His longtime publicist Karen Johnson said Charles, whose real name was Robert Charles Guidry, died Thursday morning. She did not know the specific cause of death but said Charles had diabetes and was in remission from kidney cancer.
Johnson said Charles was scheduled to release a new album co-produced by his longtime friend Dr. John next month. She said that in her last conversation with Charles about a week ago, he told her "this is my best record yet."
Charles is survived by four sons. Funeral arrangements are pending.