Spinner

Guitarist Jack Rose Dies at 38

Jack Rose, a renowned Philadelphia-based acoustic guitarist, has died of a heart attack at 38, the Philadelphia Daily News reports.

Rose was born in Virginia in 1971. His professional musical career began in the Richmond noise band Pelt, which formed in 1993. But Rose is best known for his solo work, which he began recording in the early 2000s, releasing numerous EPs and LPs on a number of different labels, most frequently VHF.

Rose, who also went by the moniker Dr. Ragtime, reached new levels of exposure in 2004, recording a Peel Session on BBC Radio 1, appearing on a limited compilation by Devendra Banhart called 'Golden Apples In The Sun,' and being named among The Wire's 50 Records of the Year with the release 'Raag Manifestos.' The following year, he released 'Kensington Blues,' which also received high marks from publications including Pitchfork and Dusted.

Rose was considered instrumental in bringing ragtime into the modern era and transforming it into something that was both referential and original. But as a self-taught player proficient on the guitar, including the 6-string, 12-string and lap steel, he brought a wide range of influences to his music.

Explaining his process in a 2007 interview, Rose said his favorite music was "anything that's pre 1942; Cajun, Country, Blues, Jazz all that stuff... that's my favorite kind of music." Rose also pointed to later musicians, such as John Fahey and Robbie Basho, as influences.

Touring extensively in the U.S. and Europe, Rose released live albums such as 'Jack Rose,' as well as his recorded work, which he preferred to put out on vinyl. Recently, he reunited with Pelt members for the album 'Dr. Ragtime and His Friends' and teamed up with Three Lobed Recordings for two critically acclaimed albums, 2008's 'I Do Play Rock and Roll' and 2009's 'The Black Dirt Sessions.'

In a video compilation tribute, Arthur Magazine writes that "everyone should know about Jack and his music. His style is like no other."

Watch Rose performing 'Kensington Blues' below.

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JennyP

I knew Jack personally, he was a wonderful person with a loving family and friends, and people who are making cruel comments have no business doing so. Jack never met a stranger and was a true artist.

December 12 2009 at 9:11 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
bunny

He had a heart attack, you ass.

December 10 2009 at 12:07 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Sonny L.

Tuffmarine, this artical is about JACK Rose. What would he hit the ball with, a guitar? It also appears as if you are too young to remember the BASEBALL career of PETE Rose. He did have a great career until the gambling incedent. You have the wrong person. Do you really believe the baseball player PETE Rose is only 38 yrs old??? You are waaaayyyyy off base!!!
My condolences to the family of this accomplished music man, JACK ROSE. R.I.P. Jack.

December 07 2009 at 2:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
cindy

beautiful music.. That's what music is about. From the heart.. Prayers to his family and friends..

December 07 2009 at 2:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
BC

Do you know this from personal experience ?

December 07 2009 at 1:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
BC

You complete azzhole. what goes through your alleged mind when you write something like that. do you even know what you are talking about? or, are you just another selfish little jerk who's mommy didn't hug enough. Heartless prick

December 07 2009 at 1:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
cmc

A real loss. I always just missed seeing him play, but he was gearing up to be as big a guitar monster as Fahey, Paul Metzger, Basho and others.

So sad. Rest in peace, Jack.

December 07 2009 at 1:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
STEPHEN TURNER

He played like I would like to be able to play. Sophisticated finger picking style.

December 07 2009 at 1:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kim

What a shame to die so young. He was an amazing talent. Sympathies to his family and friends.

December 07 2009 at 1:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Rebel

Never heard this artist before today that I remember. Here is a man with a TRUE TALENT who took his CRAFT very seriously yet with fun. What an amazing musical craftsman. The world seems a little sadder today because this man can create no more, may he rest in peace.

December 07 2009 at 12:46 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply