Michael Stanley
American singer-songwriter died of cancer at 72
Michael Stanley (left) succumbed to cancer
© imago images / Everett Collection
Cleveland mourns the loss of its "most popular musician, songwriter and rocker": Michael Stanley died of lung cancer at the age of 72.
The American musician and songwriter Michael Stanley ("Inside Moves") has died at the age of 72. As Stanley's manager announced according to the "Deadline" page, the front man of the Michael Stanley Band died on March 5th of lung cancer, which he was diagnosed with about seven months ago. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, based in the city of Cleveland, where Stanley was born, issued a statement on his death stating that the city had lost its "most popular musician, songwriter and rocker".
Stanley celebrated his greatest successes in the 70s and 80s and last worked as a radio presenter until a month before his death. After initially participating in the bands The Tree Stumps and Silk, he founded the band named after him in 1974. The group celebrated their biggest hit in 1981 with the rock song "He Can't Love You". The Michael Stanley Band released a total of eleven studio albums and various best-of compilations.
Michael Stanley leaves behind his wife Ilsa Glanzberg, two daughters, a stepson and five grandchildren. The funeral is due to take place in a private ceremony in Cleveland.