OTIS REDDING - R+B SONGWRITER MCFADDEN DIES OF CANCER IN PHILADELPHIA

Songwriter and R+B vocalist GENE McFADDEN died on Friday (27JAN06) after losing his battle with liver and lung cancer. He was 56.

The star, who was best known for singing and co-writing the 1979 hit AIN'T NO STOPPIN' US NOW, was half of hitmaking duo McFADDEN AND WHITEHEAD, which he formed with best friend JOHN WHITEHEAD.

The pair founded soul group the EPSILONS and began performing while they were still in high school, later finding a manager in singing legend OTIS REDDING up until his 1967 death.

The singing team was signed to Philadelphia International Records and wrote several hits made famous by other artists, including BACK STABBERS for the O'JAYS and WAKE UP EVERYBODY for HAROLD MELVIN + THE BLUE NOTES.

Whitehead was fatally shot and killed outside his Philadelphia, Pennsylvania home in May, 2004 and his murder remains unsolved.

The duo worked for Philly International for 16 years and wrote 400 songs together, collaborating with artists such as MELBA MOORE, TEDDY PENDERGRASS, GLADYS KNIGHT and STEVIE WONDER.