Nick Kamen, best known as “Each Time You Break My Heart” singer and Levi’s model, has died after battling an illness at the age of 59.
“Kamen died on Tuesday night after battling an illness,” according to a family friend.
The song “Each Time You Break My Heart” was released in 1986 ahead of his debut studio album the next year. The song was co-written by Madonna and songwriter Stephen Bray, which was originally written for Madonna’s classic album “True Blue,” but was unused, according to BBC.
Kamen was also famous for featuring in an ad for Levi’s in the 1980s, in which, he appeared in a laundromat and stripped down to his boxers before taking a seat by two adoring women, according to Fox News.
The singer was just 18 when he appeared in the ad, which promoted Levi’s 501 shrink-to-fit pants.
Kamen caught Madonna’s attention soon after the ad was released, helping him launch his music career. At the time, Madonna told BBC that she was impressed by his “charisma” and “beautiful voice.”
Eventually, he went on to release a few albums, according to BBC. He found success with the songs “I Promised Myself” and “Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever.”
Madonna paid tribute to Kamen by posting several photos of the star on Instagram. She wrote, “Its heart breaking to know you are gone. You were always such a kind sweet human and you suffered too much, Hope you are happier wherever you are Nick Kamen.”
Boy George wrote, “R.I.P to the most beautiful and sweetest man Nick Kamen!” The band Duran Duran shared a photo Kamen and wrote on behalf of bass guitarist John Taylor, “So so sad to hear of the passing of Nick Kamen. One of the loveliest and gentlest men I ever met. He was a beloved friend to my daughter and her Mom. We shall all miss him. RIP Nick.”
