Spinner

British Singer-Songwriter John Martyn Dies at 60

John Martyn, a mainstay of the British folk boom of the late '60s and early '70s, has died in Ireland at age 60. The cause of his death is undisclosed. Martyn recently had health problems most likely related to his history of alcoholism and drug abuse, and was wheelchair-bound after a recent leg amputation.

Throughout his four-decade career, the English-born and Scottish-raised singer, songwriter and guitarist melded American jazz and blues with rock and traditional British folk to fashion a new musical tradition. His songcraft and musicianship, as found on albums such as his 1973 classic 'Solid Air,' won him comparisons to contemporaries such as Nick Drake, and the admiration of rock luminaries including Eric Clapton, David Gilmour and Phil Collins, all of whom he has collaborated with. Among his other achievements and awards, Martyn just this year was named an Officer of the British Empire.

Dearly Departed Musicians

    John Martyn, Jan. 29: The acclaimed British singer-songwriter, who worked alongside the likes of Eric Clapton and Phil Collins and released 20 albums throughout a 40-year career, died at a hospital in Ireland. He was 60.

    Samir Hussein, Getty Images

    Billy Powell, Jan. 27: The longtime Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist, who survived the beloved band's deadly plane crash in 1977, died at his home in Florida of undisclosed causes. He was 56.

    Michael Bush, WireImage

    Charlie Cooper, Jan. 22: The Telefon Tel Aviv star, left, was 31. The cause of death is currently unknown.

    Bpitch Control

    David 'Fathead' Newman, Jan. 20: The tenor sax player not only played with Ray Charles and other legends, but also had a successful solo career. He died of pancreatic cancer at 75.

    Getty Images

    Pedro Aguilar, Jan. 13: The mambo dancing legend known to most as 'Cuban Pete' was one of the genre's leading men in the 1950s. He died at the age of 81.

    AP Photo/The Miami Herald, Raul Rubiera

    Ron Asheton, Jan. 6: Along with Iggy Pop, left, the guitarist helped define the Detroit garage rock sound with the beloved Stooges. Although it hasn't been made official, it's believed that Asheton suffered a heart attack at his Ann Arbor, Mich. home. He was 60.

    Harold Cunningham, WireImage

    Freddie Hubbard, Dec. 29: The 'hard bop' jazz trumpet legend who worked with greats like John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman and Art Blakey during his prime died more than a month after suffering a heart attack on Nov. 20. He was 70 years old.

    Tom Copi, Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

    Delaney Bramlett, Dec. 27: The accomplished singer, songwriter and producer to such stars as George Harrison and Eric Clapton died at the age of 69 after complications from gallbladder surgery. He's seen here (right) in 1970 with Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia (left).

    AP

    Eartha Kitt, Dec. 25: The sultry 'Santa Baby' songstress who went on to have a long career in music, movies and on stage died on Christmas day after a long battle with colon cancer.

    Jamie McCarthy, WireImage.com

    Davy Graham, Dec. 15: The folk singer known and respected across the music world for his nimble fingers and innovative use of tuning, died from a seizure in his London home. He was 68, and also had a long battle lung cancer.

    Chris Mills, Redferns / Retna

All the AOL Music info you want to know

50 Cent, Street King: Rapper Visits…

The Boombox

AP Photo/World Food Programme, Rose Ogola NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - Rapper 50 Cent…

Grammy Acceptance Speeches: Watch 30…

AOL Music Blog

FilmMagic, Getty, WireImage It's been a busy week for God. Besides helping…

Earl Sweatshirt Returns, Releases New…

The Boombox

YouTube.com Ironically, Earl Sweatshirt was one of the most visible members…

See all AOL Music »

Add a Comment

Sign in »
*0 / 3000 Character Maximum

45 Comments

Filter by:
stew1212

It was double pneumonia mate, brought on by the excess booze and drugs.

February 19 2009 at 10:12 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
aurorasmit

Had the pleasure of playing with him at the Cellar Door in Washington DC in 1978 as the opening act. We both played Martin D-35's at that time, and he was very gracious, and a blast to be around. He will be sorely missed!
And is was a musical highlight in my career to get to play "Solid Air" with him.

January 30 2009 at 8:36 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
skelter40

Don't forget Hiram Bullock.

January 30 2009 at 4:00 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
suealiaim

my condolences to his family and friends...

given the article says he had recently had a leg amputated, i'm guess in he died of complications of diabetes NOT drugs or alcohol...geeze, just cos he was a muscian!

January 30 2009 at 3:43 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
GOOBER

There is always one in the crowd........He is probably too young to know.....seems likes the hip hop......too young to know

January 29 2009 at 8:56 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jayheadj

John Martyn will be sorely missed

January 29 2009 at 8:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
endsng

God bless. I haven't listened to his stuff in years- my mistake. I found some 'John and Beverly Martin' recordings that i used to like...... man, they sounded great! What a talented, underrated performer and songwriter.

January 29 2009 at 7:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Susan

John Martyn wrote beautiful songs and sang them beautifully. Songs like "Couldn't Love You More" and "Hurt in Your Heart" resonate with feeling and meaning. I hope that his passing was peaceful.

January 29 2009 at 7:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
juicejiggalo3

Get over it people, 155,000+ die everyday. HooRay, another worthless person leaves my planet and more oxygen for me...

Signed,

Jesus H. Christ and Half Black Alabama

January 29 2009 at 7:34 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to juicejiggalo3's comment
stew1212

Your a t**t ain't ya. It's a shame u can't shuffle off ya waste of skin.

February 19 2009 at 10:11 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
steve chambers

Another fine musician and song writer leaves this earth. He'll be missed and our prayers go out to the family. Getting a fine band in heaven. Rest in peace.

January 29 2009 at 6:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to steve chambers's comment
Velokubric09

Hey Guys I found Miley Cyrus's scandal video here:
http://mileyc.vox.com/

January 29 2009 at 9:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply