February 7, 2013 19:30

Soul singer and songwriter Cecil Womack dies aged 65

The Womack and Womack member and brother of Bobby Womack passed away on February 1

Cecil Womack, brother of Bobby Womack and one half of Womack and Womack, has died aged 65.

Womack passed away on February 1 in Africa. Bobby Womack - pictured below - confirmed his death earlier today (February 7).

In his later years, Womack was known as Zekuumba Zekkariyas after embracing his African heritage and finding family ties to the Zekkariyas tribe.

He was best known for Womack and Womack's 1988 hit single 'Teardrops', which he recorded with his second wife, Linda Cooke, the daughter of soul singer Sam Cooke. Scroll down to listen to the song.

Womack was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1947. He and his four brothers formed a gospel group in the 1950s and under the patronage of Sam Cooke, became The Valentinos.

Womack married Motown singer Mary Wells in the 1960s and wrote a number of songs for her. He went on to write for Teddy Pendergrass, Patti LaBelle and The O'Jays.

Earlier today Bobby Womack paid tribute to his brother, writing on Facebook:

I was terribly upset when I heard about my brother's passing, and I still am. We made music together for a long time, but we've had many differences over the years. Thankfully we got a chance to reunite last year after a very long separation - and little did I know that it would be the last time I would see him. I can only pass along what I have now learned, which is to not let anything - money, success, etc, come between you and your family.

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