Sharon Jones Diagnosed With Cancer, Dap-Kings Delay Album

Soul singer Sharon Jones has been forced to delay her forthcoming album and tour after being diagnosed with cancer.

The 57-year-old star is set to undergo surgery after doctors revealed she had developed stage-one bile duct cancer.

"We just found out that I have a stage-one tumor on my bile duct," Jones said in a statement to fans.

"Luckily we caught it really early and fast and the doctors say it's operable and curable! I will be having surgery very soon and will have to rest and recover.

"I'll be staying in touch and keeping my fans and friends updated on my progress. I'm looking forward to getting back on the road to give the people what they want!"

Jones and her band, the Dap-Kings, had already started touring she was taken ill.

The group has now cancelled all summer concert dates, which run until late August, and their sixth album, Give the People What They Want, which was scheduled for release on 6 August, has also been delayed.

In May, the cancer, which affects the tube connecting the liver to the small intestine, claimed the life of Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek.