Singer-songwriter Bobby Charles died in his home Thursday, reports CBC. He had suffered from diabetes and was in remission from kidney cancer. He was 71.

The Louisiana native wrote for several acts including Fats Domino, Billy Haley and the Comets and Joe Cocker.

“We were very close for 40, 50 years,” said Dr. John, a musician who had collaborated with Charles for several years. “He was very easy to work with and a special guy.”

Dr. John and Charles had planned to release their latest collection of songs, an album titled Timeless, in late February.

“He always said he didn’t write songs, they came through him,” said his manager, Jim Bateman. “I wouldn’t necessarily call it religious, but spiritual.”

Charles, who pioneered the musical genre swamp pop and is survived by four sons, released his most recent album, Homemade Songs, in 2008.






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