Soul star Solomon Burke dies on flight from Los Angeles

THE Grammy winning singer who was a seminal figure in the development of gospel music into secular soul, Solomon Burke, died after a flight from Los Angeles on Sunday 10th October. When the plane landed at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport the 70 year old singer "walked to his wheelchair and once in his own wheelchair, he closed his eyes". The self-proclaimed King of Rock & Soul was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 and won a Grammy in 2003. Burke leaves behind 21 children and 90 grandchildren. Cross Rhythms will publish a feature article on the veteran soon.