Jacksoul Star Neale Dies

JACKSOUL frontman HAYDAIN NEALE has died of cancer aged just 39.

Neale, who fronted the award-winning Canadian group, passed away on Sunday (22Nov09) at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto following a seven-month battle with lung cancer.

The singer was also still suffering from serious injuries sustained in a 2007 car crash.

Neale shot to fame with the R&B/soul/jazz group in the 1990s and went on to win a string of Juno Awards for his work in the band, including R&B/Soul Recording of the Year in 2001 and 2007, as well as a Canadian Urban Music Award in 2004.

He released four albums with Jacksoul, and they were preparing to launch their latest record, SOULmate, next month (Dec09).

Neale's wife Michaela has paid tribute in a statement, which reads, "Through all these challenges, Haydain's sense of humour and love of music were ever-present. He constantly brightened the room with his singing and his smile. His joyful presence and beautiful voice will be missed by us all."

Neale is survived by Michaela and their daughter Yasmin.