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January 12, 2008 13:31

Legendary singer dies

The Fortunes singer passes away

Legendary singer dies

Rod Allen, the lead singer of group The Fortunes, has died from liver cancer. He was 63.

The band's biggest hit was 'You've Got Your Troubles', a UK Number Two hit in 1965, also reaching number seven in the US.

The band's website paid tribute to the "wonderful voice and sparkling personality" of their founding member.

Allen, who is survived by his wife and two children, died peacefully at his home in Coventry, the website added.

The statement added: "Rod's terrible illness was diagnosed just two short months ago, and we all held our breath and hoped and prayed that his treatment would succeed but it wasn't to be."

It added: "His contemporaries would all agree that his was one of the most distinctive voices to come out of the golden era of popular music."

The Fortunes, who have continued to perform in venues across Europe, have vowed to carry on.

"Rod's wish was for The Fortunes to continue, so we will do our utmost to keep his legacy alive and make The Fortunes a group that Rod would be proud of," their website added.

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