. Recording an album of her fathers standards, Unforgettable... with Love, in which the songstress enjoyed the biggest success of her career. The LP sold and amazing seven million copies, won her numerous Grammy's and sold over 30 million copies worldwide.

The music world has indeed lost a treasure. I for one will truly miss her. I remember listening to her on 8-tracks, as a kid on our old Magnavox stereo. Natalie Cole was by far, one of my favorite entertainers.  Like those before her, she will live on through the wonderful music she has left behind.

Our deepest condolences to her family and friends.  May she rest in eternal peace.

 

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