The 1966 powerhouse singer, Percy Sledge, passed away this morning leaving a void in my life and millions of others. Sledge is most known for hitting the Billboard Hot 100 with “When a Man Loves a Woman” in 1966.
During the 60’s, in order to get his music career off the ground, Sledge worked as a hospital nurse while touring. “When a Man Loves a Woman” was the first song he recorded while under contract and it was a massive hit. Even today, it remains one of the most popular songs in the world. His follow-up, “Warm and Tender Love,” reached No. 17 on the Hot 100. He would continue to hit the Hot 100 as the ’60s came to a close.
He later experienced a revival in the 80’s and 90’s thanks to his song being featured in the film, The Big Chill as well as a hit Michael Bolton cover.
Sledge was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.
According to reports he passed away his Baton Rouge, Louisiana home at age 73. Sledge is survived by his wife and children.
