Died December 25, 2006 ( 2006-12-25 ) (aged 73) Atlanta, Georgia , US Genres R&B , doo-wop , rock 'n' roll , blues , jazz , soul , funk Occupations Musician, songwriter, dancer, bandleader , record producer, actor Instruments Vocals, drums, percussion, piano, keyboards, organ Years active 1945–2006 Labels Federal , King