Charlie Wilson Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer

With the release of his second solo album, 'Uncle Charlie,' less than two weeks away, famed R&B artist Charlie Wilson has announced that he is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. The 'Yearning For Your Love' singer was diagnosed with the male reproductive system disease last fall and began therapy on Nov. 21. Wilson's sudden diagnosis has lead him to team up with the Prostate Cancer Foundation to help raise awareness and research funds for prostate cancer.

As lead singer for the Gap Band, Charlie Wilson sang on four number one R&B hits: "Burn Rubber (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)," "Early in the Morning," "Outstanding," and "Addicted to Your Love" -- as well as the classics "You Dropped a Bomb on Me," "Yearning for Your Love," "Party Train," and "Big Fun." The band had three platinum albums, two gold certificates, and supplied hit singles for the movie soundtracks to Penitentiary III ("Sweeter Than Candy") and the title track Top 20 R&B hit single of Keenon Ivory Wayans' I'm Gonna Git You Sucka. After a long hiatus, Wilson returned in 2000 with Bridging the Gap, issued by Interscope and sporting appearances by Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg (the smooth "Big Pimpin'") and Case (on the duet ballad "Another Man"). The album became an R&B hit and brushed the Top 200 album chart as well. His 2005 LP Charlie, Last Name Wilson hit the Top Ten thanks to the success of the title track and "Magic."