Gregg Foreman, Delta 72 and Cat Power musician, dies at 53

Rock musician Gregg Foreman, best known as the lead singer of The Delta 72, has died. He was 53.

Foreman died on Tuesday, April 21, according to online records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner reviewed by USA TODAY on Wednesday. His official cause of death has been "deferred," per the medical examiner, which means a final determination is pending additional investigation.

Representatives for Foreman and The Delta 72 were not available for comment at the time of publication.

Born in Philadelphia in October 1972, Foreman honed his musical chops by playing in his hometown’s post-punk and goth scene, performing in various groups and hosting a cable-access music show.

After a stint in the post-hardcore band Junction, Foreman started The Delta 72, a soul-rock outfit whose sound came from a unique fusion of punk rock and R&B.

The alternative rocker became known for his eclectic musical style, which spanned from post-punk and garage to soul and synth-pop. In addition to his work with The Delta 72, Foreman was also a member of the bands Cat Power, Pink Mountaintops, the Meek and The Black Ryder.

With Power, Foreman served as a member of the indie rock singer's Dirty Delta Blues Band, which included Foreman alongside Judah Bauer of The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Erik Paparozzi of Lizard Music and Jim White of Dirty Three. The group played on Power's 2008 covers album, "Jukebox."

Foreman also dabbled in music journalism and commentary throughout his career. In the mid-1990s, the musician worked as a freelance writer for the Philadelphia City Paper. He also hosted the music history podcast "The Pharmacy," which took a look at pioneering artists in underground music.

Matador Records, the label to which Cat Power is signed, paid tribute to Foreman in an X post Wednesday, writing, "Deepest condolences to all friends, family and bandmates of Gregg Foreman."

Alternative musician Cold Cave also mourned Foreman's death on social media and reflected on the pair's decadeslong friendship.

"Like others, he bounced in and out of our lives and changed each one he visited," Cold Cave wrote. "For better or for worse, he lived a life that others only claim to have lived, and he was one of one. His love for music was as genuine as the pain he harbored. Wishing you peace Gregg, for all of eternity, heavenly sounds and cosmic rhythms."

This story has been updated to add new information.