Joy Onuorah

American singer and actor, Meat Loaf has died at the age of 74.

Born Marvin Lee Aday, the Grammy winner who played Eddie in The Rocky Horror Picture Show,  died Thursday night, Jan. 20, surrounded by his wife Deborah, daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends.

In a statement, Loaf’s family wrote;

We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man. From his heart to your souls…don’t ever stop rocking!”

Meat Loaf’s debut album ‘Bat Out of Hell’ is among the best-selling albums in history, racking up 14 million units sold in the U.S. alone. 

Worldwide sales estimates go as high as 30 million. Its U.S. singles “Two of Three Ain’t Bad” and “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” peaked at No. 11 and No. 39 on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively — both were certified platinum in 2018, four decades after release.

Loaf’s ‘Bat Out of Hell’ was a smash overseas, spending more than 10 years on the UK album chart despite peaking at No. 9. It remains among the 20 best-sellers of all time there.