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British Singer-Songwriter John Martyn Dies at 60
- Posted on Jan 29th 2009 11:00AM by Gaylord Fields
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
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Add a Comment
stew1212
It was double pneumonia mate, brought on by the excess booze and drugs.
February 19 2009 at 10:12 AM Report abuse Permalink 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.
skelter40
Don't forget Hiram Bullock.
January 30 2009 at 4:00 AM Report abuse Permalink 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!
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 Permalink rate up rate down Reply
jayheadj
John Martyn will be sorely missed
January 29 2009 at 8:47 PM Report abuse Permalink 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 Permalink 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 Permalink rate up rate down Reply
juicejiggalo3
1 reply to juicejiggalo3's comment
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
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 Permalink rate up rate down Reply
steve chambers
1 reply to steve chambers's comment
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 Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Velokubric09
Hey Guys I found Miley Cyrus's scandal video here:
http://mileyc.vox.com/
45 Comments