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Singer Solomon Burke Dies on Flight from L.A. to Amsterdam
Singer Solomon Burke died today while traveling from Los Angeles to Amsterdam, according to the AP as published on CBS. He was 70.
Born in Philadelphia, Burke was first a preacher, and then a gospel radio show host. He began recording professionally in the 1960s. "Burke was also an undertaker and had a mortuary business in Los Angeles. He was trained as a mortician early in his life and had worked in his uncle's funeral parlor," (Wikipedia). In 2001, Burke was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. What is to be his last album, "Hold On Tight," is slated to be released this month.
Burke was en route from Los Angeles to Amsterdam for a concert appearance on Tuesday. He reportedly died of natural causes on board the plane, and was pronounced dead at Schiphol Airport. Burke had 21 children, 90 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. "Although our hearts and lives will never be the same, his love, life and music will continue to live within us forever," his family posted on his website.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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