R&B singer, producer Kashif dies at 59

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Singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Kashif Saleem has died, according to family members who posted the news on the artist’s official Facebook page.

Saleem, who collaborated with stars such as Whitney Houston, Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King and Dionne Warwick, was 59.

Details are limited, but FACT Magazine reports that Saleem was found dead in his home by a neighbor on Sunday. Here is his family’s official statement:

Kashif Saleem, born Michael Jones, “helped define the R&B sound of the early 80s,” and was nominated for multiple Grammys in his career.

Saleem had solo hits such as 1983’s “I Just Gotta Have You (Lover Turn Me On)” and “Stone Love.” He produced Whitney Houston’s “You Give Good Love” and penned Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King’s classic “Love Come Down.”

Vibe.com’s Desire Thompson writes that Saleem’s “signature use of synthesizers paired with lyrics of love and devotion helped defined urban sounds following the exit of disco music.”

He also collaborated with artists such as George Benson, Barry White and Meli’sa Morgan.

Tributes have poured in for Saleem on Twitter:

Here’s Saleem’s episode of TV One’s popular show “Unsung,” which the singer posted on his Facebook page earlier this year.