Bette Midler has paid tribute to the late Percy Sledge insisting the singer will "live forever" through his music.
The 69-year-old singer-and-actress is among a host of stars to publicly pay their respects to the soul legend – who passed away at his Louisiana home aged 74 on Tuesday (14.04.15).
Taking to Twitter to express her sadness, Bette wrote: "The great Percy Sledge died today. I am bereft. His song "When A Man Loves A Woman" … will live forever. (sic)"
‘Young Hearts Run Free’ hitmaker Candi Staton also took to the social networking site to express her grief, tweeting: "So sad to learn of the passing of #percysledge. His voice and his songs will resonate with generations to come. (sic)"
Taking to his Twitter account, blues legend Taj Mahal wrote: "Sad news today … go in peace my friend. Sending our love to family and friends."
Funk singer Bootsy Collins logged into his Facebook account to pay tribute to Percy, posting: "Just lost another legend funkateers, Mr Percy Sledge (sic)"
Percy rose to fame when his song ‘When A Man Loves A Woman’ hit the top of the US Billboard charts in 1966.
The track became a hit twice in the UK, reaching number four in 1966 and, on reissue, peaked at number two in 1987 when it was featured in a Levi’s Jeans commercial.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his career achievements in 2005.
Bette Midler says Percy Sledge will ‘live forever’ through his music
