Yesterday the music world lost a voice who was like any other. To say that Bobby Womack had an illustrious career would be an understatement. He was a man that touched and enhanced many careers. What he brought with his voice and songwriting was crucial to the likes of Sam Cooke, the Rolling Stones, Gorillaz and Sly Stone. Whether he was writing the music or performing it, he will be a talent whose presence will be truly felt.

Womack, born on 4 March 1944, was suffering from prostate and colon cancer, heart trouble, pneumonia, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.