Frankie Laine, one of the most popular singers of the 1950s, passed away at the age of 93 of heart failure, in a San Diego hospital.

Frankie’s distinctive, powerful voice, become popular with generations of listeners with songs such as “I Believe,” “Mule Train,” “That's My Desire,” “Jezebel,” and “That Lucky Old Sun.”

Frankie sang rock’n’roll music before rock’n’roll became the successful music it is today. He was a regular feature of the Top Ten in the years just before rock 'n' roll became popular.

The singer died Tuesday in Mercy Hospital in San Diego. He had entered the hospital over the weekend for hip replacement surgery, but suffered complications from the operation, the Los Angeles Times said.

He is survived by his wife, two stepdaughters and two grandchildren.