Marva Whitney Dies At 68

Marva Whitney, James Brown's "Soul Sister Number 1," died at the age of 68 due to complications of pneumonia.

Marva Whitney Dies At 68 (Photo: Facebook)

According to a post on her Facebook page, Whitney, born Marva Ann Manning, passed away on December 22nd.

"We're saddened to inform you that Soulsister #1 Marva Whitney passed away last night. She left us with a legacy that will shine forever. Please keep her family in your payers," it read.

The Kansas-born singer, who toured with James Brown from 1967 to 1970, was best known for her songs "It's My Thing (You Can't Tell Me Who to Sock It To) and "Unwind Yourself."

"Blessed with a lithe yet powerful church-raised voice, she first made her mark with the James Brown Revue in the late-1960s. Such was her impact during that time that she earned the titles "Marvellous Marva" and "Miss Excitement" for her dynamic stage performances. James Brown even went so far as to proclaim her "Soul Sister ..1," the "About" page on her Facebook page states.

Whitney was considered by many funk enthusiasts to be one of the "rawest" and "brassiest" music divas.