Jesse Powell dead: R&B singer dies at 51 at his LA home as devastated family pay tribute

R&B singer Jesse Powell has died, just two days after his 51st birthday, his devastated family have announced.

In a statement, the talented musician's heartbroken family say Jesse passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles.

Paying tribute, Jesse's sister Tamara said on Instagram on Wednesday: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, and uncle Jesse Powell.

"He passed away peacefully in his Los Angeles home. The family asks for privacy at this time as we mourn this tremendous loss and celebrate his everlasting legacy.

"Jesse loved music and he especially loved his fans who supported him throughout his career. We want you all to know that you meant the world to him. – The Powell Family."

Jesse's cause of death is yet to be announced.

R&B singer Jesse Powell has died aged 51 at his LA home (pictured 1998) (Raymond Boyd/Getty Images))

His heartbroken sister announced his death (Instagram)

Tributes flooded in from fans following the announcement of Jesse's death.

One wrote: "My Heart Is Torn!!! RIP To a Legend Your Music Meant The World to me," while another echoed: "#JessePowell had just turned 51 two days before he passed away. That’s my age. So sad. Too soon."

A third fan chimed: "Unfortunately Jesse Powell's passing is just another great example of how some people never truly receive their flowers in their lifetime. Most of the world forgot this beautiful man even existed and just how wonderful his voice was!"

Grammy nominee Jesse, who boasted a four octave vocal range, was best known for his hit You which peaked at No. 2 R&B and No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Born in Indiana, Jesse performed with his siblings in talent shows, with producer Carl Roland spotting his musical ability in 1993.

He secured a record contract with Silas records and released his debut self-titled album in 1996, which entered the Billboard Charts at number 35.

Jesse's second album, Bout It, with lead single I Wasn't With It in 1998, reached number 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.

It was his second single You which became an instant hit and catapulted Jesse to success. It became Jesse's biggest hit, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100

The singer went on to release two more albums, with his fourth record Jesse, released in 2004, being his final before his retirement from the music industry.