Tributes have been paid to Dougie James, a much-loved Manchester music promoter and lead singer of the 1970s band Dougie James and the Soul Train.
He has died aged 72.
Raised in Wythenshawe, the former Sharston High School pupil carved out a career in the music industry before his three sons, the Thomas brothers, became famous themselves.
Ryan Thomas starred in Coronation Street and Celebrity Big Brother while Adam Thomas was in Emmerdale and his twin Scott Thomas was a contestant on Love Island.
Dad and his three sons travelled to India to explore their heritage there for an ITV documentary last year.
Soul Train consisted of Dougie, his brother Barry, Red Hoffman, Bo Lee, Lyn Oakie, Neil Shaw-Hulme and Ian Laing.
It began in the 1970s and was still performing in the noughties.
He opened for Michael Jackson (then part of the Jackson 5) at the Manchester Apollo in 1979.
Speaking to the M.E.N. in 2007 about that tour, Dougie recalled: "Michael Jackson used to throw stink bombs into my dressing room. He'd put whoopee cushions in there, too, but then he'd put security outside his own dressing room so I couldn't get in. He was a nice guy, very quiet. They were all nice kids."
Dougie has also worked with other music greats: James Brown, Frank Sinatra, Edwin Starr, Bill Haley And The Comets, Stevie Wonder and Billy Fury.
Scores of friends and fans posted moving tributes to Dougie on his Facebook page following news of his death yesterday (Friday).
Jacqueline Hall posted a picture of Dougie and his sons in Mumbai and said: "The world has lost some sparkle today. RIP Dougie you Soul legend. Thoughts are with your family."
LInda Lam wrote: "RIP Dougie James... It was a pleasure to meet you through Raymond Chan and Carole Chan and see you perform at many of their Chinatown events. Also great to have you and your family at your grand daughters birthday party at rainbow88.
"Manchester in Mumbai with your 3 sons was fab and I am so glad you got to spend that special time with them! Manchester has lost an extremely talented legend."
Nick Tanner said: "RIP Soul Train Legend Dougie James. Only met him a few times, but always the life and soul of the party and so great to learn more about him and his family on #mancsinmumbai. Thoughts go out to all his family and friends."
