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Multi-talented singer/composer Don Covay lost his two-decades-long battle with debilitating illness resulting from a massive stroke.

According publicist Don Brown, Covay died in his sleep on Saturday morning, January 31, at the age of 78.

Covay composed a litany of hit tunes, such “Mercy Mercy,” which rocketed to #1 R&B on Cashbox in 1964 and became a huge hit for the Rolling Stones in 1965. In that same year, the catchy song “See Saw” became a top-5 R&B hit for Covay on Cashbox, and his composition

“Chain of Fools,” a popular R&B classic, became a hit for Aretha Franklin in 1967.

Covay’s career began in the 1950s with the gospel quartet the Cherokees, and his secular career began with the Rainbows, a group whose members included crooners Marvin Gaye and Billy Stewart.

According to his daughter, Ursula Covay, final arrangements are under way and are expected to be completed within days.

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(Photo Source: Don Covay Facebook Fan Page)