Lauded Funk & Soul Singer Charles Bradley Diagnosed With Stomach Cancer

Revered funk, soul and R&B singer Charles Bradley has cancelled a planned tour following the discovery of a cancerous tumour in his stomach.

The veteran performer released a statement on his Facebook page this morning, advising that he is receiving "the best medical care" and his prognosis is "extremely optimistic".

"I will fight through this like I've fought through the many other obstacles in my life," Bradley said. "My upcoming tour dates will be postponed so I can concentrate on healing.

"Thank you all for understanding. Music is how I share m love with the world, and the love that my fans have given back brings me so much joy. I look forward to seeing your gorgeous faces soon, and to continue to share my love through music."

Bradley released his third album, Changes, this year, and more recently appeared as one of the featured performers in Marvel's Luke Cage. The one-time James Brown impersonator has led a life marked by struggle and triumph, overcoming everything that life threw at him over several decades to ultimately garner the attention of Daptone Records co-founder Gabriel Roth, aka Bosco Mann, back in 2002.

After recording a handful of singles between that year and 2010, Bradley released his debut album, No Time For Dreaming, in 2011, at the age of 62, with sophomore effort Victim Of Love arriving two years later.