Inquest launched into death of singer

An autopsy over the weekend failed to determine the cause of death for funk legend Rick James, authorities said. James, 56, died in his sleep on Friday at his home near Universal City.

The singer was a diabetic and also had a pacemaker. He suffered a stroke in 1998.

His three children - daughter Ty and sons Rick Jr and Tazman - said Friday through a spokeswoman that they believe their father died of heart failure.

James had a history of cocaine addiction that led him to two assault convictions in the 1990s and a two-year stretch in prison.

James’s career peaked in 1981 with “Super Freak.”