NEW ORLEANS (Associated Press) -- New Orleans blues and jazz singer Juanita Brooks, who performed at popular clubs in her hometown and all over the world, has died. A family friend said she was in her 50s.

Brooks died sometime between Wednesday night and early Thursday morning, said family friend Benny Jones. Details surrounding the singer's death have not yet been released, but Jones said Brooks was recovering from a recent back surgery. He wasn't sure if that was related to her death.

Jones has been friends with Brooks for more than 30 years and is the booking agent for the Treme Brass Band, which performed with Brooks often.