We regrettably report that famed soul singer, Bobby Womack, has just been diagnosed with colon cancer.  Womack has over 40 years of involvement in the music industry, starting out as the frontman to The Valentinos and backing Sam Cooke on guitar.  As reported by Pitchfork, Womack is currently in the hospital with pneumonia, though a report from Bootsy Collins gives us hope for a smooth recovery.

The unfortunate news of Womack’s colon cancer comes at an untimely moment, with the release of his new album, The Bravest Man in the Universe, on the horizon.  The album was co-produced by Damon Albarn of Blur and Gorillaz and Richard Russell.  The release, Womack’s first album in 13 years, is scheduled for June 12 in the U.S. via XL Recordings.

The majority of announcements and updates in regard to Womack’s health have come from Bootsy Collins on his Facebook page.  Yesterday on March 25, Collins updated his Facebook status, saying, “Funkateers, Send Prayers & Love Vibes Up for Bobby Womack.  He is Fighting Pneumonia in the Hospital Now.  Will update After I talk to Him. Thx u all.”

Soon after, Collins said this:

I JUST SPOKE TO OUR FRIEND BOBBY WOMACK.  He Wanted You All to Know That He Loves You & Thxs for the Prayers.  Docs Says He Is In 1st Stage of Colon Cancer, He is Very Up Beat About His Future, we laughed & joked before we hung up.  Thnxs Funkateers, we will get him Back on the One!

Best of luck to Bobby Womack in his fight against cancer.