Charles Bradley has died. The soul singer whose career launched with his 2011 debut album was diagnosed with cancer last year. He was 68. Last year, Bradley revealed the discovery of a cancerous tumor in his stomach. Bradley had been touring in support of his third album Changes—named for his cover of the Black Sabbath song—when he announced a series of show cancellations. “I will fight through this like I’ve fought through the many other obstacles in my life,” Bradley said of the diagnosis. After undergoing treatment, the cancer returned and spread to his liver, forcing more show cancellations in 2017. A representative for the singer has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the All-Stars Project and Music Unites.

Bradley’s life and career beginnings were documented in the 2012 documentary Charles Bradley: Soul of America. After growing up in poverty and spending decades working odd jobs and singing in cover bands, Bradley’s professional music career was launched after being signed to Daptone by label co-founder Gabriel Roth. He released a series of singles for Daptone starting with 2002’s “Take It As It Comes.” His debut album for Daptone, No Time for Dreaming, arrived in 2011. His sophomore album, Victim of Love, was released in 2013.

In an interview with Pitchfork, Bradley emphasized the importance of making honest music. “If you want to give a show, make it real, and people will listen to you more carefully,” he said. “I’m singing the truth; I put my heart and soul into it. If you’re gonna sing, sing from your heart and the world will hear you.”