RIP

Rhinestone Cowboy singer Glen Campbell has died at the age of 81 after "a long and courageous battle" with Alzheimer's disease, his family said. "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather," their statement said.The legendary guitarist announced his Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2011. A self-taught prodigy, he rose from a poor rural childhood to release over 70 albums and sell 45 million records, and had a series of hits in the '60s and '70s including "Gentle on My Mind," "Wichita Lineman," "Galveston," "Country Boy" and his best-selling single, "Rhinestone Cowboy." Glen made history in 1967 by winning 4 Grammys in the country and pop categories, and took home CMA's Entertainer of the Year award in 1968. Campbell was also an actor and TV host who starred in the variety show, "The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour" on CBS from 1969-1972. The 2014 documentary "I'll Be Me" documented Glen's farewell tour and struggle with his Alzheimer's diagnosis. Just one of so many tributes: "He was one of the loveliest artists I ever worked with.  I got to see him live on more than a few occasions and was lucky to meet his lovely family. His anecdotes were amazing ...... He was a legend in a time and place when stars were truly stars. He played guitar on some of the most famous singles of all time. He was a Beach Boy. He recorded so many classics and him and Jimmy Webb wrote music history together. A week doesn't go by without me playing his songs. If you don't know his work discover it. You will be all the better for doing so. RIP."

Bennett Morgan, the veteran jazz agent who booked and represented such legends as Dave Brubeck, Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Eartha Kitt and Rosemary Clooney, has died. He was 85. Morgan died in Hopewell Junction, N.Y., his wife of 31 years, Becky, announced.

Anita Pallenberg, the actress, model and always known for her friendship with the Rolling Stones, has died aged 73. Jo Bergman, the band's PA between 1967 and 1973 said: "She, Mick, Keith and Brian were the Rolling Stones. Her influence has been profound. She keeps things crazy."

Rapper Prodigy has died, aged 42. Prodigy, real name Albert Johnson, was best known as one half of Mobb Deep. In a statement, Mobb Deep's publicist said: "It is with extreme sadness and disbelief that we confirm the death of our dear friend Albert Johnson, better known to millions of fans as Prodigy of legendary NY rap duo Mobb Deep" adding"Prodigy was hospitalised a few days ago in Vegas after a Mobb Deep performance, for complications caused by a sickle cell anaemia crisis" and "As most of his fans know, Prodigy battled the disease since birth" although the cause of death wasn't officially given. 

The Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington has died aged 41. Bandmate Mike Shinoda confirmed the news on Twitter.  Police officials told TMZ that the singer died by suicide and was found in his home in Palos Verdes Estates in L.A. Count. Bennington had struggled with drug use in the past, and, according to TMZ, had spoken about taking his own life after being a victim of child abuse. In 2000, Linkin Park released their debut album, “Hybrid Theory,” which gave hits including “One Step Closer,” “Crawling” and “In The End.” The album went multi-platinum in several countries.  The band went on to release a string of successful follow-ups, including “Meteroa” (2003), followed by “Minutes to Midnight” (2007). Their most recent album, “One More Light,” was released in May 2017. The band were currently touring with the album, with performances scheduled into Autumn.

PRS For Music has paid tribute to Frances Lowe who has died. Lowe had a long career working with and alongside the UK collecting society, most recently in a key policy and public affairs role.  Lowe, a graduate of Cambridge University, worked as International Counsel at PRS in the 1990s before going on to run British Music Rights, the organisation set up to lobby for the collective interests of songwriters and music publishers, which later morphed into sector-wide trade group UK Music. After taking some time off from the music industry, she returned in 2007 to consult on the setting up of digital licensing entity CELAS, before rejoining PRS in a full time role as Regulatory and Corporate Affairs Director subsequently setting up the society's public affairs team. 

Mary Cleary, whose four decades in the US live music industry included spells with International Famous Agency, Thames Talent, Bill Graham’s FM Productions and travel agencies Trinifold Travel and Four Seasons travel, has died aged 68.

Soul II Soul singer Melissa Bell has died her daugher Alexandra Burke has announced praising her 'unconditional love, support, charisma, strength and courage'. Bell, understood to have been aged 53, was the lead vocalist in Grammy award-winning act. She joined in 1993 after founder Jazzie B heard her debut solo single "Reconsider". Their song "Wish", where Bell sang lead vocals, featured on their greatest hits album Volume IV that same year. Bell left Soul II Soul in 1995 to pursue a solo career. Bell later had a spell as the lead singer of the band Soul Explosion.

And Dave Chumbley, director and booking agent at Primary Talent International, has passed away after a short illness. A statement from Primary reads: “Dave was a great man, a world class agent, esteemed director and colleague whose dedication to his artists was unmatched. We are extremely lucky to have been touched by his unique humour, exceptional kindness and infectious joie de vivre.” Many people expressed shock at Dave's death, he was just 57,  and he will be much missed in the live sector and by the artistes he has worked with including Kylie Minogue, Bloodhound Gang, Lana Del Rey, Dropkick Murphys, Rufus Wainwright, Gwen Stefani, No Doubt, Imogen Heap and  Rufus Wainwright, many of whom posted tributes to Dave.  Dave is survived by his wife Romilly and two children, Raphaella and Tom.