British rocker Alvin Stardust dies at 72
Glam rock fans are mourning British singer Alvin Stardust, who has died after a short illness, according to the BBC and other reports out of England. He was 72.
Stardust had recently been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer and died at home with his wife, Julie, and family around him, his manager told the BBC.
Stardust, whose real name was Bernard Jewry, was due to release his first studio album in 30 years on Nov. 3. He recently announced the record, titled Alvin, would represent "a new and exciting departure" of which he was "immensely proud."
Among his hits: My Coo Ca Choo, Jealous Mind and I Feel Like Buddy Holly.
Buddy Holly was a big influence in Stardust's life and career. He met Holly early in his career and played backstage with the singer and his band.
Stardust signed his first record deal in 1961 as the frontman of Shane Fenton and the Fentones, though the band struggled to get in the charts. In 1973 he signed with Magnet Records and found fame as Alvin Stardust.
According to The Mirror, Stardust was once described as "the Godfather of British Rock 'n' Roll" by Rolling Stone Keith Richards.
Stardust was married three times. He has two sons with first wife, Iris Caldwell; a daughter with second wife Liza Goddard, and a daughter with actress and choreographer Julie Paton.