R&B singer Lou Rawls [ tickets ], who had been battling lung and brain cancer, has succumbed to the disease.

Rawls died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, according to published reports, where he had been hospitalized last month for treatment.

A three-time Grammy winner, Rawls' career spanned four decades. He issued his first album in 1962, and served up dozens of albums in the years that followed, most recently 2003's "Rawls Sings Sinatra."

Rawls scored a number of hit singles over the years, the most successful of which was the mid-'70s hit "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine."

Rawls' wife, Nina, was reportedly at his bedside when he passed. He is also survived by three adult children--Louanna Rawls, Lou Rawls, Jr., and Kendra Smith--as well as an infant son, Aiden, according to a Reuters report.

Conflicting reports and biographical data indicate that Rawls was either 70 or 72 years old at the time of his death.

Following initial reports of his illness and hospitalization last month, Rawls released a statement in which he told fans he remained optimistic about his chances for recovery.

"I want to thank everyone for your prayers and expressions of love," reads the message, posted at Rawls' website. "Your concern touches me ... but don't count me out. There's been many people who have been diagnosed with this kind of thing, and they're still jumpin' and pumpin.' I'm thinking good thoughts."

Rawls' optimism was also evident in his plans to join a lengthy roster of performers at Saturday's (1/7) "An Evening with the Stars," a tribute to fellow R&B great Stevie Wonder, proceeds from which will benefit the United Negro College Fund.