This is going to be slim pickings as far as identifying traits, but I am trying to remember someone who:
[ul]
[li]was a black man[/li][li]was heavily overweight, like a cuddly bear type[/li][li]was a soul singer, I think more often upbeat[/li][li]a poor-boy-made-good story[/li][li]died too young (heroin, I want to say)[/li][li]a few B-level hits, he’s more well-known than his output would suggest[/li][li]don’t quote me on this but I feel like he had a street name like “Chico” or “Chili” or something. But don’t credit that too much.[/li][/ul]
Overall just a big sort of cuddly guy who turned out some memorable music but couldn’t overcome his circumstances.