Joseph Brooks faced rape and sex abuse charges , police say . A friend found him dead in his New York apartment building . The friend left a suicide note , police say . Joseph Brooks , 73 , was facing charges on 11 alleged rapes and sex assaults , New York Police Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne said . ` ` You Light Up My Life '' was the top hit of 1977 .
Joseph Brooks faced rape and sex abuse charges , police say . A friend found him dead in his New York apartment building . The friend left a suicide note , police say . ` ` You Light Up My Life '' was the top hit of 1977 .