Fortunes singer Allen dies at 63

The Fortunes' hits included Caroline and This Golden Ring

Rod Allen, lead singer of The Fortunes, has died aged 63 after battling liver cancer, it has been announced.

The harmony group's biggest hit was You've Got Your Troubles which was a UK number two hit in 1965, also reaching number seven in the US.

The band's website paid tribute to the "wonderful voice and sparkling personality" of their founding member.

Allen, who is survived by his wife and two children, died peacefully at his home in Coventry, the website added.

His contemporaries would all agree that his was one of the most distinctive voices to come out of the golden era of popular music The Fortunes website

The statement added: "Rod's terrible illness was diagnosed just two short months ago and we all held our breath and hoped and prayed that his treatment would succeed but it wasn't to be."

It added: "His contemporaries would all agree that his was one of the most distinctive voices to come out of the golden era of popular music."

Advertising jingle

Formed in Birmingham, one of The Fortunes' earliest singles was Caroline, which was used as the signature tune by the pirate radio station of the same name.

Other UK and US hits by the band include Here It Comes Again, This Golden Ring and Freedom Come, Freedom Go.

The band also recorded the jingle for Coca-Cola's It's The Real Thing advertising campaign in 1969.

The Fortunes, who have continued to perform in venues across Europe, have vowed to carry on.

"Rod's wish was for The Fortunes to continue, so we will do our utmost to keep his legacy alive and make The Fortunes a group that Rod would be proud of," their website added.

Allen, born Rodney Bainbridge, announced his retirement from the band at the New Year.