Charlie Wilson: Loses Father to Prostate Cancer in Midst of His Own Battle

This Father's Day will be a somber one for Charlie Wilson.

The R&B-funk veteran and his family members lost their patriarch, Bishop Oscar W. Wilson, to a battle with prostate cancer yesterday.

According to Wilson's spokeswoman, Juanita Stephens, the former Gap Band front man was on his way to hosting Steve Harvey's nationally syndicated radio show when he learned of the news. "Like a trooper, he continued his commitment to the radio show for four hours nonstop," Stephens told BV Newswire today.

The 'You Dropped a Bomb on Me' singer,' was himself diagnosed with the male-reproductive disease last fall and has been a staunch advocate for the Prostate Cancer Foundation to help raise awareness and money for research.

"My father was an incredible man who had a profound effect on our family both as a father and a spiritual guide," Wilson said. "I made a commitment to spread the word about prostate cancer, and with the passing of my Dad, that commitment is even stronger."

Scenes From Fantastic Voyage 2009

Oscar Joyner, Tom Micheal, Tom Joyner, and Charlie Wilson present their contributions to the Tom Joyner Foundation.

Hiltron Bailey/Tom Joyner Foundation

Charlie Wilson performing on Tom Joyner's 2009 Fantastic Voyage.

Hiltron Bailey/Tom Joyner Foundation

Charlie Wilson speaks during a panel on Tom Joyner's 2009 Fantastic Voyage.

Hiltron Bailey/Tom Joyner Foundation

Charlie Wilson performing on Tom Joyner's 2009 Fantastic Voyage.

Hiltron Bailey/Tom Joyner Foundation

Tom Joyner dances to the old school sounds of Uncle Charlie Wilson.

Hiltron Bailey/Tom Joyner Foundation

Charlie Wilson performing on Tom Joyner's 2009 Fantastic Voyage.

Hiltron Bailey/Tom Joyner Foundation

Tom Joyner hosting his 2009 Fantastic Voyage.

Hiltron Bailey/Tom Joyner Foundation

Tom Joyner's 2009 Fantastic Voyage.

Tom Joyner Foundation

Salt-N-Pepa performing on Tom Joyner's 2009 Fantastic Voyage.

Hiltron Bailey/Tom Joyner Foundation

Lamann Rucker models during Tom Joyner's 2009 Fantastic Voyage.

Hiltron Bailey/Tom Joyner Foundation

Discovering the life-threatening disease early has given Uncle Charlie, as he is known in the hip-hop community, an optimistic outlook on his prognosis.

"When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September, I thought to myself 'I'm too young... this isn't a cancer I should be getting,'" he previously said. "While I was surprised to discover that this disease strikes one out of every six American men, I was astounded to learn that African American men are 1.6 times more likely than others to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. My wife, Mahin, and I are very fortunate. I was lucky to be diagnosed and begin treatment early. My prognosis is excellent."

In addition to appearing on Lil Kim's latest song 'Download,' the 'Yearning For Your Love' singer released his most recent project, 'Uncle Charlie,' in February.

The former homeless drug offender has been working tirelessly on a career resurgence.

Last month, he mesmerized crowds during Tom Joyner's 2009 Fantastic Voyage cruise.

Funeral services for Bishop Wilson, 91, will be held June 23 at 1 p.m. at the Morning Star Baptist Church, 165 E. Cedar St., Lucedale, Miss., 39452.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation at Unclecharliewilson.com.

Black Music Notes June 15

6/15/09: Ledisi
Two-time Grammy Award nominated singer-songwriter Ledisi is readying the release her new album, entitled 'Turn Me Loose,' which features production from Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Raphael Saadiq, and Chucky Thompson to name a few. The New Orleans-born vocal powerhouse credits the album's inspiration to Buddy Miles' classic soul/funk opus 'Them Changes.' "I cried when I first heard this album in 2008," she recalled. "I cried because I heard and felt the pain, the spirit in his voice it moved me. I wanted that freedom I heard in his voice. I wanted to scream and give my all without thinking. Ledisi's 'Turn Me Loose' hit stores and digital retailers August 18 via Verve Records.

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6/11/09: Mary J. Blige/Clark Sisters
The Clark Sisters and Mary J. Blige are among the many people set to revive Maze and Frankie Beverly's anthology. As previously reported by Black Music Notes, the legendary band will release a tribute album entitled, 'I Wanna Thank You... An All-Star Tribute to Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly' this August. It has now been reported in addition to the Clark Sisters and Blige, artist such as Musiq Soulchild, Mint Condition, Raheem DeVaughn and Ledisi are among the many people contributing to the project.

