One of the leading figures in the ska revival of the 1980s, who sang in two popular bands, has died. Ranking Roger, who followed his stint in the English Beat by co-founding General Public, died today at age 56, according to media reports.

It was reported in January that he had suffered a stroke last summer and had been diagnosed with two brain tumors and lung cancer.

Born Roger Charlery in Birmingham, England, he was a part of a number of hits with both bands, including the English Beat’s “Mirror in the Bathroom” and “Twist & Crawl” and General Public’s “Tenderness” and “I’ll Take You There.”