Solomon Burke, 'king of rock and soul' was 70

Burke died Sunday on board a flight from Los Angeles that had landed at Amsterdam, where he was due to play a concert. His family — which includes 21 children, 90 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren — posted the news on his website. Burke was born in Philadelphia and lived in Beverly Hills.

Early this morning, Sunday, October 10, 2010, the legendary King of Rock & Soul, Solomon Burke, our father, passed away due to natural causes.

Solomon had just arrived at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, the Netherlands for a sold out show at Paradiso with Dutch band, De Dijk. He was on his way to spread his message of love as he loved to do.

This is a time of great sorrow for our entire family. We truly appreciate all of the support and well wishes from his friends and fans. Although our hearts and lives will never be the same, his love, life and music will continue to live within us forever. As our family grieves during this time of mourning, thank you for respecting our privacy.

Burke was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. "A larger-than-life rhythm & blues singer, Solomon Burke was one of the mainstays of Atlantic Records’ 'soul clan' of the Sixties," the hall's entry begins. "He was proclaimed the 'King of Rock and Soul' in 1964 and has also been anointed 'the Bishop of Soul.' No less an authority than Jerry Wexler, the legendary Atlantic Records producer, has proclaimed, 'The best soul singer of all time is Solomon Burke.'"