Sharon L. Jones, 1956-2016

Sad news, Grammy nominated classic soul singer Sharon LaFaye Jones, whose work as lead singer for the Brooklyn-based group Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings helped kick-off a revival of the 1970s soul sound in recent years, passed away earlier today after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 60 years old.

Holiday music fans know Jones for the magical Christmas song she released several years ago, "There Ain't No Chimneys in the Projects."

Jones began her recording career relatively late in life, releasing her first record at the age of 40. But after partnering with the Dap Kings, she took to the road repeatedly and built an ever-increasing following over the past several years.

She was diagnosed with cancer in 2013, but Jones continued to record and perform whenever possible during periods of remission.

"It's therapy,'' she said in July. "I know I need rest and sleep. But I want to work and that is our job.

"You got to be brave. I want to use the time that I have. I don't want to spend it all laid up, wishing I had done that gig," she told Associated Press.

If you're not familiar with her music, check it out on amazon.com. And if you haven't heard "Ain't No Chimneys in the Projects" — or even if you have — press the play button on the box below. Sharon will be sorely missed.