Singer/songwriter WILLIE DENSON has died from lung cancer at his Columbus, Ohio, home at the age of 69. Denson, most famous for his hit MAMA SAID, lost his battle with the disease on Saturday (01JUL06). During a successful career Denson published more than 250 songs, sung by greats including Aretha Franklin, GENE PITNEY, THE RONETTES and THE SHIRELLES, who performed MAMA SAID. Denson lead a remarkably eventful life. He combined his career with a 30-year stint as a US Postal worker in New York City and even won $3 million (GBP1.67 million) on the Georgia Lotto in 2001. He leaves widow ANN and four children. Ann says, "He was the kind of man who kept everyone's spirits up."