Mable John has died at the age of 91, her nephew Kevin John has confirmed.
She was the older sister of R&B star Little Willie John and had worked alongside some of the greats in the industry, including Ray Charles. She was confirmed to have died on August 25 but no cause of death was revealed.
Kevin wrote in tribute to his aunt: "We loved her and she was a kind person."
The music icon had a huge career in the industry, becoming the first female solo female artist signed to Motown, which was then known as Tamla Records, by Berry Gordy Jr. Her hit songs included Who Wouldn't Love A Man Like That, No Love, Looking for a Man and Take Me, which was later used in harmonies by The Temptations.
Mable left the label in the mid 1960s to join Memphis label Stax Records where she reached number 6 on the Billboard's Hot R&B char with her tune Your Good Thing (Is About to End).
Her departure from the record two years later coincided with the death of her brother Little Willie John. Despite a break from music, Mable returned as musical director and singer in Ray Charles' Raelettes backing band.
She later moved into gospel singing and became a preacher, where she received a doctorate in divinity.
Following news of her death breaking, Motown Museum's chairwoman and CEO Robin Terry sent a heartfelt message on Twitter saying: "We are deeply saddened by the death of Dr. Mable John.
"A truly unique talent, Mable was an instrumental figure in Berry Gordy's early career, assisting him with his day-to-day work as a budding songwriter and music producer.
"Receiving coaching as one of Berry's first artists, she became the first solo female artist signed to the Tamla label. Her hard work and creativity in Motown's early development days helped the company become an international sensation. Our hearts are with her family, friends and fans all over the world."
Fans also took to social media to pay their respects. One user on Twitter wrote :"My dear friend Dr.Mable John, one of modern music’s first feminists, preacher, soulful blues singer, has joined the heavenly choir. She was sassy, intelligent, taught me how to cook! She made it into her 90’s and was still brightly fun and full of wisdom."
Another penned: "Saddened to hear that Mable John passed away. She was a great singer and a better person, helping out so many in need!"
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