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Charlie Wilson, the former lead singer of The Gap Band now in the throes of a successful solo career, has dealt with many struggles in his life – drug addiction, homelessness, failed relationships and the demise of his seminal band. But his biggest struggle was prostate cancer, which was diagnosed in 2009. Sadly, Wilson lost his father, Bishop Oscar W. Wilson to the disease that same year.

Now cancer-free, Wilson has made it his mission to spread the word about prostate cancer awareness, which impacts African-American men twice as much as other men.

“There’s a moment where I stop my show and talk about this disease,” he told the Prostate Cancer Foundation website. “I have a packed house so I have that platform. A lot of people are going and getting a checkup because of the voice that I have.”

This fall, Wilson’s fans will have the chance to see him live on tour he continues to spread the word about prostate cancer prevention and – of course – puts on a truly great show. But even if they’re coming out for the entertainment, Wilson has a message for African-American men.

“Man up, and go get a checkup,” he says. “A lot of men are ashamed to get the exam. It would be senseless to die of shame.”