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6/11/09: Ginuwine
Although wedding season may be upon us, there are still a few 'bachelors' floating around waiting to share their thoughts with a special someone. Hence, the June 23 release of Ginuwine's sixth album, 'A Man's Thoughts.' The singer's long-awaited album, which features the lead single 'Last Chance,' also includes the crooner to reuniting with his long-time friends, Timbaland and Missy Elliot for the club hit 'Get Invovled.' While Bun B appears on the album's potential second single 'Trouble.' Ginuwine's 'A Man's Thoughts' will be released via Notifi/Asylum/Warner Bros. Records.

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6/11/09: Jazmine Sullivan
This summer Jazmine Sullivan fans won't have to worry about the singer busting any 'Windows' out of someone's car. Instead, the Philadelphia native will be taking the stage for this year's annual Reggae Sumfest taking place July 24 in Montego Bay. "We are really pleased that we've been able to confirm Jazmine for the show," said Executive Director of Summerfest Productions Johnny Gourzong. We have been pouring over a list of possible international acts, and she was one of those artistes that really jumped out at us." Among the list of performers set to appear are Nas and reggae royalty Damian 'Jr Gong' Marley, as well as Bounty Killer and Mavado. This year's Reggae Sumfest kicks off July 19 and continues through July 25.

Andrew H. Walker, Sunshine Sac / Getty Images

6/11/09: Amerie
Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Amerie is currently creating a buzz with her latest single 'Why R U.' In addition to the single's video debuting this week on BET, the 'Why Don't We Fall In Love' singer is readying the August release of her Def Jam debut, 'In Love & War.' The album is set to feature production from the likes of Teddy Riley, Sean Garrett, The Buchanans, Jim Johnson, and Brian Michael Cox.

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6/11/09: Jagged Edge
Jermaine Dupri's former R&B signees, Jagged Edge have finally found a new home on Slip-N-Slide Records. According to Billboard the quartet are currently in the studio wrapping up their new album, 'The Remedy,' which is expected to drop sometime in 2010. "What we want to do with this album is still be on that R&B tip, but with the help of a few hand-picked features," group member Kyle Norman tells Billboard.com. "So far we're in talks with Rick Ross and Plies. We talked to Jay-Z about doing a song on the last album, so we're going to try to pursue that again, and we've also been chatting with Snoop [Dogg]." This will be Jagged Edge's first album since their 2007 Def Jam release, 'Baby Makin' Project.'

Arnold Turner, WireImage

6/11/09: Jay-Z
When it comes to taking a stance on today's latest trends, leave it to Jay-Z to make his voice be heard. The mogul recently released the first single off his forthcoming September 11 release, 'Blueprint 3' titled, 'D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)' which addresses the popularity of the vocal enhancer. And according to him the trend needs to go away. "I think I said something important," he explained on New York radio station Hot 97, "only on the aspect of moving [the conversation] forward...The guys who did it, did it great," he continued. "T-Pain, he does great melodies. If you listen to Kanye, great melodies. Everybody can't do it. Let them guys do it. They got their little niche, let's move on. That's just my opinion. I don't know if everybody feels the same way."

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6/5/09: Coko Clemons
Coko Clemons may reunite with former SWV members for sporadic gigs here and there, but the Bronx native's true musical heart and soul remains in the gospel music realm. Light Records will release her sophomore gospel effort, titled 'The Winner In Me,' in July. 'Wait,' the album's first single, is a sweeping anthem about waiting on God's faithfulness. Fellow vocal powerhouse Kelly Price, also former 1990s chart-topper, collaborates with Clemons on the groove infused track 'Oh Mary,' while gospel music hit-maker Israel Houghton does the duet 'Joy of the World.' The 'Right Here' songstress revives her hip hop soul roots on the track 'Made A Way,' featuring Canton Jones.

Light Records

6/5/09: Wyclef Jean
On June 8, Wyclef Jean will be honored in New York City by the World Hunger Year (WHY) organization for his global efforts in fighting against poverty. The Haitian former Fugees front-man will receive the organization's ASCAP-Harry Chapin Humanitarian award – presented by legendary entertainer/activist Harry Belafonte. WHY is a leading advocate for innovative, community-based solutions to hunger and poverty, and combats these issues by promoting methods for creating self-reliance, economic justice, and equal access to nutritious and affordable food. In 2005, Jean established his Yéle Haiti foundation, which works towards long-term progress for Haiti via small-scale, manageable and replicable projects.

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6/5/09: Cee Lo Green
Gnarls Barkley front-man Cee-Lo Green has signed a new solo recording deal. The 'Crazy' crooner is among the first three acts signed to the newly revamped Elektra Records label – which hasn't been in commission since 2004. According to Billboard magazine, the company will be run by Fueled By Ramen founder John Janickand Atlantic EVP of A&R Mike Caren. French electronic duo Justice and U.K. dance artist Little Boots are also early signings. A former member of Atlanta based rap group The Goodie Mob., Cee-Lo has recorded two solo efforts via Arista Records, and two albums for Atlantic Records – as one half of the chart-topping super-group Gnarls Barkley.

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