Singer Lou Rawls Dies at 72

Grammy Award-winning singer Lou Rawls died in Los Angeles on January 6 from lung and brain cancer. He was 72 years old.

Rawls was best known for such pop hits as “Love is a Hurtin’ Thing,” “Lady Love,” and “You’ll Never Find (Another Love Like Mine).” He won three Grammy Awards over the course of his 40-year recording career.

He appeared twice on Broadway, in a solo show in 1977 and as a replacement in the long-running hit revue Smokey Joe’s Café, and starred regionally in Me & Mrs. Jones. Rawls was also a popular nightclub entertainer, and he appeared in numerous films and television shows, including Leaving Las Vegas and Blues Brothers 2000. He also sang twice on the Academy Awards.

Rawls was also known for his many charitable activities, including the annual Lou Rawls Parade of Stars Telethon, which benefited the United Negro College Fund.

Rawls is survived by his wife Nina, and four children, Louanna, Lou, Jr., Kendra, and Aiden.