Soul Singer Percy Sledge Has Died

Percy Sledge, the man who put the soul in the hit "When a Man Loves a Woman," died Tuesday at his Louisiana home. He was 74. His agent says he had been in hospice care for cancer. 

His first biggest hit "When a Man Loves a Woman," was released in April 1966. It hit No.1 on May 28, 1966.

Though he has no writing credit on the song, Percy says it was his.  Originally called "Why Did You Leave Me Baby," he told the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it was written about a former girlfriend, drawing from a tune that he used to sing to himself as a child.

At the time it was recorded, Percy was working as a hospital orderly, picking up gigs at night with a group called the Esquires Combo. Percy says he gave the songwriting credit for "Woman" to two of the Esquires, Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright, who had helped him with a few chords.

Sledge never saw a dime of songwriting royalties. He had some regrets about that, he told Blues and Soul magazine, the song would have helped provide for his children, but he accepted it.  Percy has 12 children, 15 grand kids and 1 great grandchild.

Percy Sledge also had more than one hit including "Take Time to Know Her," "Warm and Tender Love" and "It Tears Me Up" among them.

I need to hear "Take Time to Know Her".

Alright, I gotta do one more before I let him go.  Remember "Bring it on Home"? I know Percy just covered it, but I like his version.

Rest in Peace Percy Sledge.