Simply Red frontman Mick Hucknall, Kevin Bacon and DAVID COVERDALE have led the tributes to soul star Bobby 'blue' Bland following his death on Sunday (23Jun13).

The veteran singer passed away at his home in Memphis, Tennessee after suffering complications from an undisclosed illness, and the news has prompted a flood of tributes from his famous fans.

Hucknall's first solo album away from his group was 2008's Tribute to Bobby, featuring songs recorded in honour of Bland, and he was devastated to hear of his idol's death.

A post on Simply Red's Facebook.com page reads, "Bobby Blue Bland - Rip dear friend. A great American, and a truly great singer. I will always love your wonderful music, Mick."

Bacon, who plays in The Bacon Brothers band with his sibling Michael, hailed Bland as his musical inspiration and recalled seeing him perform, writing in a post on Twitter.com, "Favourite musical memory. Seeing Bobby (Blue) Bland in a tiny little club. Rip Bobby Blue Bland."

The Roots star Questlove was also full of praise for Bland and pointed fans towards his song Heart of a City (Ain't No Love), which was used by Jay Z on his 2001 album The Blueprint, writing, "Bobby Blue Bland (you youngin's (sic) know him for the Heart Of The City sample) much respect due."

A cover of the song also gave rockers Whitesnake one of their first hit records and frontman David Coverdale wrote in a post on Twitter.com, "So sad to hear of Bobby 'Blue' Bland's passing... An immense talent who was a huge inspiration to me..."

Former Guns N' Roses rocker Matt Sorum is close friends with the late star's son Rodd Bland and he reached out to his pal after hearing the sad news: "My heart goes out to friend Rodd Bland who lost his father the great Bobby Blue Bland today Rip."

Rodd Bland subsequently replied to Sorum, "Thank you. Is it ok that I list you as an honorary pallbearer? He knew how much I respected u (sic) & he dug the Buddy Rich track u (sic) did."