Soul musician Kashif dies aged 56

Soul musician and producer Kashif has died aged 56.
The R&B pioneer, born Michael Jones before changing his name to Kashif Saleem after converting to Islam, passed away at his Los Angeles home on Sunday (25Sep16).
Kashif’s family confirmed the star’s death with a post from his Twitter account.
“It is with great sadness we the Family are confirming the passing of music legend Kashif in Los Angeles, CA. We will keep you updated,” the post read.
The body of the Harlem born multi-instrumentalist, who lived alone, was found by a neighbour on Monday (27Sep16) according to editors at the Electronic Urban Report website.
Officials at the Los Angeles County Coroners’s confirmed his death occurred on Sunday, but had not announced a cause of death at the time of WENN going to press. It is thought he died due to natural causes.
Kashif began his career in the funk band B. T. Express before embarking on a successful career as a solo artist, songwriter and producer, penning the 1981 hit I’m In Love for singer Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King.
A talented keyboardist, percussionist and vocalist, he performed on and produced tracks by artists including Whitney Houston, George Benson and Dionne Warwick.
His partnership with Whitney was particularly productive, producing her top ten U.S. hit you You Give Good Love and co-writing, producing and dueting with her on the song Thinking About You.
Considered a pioneer in the use of synthesisers in R&B and soul music, Kashif also won acclaim for his solo work, with his 1984 album Send Me Your Love earning two Grammy Award nominations.