Steve Fargnoli, whose artist management skill guided the careers of Prince and Sinead O'Connor, died Friday in Los Angeles after a two-year battle with cancer, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 52.

Fargnoli's 25 year career in the music business also saw him steering such major acts as Sly And The Family Stone, J. Geils Band, Earth, Wind & Fire, and the Emotions.

Rhode Island-born Fargnoli began his career as a booking agent, but in 1975 launched a management company with Bob Cavallo and Joe Ruffalo. In 1978, the company began a relationship with Prince -- a deal that spawned three films, 10 albums, and many world tours.

In the late '80s, the partnership with Cavallo and Ruffalo ended and Fargnoli launched Pure Acts, which managed the careers of World Party and O'Connor.

More recently, Fargnoli was involved in the career of Godsmack and served as a consultant to Hollywood Records, the report said.