The World Reacts To The Loss Of Legendary Soul Singer Sharon Jones

After a long and heroic struggle with pancreatic cancer, legendary soul and funk singer Sharon Jones died today at 60. She was the frontwoman of the funk band Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings. The singer has been struggling with cancer since she was diagnosed in 2013, and has continued performing, touring, and creating music despite the battle. She is survived by five siblings and her nephews and nieces, as well as her Daptone family. A very recent documentary about her life Miss Sharon Jones! was released this year to critical acclaim.

Jones was a beloved member of the musical community and deeply respected by her peers. As the world learns of her passing, many other musicians and friends including the likes of Nile Rodgers, Questlove — and even Whoopi Goldberg — have begun sharing their grief and memories on Twitter and elsewhere. In a year marked by the loss of countless musical legends, this one cuts very deep. Jones was a joy and an inspiration to all who knew her. Here is a small collection of thoughts her community has shared to mourn and honor her:

https://twitter.com/WhoopiGoldberg/status/799796711707316225

https://twitter.com/si_bonobo/status/799796877726097408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

The Dap-Kings themselves also shared a photo of Jones at her fiercest onstage on Twitter:

One thing is for sure, she will be deeply, deeply missed.