The Rolling Stones paid tribute in word and song to legendary R&B singer Bobby Womack, who died from colon cancer and diabetes on Friday at the age of 70.
The Stones posted a message over the weekend on their website describing the influence Womack had on their music.
“Bobby Womack was a huge influence on us,” the note reads. “He was a true pioneer of soul and R&B, whose voice and songwriting touched millions. On stage, his presence was formidable. His talents put him up there with the greats. We will remember him, first and foremost, as a friend.”
Sonya Kolowrat — Womack’s publicist — announced the singer’s death on Friday. The cause of his death is not yet known but the musician was said to have recently received additional treatment for colon cancer.
The British rock band had close ties with Womack and his music beginning in 1964 when the rock band released a cover of a song originally recorded by Womack’s group The Valentinos — It’s All Over Now — which became a huge hit for the Stones.
Ten years following the release of It’s All Over Now, Womack collaborated with Ronnie Wood on his second solo album, Now Look.
The Stones had another hit in 1986 with Harlem Shuffle, a song that featured Womack’s vocals.
Wood, who inducted Womack into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, tweeted his own message.
I'm so sad to hear about my friend Bobby Womack ~ the man who could make you cry when he sang has brought tears to my eyes with his passing.
— Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) June 28, 2014
My heart goes out to his family & friends and everyone who loved his music. Bobby you will be greatly missed xx
— Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) June 28, 2014
On Saturday, the band paid musical homage to the artist by playing It’s All Over Now at a concert in Brussels.
Tonight on stage we paid tribute to Bobby by playing his song 'It's All Over Now' ~ @RollingStones pic.twitter.com/EqYoneYVY5
— Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) June 28, 2014
Image via Wikimedia Commons
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