R&B Vocalist Jesse Powell Has Died At 51

According to a statement from his family, R&B vocalist Jesse Powell has died. The singer, known for his 1999 hit “You,” was reportedly 51.

The R&B community is collectively mourning the loss of singer Jesse Powell, who reportedly died on Tuesday (September 13). The Gary, Indiana-born singer was 51 years-old.

Powell’s sister, Trina Powell of R&B sister duo Trina & Tamara, shared an announcement of her older brother’s passing on Instagram.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother and uncle Jesse Powell. He passed away peacefully in his Los Angeles home,” the statement read. “The family asks for privacy at this time as we mourn the tremendous loss and celebrate his everlasting legacy. Jesse loved music and he especially loved his fans who supported him throughout his career. We want you all to know that you meant the world to him.”

Boasting a four octave vocal range, the Grammy-nominated singer was discovered by music executive and producer Louil Silas, Jr., who also mentored acts Keke Wyatt, Chanté Moore, and Tricky Stewart. Signed to Silas Records/MCA Records early in his career, Powell’s eponymous debut album was released in March 1996, peaking at No. 35 on the Billboard R&B chart.

While Powell’s debut single “All I Need” found modest success, his classic hit “You” first appeared on his self-titled debut, later released on his 1998 sophomore album ‘Bout It. As the second single from ‘Bout It, “You” reached No. 2 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Powell’s first and only top 10 hit.

Powell would release two more albums during his career, 2001’s JP and Jesse in 2003, seemingly retiring from the music industry thereafter.

Read tributes to Powell below.