AceShowbiz -

Bad news came from music legend Percy Sledge. The soul singer died at the age of 74. The family confirmed the bad news through the singer's manager Mark Lyman, saying that he died peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in Baton Rouge on Tuesday, April 14.

Sledge was diagnosed with liver cancer more than a year ago. In January 2014, he underwent a surgery for his cancer. Feeling better, Sledge decided to resume his tour but had to stop performing since March 2014 due to his condition. A week before his death, his condition worsened and he passed away due to liver failure.

Many friends were saddened after learning the bad news and paid last tribute to the legendary singer. Musician Bootsy Collins said on his Facebook account on Tuesday, "Just lost another legend funkateers, Mr. Percy Sledge. He was an American R&B and soul performer who most notably recorded the single 'When a Man Loves a Woman' in 1966, an international top 40 hit that the RIAA has certified as gold."

Another musician friend from BBC Radio 2 DJ Tony Blackburn paid tribute on Twitter. "Sad to hear that Percy Sledge has died. I wonder how many times I've played When A Man Loves A Woman. RIP," so he tweeted on Wednesday, April 15.

Tribute also came from Michael Bolton who covered "When a Man Loves a Woman" in 1991. "An inspiration as an artist & one of the most gracious human beings. We sang together. Forever grateful! Love MB," Bolton tweeted after the news of Sledge's death broke.

Sledge released "When a Man Loves a Woman", his first single under Atlantic Records, in 1966. The song was considered one of the world's greatest soul songs. He received the first career achievement award from the Rhythm & Blues Foundation in 1989. In 2005 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.