Solomon Burke

October 10, 2010 Solomon Burke, singer and songwriter, died.

Burke was born March 21, 1940 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He began his adult life as a preacher and host of a gospel radio show. By 1960, Burke began moving toward more secular music. His first hit was “Just Out of Reach (Of My Two Open Arms)” (1961). This was followed by “Cry to Me” (1962) and in 1964 he co-wrote and recorded “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love.”

Burke’s album “Don’t Give Up on Me” won the 2003 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album and his album “Like a Fire” was nominated for the 2008 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album. He has been credited with selling more than 17 million albums.