Percy Sledge

 Today we honor the life and legacy of Percy Sledge, an American R&B and soul singer whose voice and heartfelt performances have left an enduring mark on music history. Best known for the timeless classic "When a Man Loves a Woman," Sledge’s artistry bridged the gap between raw emotion and universal resonance, making him a beloved figure across generations.

Born Percy Tyrone Sledge in Leighton, Alabama, he began his adult life working in agriculture and later as a hospital orderly, where his compassion for others mirrored the depth of feeling he would later convey through song. Even while holding down these jobs, he toured on weekends with the Esquires Combo, honing his performance skills and cultivating the powerful, soulful voice that would define his career.

Sledge’s breakthrough came in 1966 when "When a Man Loves a Woman" reached No. 1 on the U.S. charts, becoming Atlantic Records’ first gold record and an international sensation. Inspired by personal heartbreak and crafted with the help of collaborators Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright, the song remains one of the most emotional and recognizable soul ballads in history. Over the late 1960s and early 1970s, Sledge followed up with hits like "Warm and Tender Love," "Take Time to Know Her," and "It Tears Me Up," earning acclaim both in the U.S. and abroad, especially in Europe and Africa, where he frequently performed to enthusiastic audiences.

The 1980s and 1990s brought renewed appreciation for Sledge’s artistry, with "When a Man Loves a Woman" re-entering the UK charts and inspiring Michael Bolton’s 1991 rendition, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 exactly 25 years after Sledge’s original. He continued recording into the 2000s, with albums like Blue Night earning Grammy and W.C. Handy Award recognition, and Shining Through the Rain preceding his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2005. Sledge’s contributions to music were further recognized with his induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2007.

Beyond his career, Sledge’s personal life reflected devotion to family; he married twice, fathered twelve children, and left behind a legacy of love, integrity, and artistic excellence. Percy Sledge passed away at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, due to liver cancer, leaving behind a rich musical heritage that continues to inspire.