James Brown, the “Godfather of Soul” and a legend in rap, rock and funk, has announced that he has prostate cancer.
In a statement released to The Associated Press on Friday morning, Brown, 71, said that he will undergo surgery for the ailment on Dec. 15.
“I have overcome a lot of things in my life. I will overcome this as well,” Brown said.
Brown, best known for seminal hits like “I Feel Good,” “Please, Please, Please,” and “Cold Sweat,” is also a diabetic. Dubbed the hardest working man in show business, he just finished a two-week Canadian tour on Thursday night. He is expected to spend three weeks recovering from the procedure.
Earlier this year, he faced other troubles when he was charged with domestic abuse after an altercation with his wife. The allegation was resolved when he failed to contest the charge.
Brown is due to release an autobiography next month. Besides promoting the project with a slew of appearances, he still plans a tour of Asia and Australia early next year.