Flamboyant American Soul singer Wayne Cochran has died at the age of 78.

He lost his battle against cancer at his Florida home, his son confirmed.

Known as the White Knight of Soul, Cochran was an inspiration for the likes of Elvis, James Brown, Rod Stewart and Otis Redding.

Indeed the King took his iconic rhinestone-studded outfits from the Georgian musician.

His most famous song Last Kiss – which he performed with the C.C. Riders – was originally penned in 1961.

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Known as the White Knight of Soul, Cochran was an inspiration for the likes of Elvis, James Brown, Rod Stewart and Otis Redding

It later achieved worldwide fame when it was covered by Pearl Jam in 1998 – becoming the band’s biggest chart hit.

Cochran was known for his barn-storming performances and sported a towering blonde pompadour quiff throughout his musical career.

But at the height of his fame he packed it all in to become a church minister in Miami. (TheSun)