General Public and The Beat Singer Dies at 56

The co-founder of General Publish and English Beat, Ranking Roger, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 56.

Ranking Roger – real name Roger Charley – had been battling various health concerns, including two brain tumors and lung cancer.

As reported by TMZ, he allegedly survived a stroke last summer. However, it is not yet clear what the exact cause of death was.

The Beat confirmed his passing on Twitter: "RIP [Ranking Roger] who sadly past [sic] away peacefully at home with his family by his side early today. Roger was a fighter."

The band added that Charley "fought and fought and fought." They passed along the family's gratitude for the "constant support during this tough time."

Charley founded The Beat in the late seventies, fusing traditional ska music with pop, new wave, and punk rock.

The Beat released three albums during the eighties and soon amassed a following in the US and Canada.

Their latest album, "Public Confidential," was released in January 2019. He also released a memoir, which will be published later this year.