Sharon Jones Dead at 60

By: Staff –

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings perform at Madison Square Garden in New York City on February 19, 2016. (Photo: Jacob Blickenstaff)

Grammy-nominated soul-R&B-funk artist Sharon Jones, who was best known as the lead singer of Brooklyn-based band Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, died last night (Nov. 18th) in Cooperstown, New York of complications from pancreatic cancer at the age of 60.

“We are deeply saddened to announce that Sharon Jones has passed away after a heroic battle against pancreatic cancer,” the singer’s rep wrote in a statement. “She was surrounded by her loved ones, including the Dap-Kings.” The statement also mentioned that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to these organizations.

Jones announced on June 3, 2013 that she had been diagnosed with bile duct cancer, and that she underwent surgery, which forced her to postpone the release of the group’s fifth album, Give the People What They Want. The diagnosis was later changed to stage II pancreatic cancer, for which Jones had surgery on her liver and underwent chemotherapy. The chemotherapy caused hair loss, and for a time she performed bald, refusing to wear wigs.

During the screening of her documentary at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival, Jones revealed that her cancer had returned, and that she would be undergoing chemotherapy again.