Legendary back-up vocalist and solo artist Merry Clayton was severely injured in a car accident earlier this month.

Clayton, most notably known for her iconic duet with Mick Jagger on the Rolling Stones song "Gimme Shelter," suffered "severe injuries to her lower body, including major trauma to her lower extremities," during the June 16 incident, according to a statement from her manager, Alan Abrahams.

The 65-year-old singer remains in the hospital, Abrahams confirmed. It's going to be "a long road to recovery. ... It's a very serious situation," he continued. "She's feisty and she's with us. She's gonna make it."

Clayton has been an invaluable figure in the music industry since the 1960s. She got her start recording with greats such as Ray Charles, Carole King and Bobby Darin. She was also featured in the 2014 Oscar-winning documentary 20 Feet From Stardom, which focused on background singers' contributions to the music industry.

Click here for a look at "Back-up Singers Who Blew Up."

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(Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images)