While his trademark to many was his unique voice, it was in his rhythms and beats that his influence lives loudest as a clear forefather of funk and rap.

Not only was his music incredibly influential, but his live shows were the inspiration to the likes of Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson in their interpretation for what a front man should be.

The self styled "Hardest Working Man in Show Business" had become a regular visitor to these shores over the last number of years, with Oxegen 2005 and 2006 seeing him headline secondary stages. He also played two legendary back to back shows in Dublin's Vicar St.

Karl Tsigdinos' appraisal of the classic Live At The Appollo is here