Gospel legend Jessy Dixon, who expanded the genre's audience dramatically through an opening slot on Paul Simon's tours in the 70s, died Monday morning at his Chicago home.  He was 73.  Dixon's sister Miriam said he had passed after a long fight with illness, but declined to offer any further details.  During his 50-year career, Dixon wrote songs for Cher, Natalie Cole, Diana Ross and Amy Grant.  Dixon first caught Simon's attention at the 1972 Newport Jazz Festival, and he would go on to tour with the folk icon for the next eight years while also collaborating on Simon's "Live Rhymin'" and "Still Crazy" sets.  He also served a stint as the keyboardist in Earth, Wind & Fire.  Check out a clip of the singer performing with his Jessy Dixon Singers on Simon's variety TV show below.