'Kashif', Grammy-Nominated R&B Artist & Producer Dead At Age 56
LOS ANGELES (CBS SF/AP) — Kashif Saleem, the singer, songwriter and producer who crafted dance-funk hits in the 1980s and also produced Whitney Houston's first big hit, died Sunday from undetermined causes in his California home, his representative said Tuesday. He was 59.
His family confirmed the news by sending out a tweet.
Kashif Saleem was born Michael Jones in New York, on Dec. 26, 1956, and was raised in various foster homes. He changed his name to Kashif Saleem after studying Islam.
In 1985, Kashif produced Houston's "You Give Good Love," which became a worldwide hit and became Houston's first breakout hit song. Saleem also worked on dance-floor hits for Evelyn "Champagne" King in the 1980s, including "Love Come Down," ''I'm In Love" and "Betcha She Don't Love You."
No further details about the musician's death were provided.
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