Singer Kathi Mcdonald has died at the age of 64.

The star passed away in Seattle, Washington on Wednesday (03Oct12). The cause of her death was unknown as Wenn went to press.

MCDonald's career began in the 1960s when she performed as a session singer for Ike & Tina Turner and she went on to provide backing vocals for acts including The Rolling Stones and Joe Cocker into the 1970s.

She recorded her debut solo album Insane Asylum in 1974, but the follow-up did not hit stores until 1994.

Her breakout performance was in 1979, teaming up with Long John Baldry for a rendition of You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling, which went on to enjoy chart success the following year (80).

A statement on the website for her record label Marin Records reads, "It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Kathi MCDonald. A legendary RocknRoll (sic) and Blues singer and a beloved friend of many.

"I believe a memorial in both her native Seattle and her second home in the Bay Area are needed to comfort each other and reflect on this great singer and wonderful human being."