LOS ANGELES - Funk legend Rick James, best known for the 1981 hit "Super Freak" before his career disintegrated amid drug use and violence that sent him to prison, died Friday at age 56.
James died in his sleep at his home near Universal City, publicist Sujata Murthy said. The singer lived alone and was found by his personal assistant, who notified police.
Police and Murthy said they believe James died of natural causes. The exact cause was not immediately released. An autopsy and toxicology exam will be conducted Saturday.
"There's a possibility that his past history with drugs and current medical condition may have contributed to his death," coroner's spokesman David Campbell said.
Publicist Maureen O'Connor, speaking on behalf of James' three children, said they believed he died of heart failure.
James was honored in June by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers with the Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award. Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. presented the award.
"His creative abilities, his instincts about music and production were just awesome," Gordy said Friday in a statement, calling James "a pioneer who took Motown in a whole new direction."
Picked by Death From Above.