Thaindian News

AMSTERDAM (BNO NEWS) — “The Legendary King of Rock and Soul”, Solomon Burke, died at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on early Sunday morning, officials said. He was 70.

Police spokesman Robert van Kapel said the famed artist had died after arriving on a flight from Los Angeles. He was traveling to Amsterdam for a concert at Paradiso with Dutch band De Dijk.

“Early this morning, [..] Solomon Burke, our father, passed away due to natural causes,” a statement from his family read. “He was on his way to spread his message of love as he loved to do.”

Burke died as he was leaving his plane at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and died in the presence of his daughter Candy and a representative of his management.

The family said Burke’s unexpected passing had caused great sorrow for the family and asked for privacy during their time of mourning. “We truly appreciate all of the support and well wishes from his friends and fans,” the statement said. “Although our hearts and lives will never be the same, his love, life and music will continue to live within us forever.”

“Astonishing, unbelievable, but true,” a statement from Dutch band De Dijk said on its website. “We are intensely sad. For his loved ones, for his children and family, and for his many friends. We are very proud we can, ever since our cooperation started three years ago, count us among them.”

De Dijk said that the planned concert at Paradiso on Tuesday will continue but with a different agenda. “In cooperation with the family Burke, De Dijk and Paradiso in spirit and to meet the wishes of Solomon, this concert of De Dijk should be seen as a celebration, a home coming, and not a tribute,” De Dijk’s management said. “‘No show’ does not exist in the world of Solomon Burke.”

Burke, who lived in Los Angeles and had 21 children, is both a Grammy winner and a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His hit “Cry To Me” was used in the movie “Dirty Dancing,” but he also wrote songs such as “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love.”