American R&B star Jesse Powell has died at the age of 51, his family confirmed in a statement on Wednesday.
The singer, who enjoyed success in the 1990s following the release of his self-titled debut album, passed away at his Los Angeles home. A cause of death is yet to be announced.
Sharing the news in a Facebook post, his sister Tamara wrote: 'It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, and uncle Jesse Powell.
'The family asks for privacy at this time as we mourn this 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. – The Powell Family.'
Born and raised in Indiana, Powell won recognition following the release of his first album and its lead single, You, in 1996.
Co-written by Powell and producer Carl Roland, the track would climb to number 59 in the US Billboard Chart before enjoying further success upon its re-release in 1999.
Reappearing on the singer's second album 'Bout it, the song soon became the most successful of his career by reaching number two in the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number 10 in the Billboard Hot 100.
Subsequent releases received mild critical praise while failing to make the same commercial impact; third album JP reached number 79 on the US Album chart, while fourth album Jesse failed to chart.
The singer caught the eye of eventual collaborator Roland while performing at local talent shows with his sisters, Trina and Tamara, and brother Jacob in the early 1990s.
While he would go on to enjoy moderate success Trina and Tamara would also win a recording contract as a duo, with their own self-titled debut album released in 1999.
Those who remember Powell and his contribution to the R&B genre have since paid tribute on social media.
