Jesse Powell, an R&B singer and composer, passed suddenly recently, according to a statement from his family. One day after the singer celebrated his 51st birthday, Powell’s sister Tamara shared the news in an Instagram post.
Though details surrounding Powell’s passing are scarce, his family has asked for privacy as they celebrate his life.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother and uncle Jesse Powell. He passed away peacefully in his Los Angeles home. The family asks for privacy at this time as we mourn this tremendous loss and celebrate his everlasting legacy…Jesse loved music and he especially loved his fans who supported him throughout his career. We want you all to know that you meant the world to him.”
The Grammy-nominated performer Jesse Powell, a Gary, Indiana native, began his career in the early 1990s. Louil Silas, Jr., a music industry executive and producer who worked on Powell’s 1996 self-titled first album, made the discovery.
Since its debut in 1996, Powell’s smash hit “You” has continued to be played for years. The song went on to become his most popular single, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The cause of Jesse’s passing has not yet been made public.