NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 20 (Reuters) – Kevin Sharp, who
survived cancer as a teenager and went on to become a successful
country music singer in the 1990s, died late Saturday, according
to his website. He was 43.
“Kevin died due to ongoing complications from past stomach
surgeries and digestive issues,” said a statement posted Sunday
on kevinsharp.com.
Sharp, a California native, recorded several hit singles in
mid-1990s, including his version of the song “Nobody Knows,”
which held the top spot on Billboard’s Hot Country Single &
Track for four weeks.
His debut solo album, “Measure of a Man,” was released in
November 1996 and hit the top-20 country charts, according to
AllMusic.com. A second album, “Love Is,” followed in 1998.
Sharp was diagnosed in high school with a rare form of bone
cancer that had spread to his lungs, according to his website,
and he became involved in the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a
non-profit that seeks to provide wish-fulfillment experiences to
children with life-threatening illnesses.
Sharp’s cancer went into remission in 1991, and he launched
his musical career while staying active in Make-A-Wish, becoming
a national spokesman for the organization, according to his
website. He also became a motivational speaker.
A memorial service for Sharp was being planned in Nashville,
the website statement said.
(Reporting by Tim Ghianni in Nashville, Tenn., and Kevin Murphy
in Kansas City, Mo.; Editing by Steve Gorman and Eric Walsh)
