SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - San Diego's music scene has suffered a tremendous loss, following the death of local musician Candye Kane at the age of 54.
Kane was a fixture at several venues in San Diego, but also toured extensively, and her big voice blues sound was instantly recognizable.
She started her music career in the 1980's, went on to record 12 albums and was most honored for her blues music.
Kane was named San Diego's Best Blues Band nine times and helped make a name for herself by touring 250 days a year, tours which included performances for heads of state.
Eight years ago she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and in 2008 she had surgery, which doctors thought was successful.
Then she was back on the road in Germany when the cancer returned.
She chronicled some of her treatment on YouTube, showing her fans an IV used to give her nutrients until the next surgery. That surgery was also deemed a success and Kane soon resumed doing what she loved.
[To view video on YouTube, Click Here.]
She put out what was her last CD "Coming out Swingin'" in 2013 and was named a judge at one of world's largest blues gatherings.
Then, her cancer returned again.
Kane was hospitalized in Los Angeles just after the New Year.
She shared some of her struggles with her fans on Facebook, thanking them for her support.
Ultimately doctors weren't able to save her life and she passed away at the age of 54.
Kane is survived by two adult sons - one of whom played in her band while on tour. According to the San Diego Reader, she died Friday, May 6. Her family has not announced funeral arrangements.