Kate McGarrigle, the folk singer and mother to Rufus and Martha Wainwright, has died aged 63, it has been confirmed.

McGarrigle passed away last night (January 18), and died of clear cell sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.

Advertisement

Born in Canada, McGarrigle started performing with her sister Anna in the ’60s. They sang in both French and English and released ten albums together between 1975 and 2005. The duo collaborated with Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds, and saw their songs covered by artists including Emmylou Harris and Billy Bragg.

Rufus Wainwright, who performed onstage with his mother in 2008, recently cancelled a slew of Australia and New Zealand dates to tend to her.

McGarrigle was diagnosed with cancer in 2006. In 2008, she established the Kate McGarrigle Fund to raise awareness and money towards sarcoma cancer.

Advertisement

Latest music and film news on Uncut.co.uk.