Motown singer Bertha Barbee McNeal has died at the age of 82.
The Velvelettes member passed away on Thursday after a battle with colon cancer.
Bertha had been in a Michigan hospice.
Bertha's group was responsible for hit tracks including Needle in a Haystack and (He Was) Really Saying Something.
Amy Winhouse cited the star as a major influence on her music.
Cal Gill Street, lead singer of the band, said Bertha was a "precious lady" while talking to Detroit News.
She added: "She was an angel. I've lost my dearest friend. Bertie was a precious lady.
"I never heard any profanity, I never heard her speak ill of anybody, even if she was upset.
"She would get beyond that, like an angel here on earth. In the group, she was the glue that kept us from choking."
Deadline News reports McNeal performed as recently as in July with The Velvelettes at Arcadia Creek in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
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