Country singer Kevin Sharp has died at the age of 43. The singer was best known for his debut album Measure of a Man.
According to Sharp’s official website the singer died on Saturday April 19 at 10 pm PST. Sharp died from complications related to stomach surgeries and digestive issues he had dealt with in the past. The singer had survived a rare form of bone cancer during his teen years.
Sharp’s death is being mourned via social media, with even a few country music stars commenting on his passing and wishing his family well:
Prayers go out to Kevin Sharp's family. RIP Kevin. http://t.co/InNbCqvikk
— Reba McEntire (@reba) April 21, 2014
Just noticed that @kevinsharp was on Twitter and following us!! Praying for his family today!! We will follow YOU to Glory now Kevin!! RIP
— The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) April 21, 2014
RIP Kevin Sharp. One of the nicest guys in the music business. Got a chance to tour with him way back and he was a first class person
— Aaron Lines (@AaronLines) April 21, 2014
Condolences to Kevin Sharp's family. Many memories of playing festivals together. Wonderful guy, helped many, and will be greatly missed.
— paulbrandt (@paulbrandt) April 21, 2014
Kevin Sharp was such a phenomenal singer …gone way to soon. RIP and prayers to his family.
— Billy Gilman (@bg524) April 21, 2014
RIP Kevin Sharp. pic.twitter.com/WPSetVmQ6k
— George Strait (@naturalgeorge) April 20, 2014
So saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend and label mate Kevin Sharp. So honored to have known him. So… http://t.co/UzLzo8ZOpk
— bryan_white (@bryan_white) April 20, 2014
A memorial service commemorating Sharp’s life is being planned and details will be made available through his website. The service will take place in Nashville, Tennessee.
Sharp’s family is requesting that any donations made in the singer’s memory be given to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. According to Sharp’s autobiography Tragedy’s Gift: Sharp was introduced to music producer David Foster through the Make-A-Wish Foundation during his teen years. Foster eventually become a key figure in the rise of Sharp’s music career and Sharp went on to become a spokesperson for the Make-A-Wish Foundation
In 1997 Sharp’s country cover of R&B classic “Nobody Knows” became a hit, landing at the number one spot on Billboard’s country music charts. Other singles from Sharp’s Measure of a Man became country music hits in 1997, including “If You Love Somebody, and “She’s Sure Taking it Well.”
Following his breakthrough album Sharp continued to tour and perform music throughout the U.S. He also toured the country as a motivational speaker.
Image via KevinSharp.com