Soul music took another tragic hit Wednesday night, Dec. 26, when soul icon Fontella Bass passed away at the age of 72.
According to The New York Times, Bass died at a St. Louis hospice from complications after a recent heart attack, said her daughter, Neuka Mitchell. Bass also suffered several strokes over the past seven years.
Bass began her love of music when she started singing in the church at the age of six. After later shifting gears from gospel to R&B, Bass began performing in nightclubs in St. Louis and eventually landed a record deal with Chess Records, and recorded songs like “Don’t Mess Up A Good Thing” and “You’ll Miss Me (When I’m Gone).” It was in 1965 when Bass scored her biggest hit, the iconic “Rescue Me,” which rose to No. 4 on the Billboard pop charts.
We send our condolences to go out to Bass’ surviving family members and friends. Sadly, Bass isn’t the only star who passed away this year. Check out some other surprising deaths of 2012 below. – nicholas robinson
