The popular singer and songwriter Alan O’Day has passed away aged 72 on Friday after an unsuccessful battle with cancer, his record label has confirmed. O’Day was well-respected in his field for the sheer breadth of his talents.

He was a successful producer and solo recording artist, as well as a proficient song writer. He penned tunes for the likes of Cher (Train of Thought) Righteous Brothers Rock and Roll Heaven and Helen Reddy (Angie Baby, which reached No. 1 in 1974”) "Alan continued to write and perform until his last days," according to a statement from his record label, 1st Phase Records. "Alan was a generous man who gave his heart and soul to the music industry." His solo success arrived with the 1977 number 1 hit Undercover Angel. Diane Warren was full of praise for her old friend. "My dear dear friend and mentor Alan O'Day has passed away,” she added. “’If you believe in forever, then life is just a one night stand. If there's a rock and roll Heaven, well you know they've got one hell of a band.' (FromAlans' song Rock And roll Heaven). Well the band just got better. Rest in Peace my friend."

His wife, Yuka, survives the singer, whose songs were performed by Johnny Mathis, the 5th Dimension, Tom Jones, Dusty Springfield, Tony Orlando, Three Dog Night and Paul Anka, among others.

CherCher was the grateful recipent of O'Day's song, Train of Thought