One of Northeast Ohio's favorite musical artists has passed away.

Michael Stanley died in his sleep Friday night at the age of 72 following a battle with serious health issues over the last few years.

Stanley grew up in the region and graduated from Rocky River High School before going to Hiram College on a baseball scholarship.

He would later form the Michael Stanley Band in 1974 and recorded 11 studio albums.

Stanley and his band would become a big part of the "heartland rock" genre that highlighted America's middle class.

Their hit songs include 1981's "He Can't Love You" which peaked at number 33 on the Billboard Top 40 and "My Town" which hit 39.

The band also set attendance records at Richfield Coliseum and Blossom Music Center.

Following the band's break up in 1987, Stanley become a radio host and spent more than 30 years with 98.5 WNCX.