Spinner

Kenny Edwards, Stone Poneys Founder and Linda Ronstadt Sideman, Dead at 64

Gabriel Judet-Weinshel

Kenny Edwards, a co-founding member of the Stone Poneys, died Wednesday after battles with cancer and a blood disorder. He was 64.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Edwards -- who was instrumental in helping Linda Ronstadt launch her career -- was hospitalized in Denver earlier in the month after collapsing on tour with Karla Bonoff. The guitarist and vocalist was subsequently moved to a hospital near his home in Santa Barbara where he passed.

Edwards was just out of high school when he steered the aforementioned but short-lived country rock band, which included Ronstadt, onto the charts when the group's song 'Different Drum' peaked at No. 13 in 1967. Although the group split soon after, Edwards went on to form the folk rock outfit Bryndle with Bonoff, Andrew Gold and Wendy Waldman.

He was perhaps best known throughout his career for his supporting musical roles with artists such as Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, Don Henley, Vince Gill, Art Garfunkel, Brian Wilson and Bonoff.

"He was always a beacon to me," Ronstadt told the paper Thursday, citing him for his efforts in crafting her 1974 US No. 1 "You're No Good." "He introduced me to so much stuff, and his opinion always counted a lot to me."

"He came up with that guitar and bass idea that gave it a very different sound, and really gave Andrew [Gold] and Peter [Asher] something to build on," Ronstadt continued. "When he and Andrew started singing together with me, that became a really important part of my sound. He was always a really good ensemble player."

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Bonoff heralded Edwards "for being my teacher, my musical partner and my best friend for the last 43 years."

Born in Santa Monica on Feb. 10, 1946, Edwards formed the Stone Poneys in 1965 with Bobby Kimmell. Aside from 'Different Drum,' which was penned by the Monkees' Mike Nesmith, the band had one other Top 100 hit, 'Up to My Neck in High Muddy Water.'
Although he was supporting musician for the bulk of his career, Edwards released his second solo album, 'Resurrection Road' in November 2009.

Edwards had reportedly been diagnosed with the blood disorder TTP (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura) and had also been receiving chemotherapy for prostate cancer. He is survived by his mother.

Watch the Stone Poneys Perform 'Different Drum'

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STREET-SURVIVOR

Folk's!.. Dont even bother with Idiots that have bad vibes on everything & anything around them I wonder how they sleep at nite..Rest in Peace Kenny Edwards..... Thank's for the Music!

September 18 2010 at 11:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
SteveMM

My condolences to family, friends & Linda. Monti & Tash = Trash talking trash.

August 21 2010 at 4:18 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mnlaura1

Sad news. Kenny was one of the building blocks of the heritage of our musical age. I'm grateful for his contribution!

August 20 2010 at 10:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Newell

I knew Kenny for a lot of years. His life was could never be called a waste. He was a very good man, the kind of man that helped other people move forward and skilled at his craft. I'm going to miss him.

August 20 2010 at 9:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
M. Boyle

monti/trash,
Get Over It.
Imagine, an person as uninformed as monti is voting!!!!
As far as trash, take your hate and stick it someplace
where it will do all of us the most good.
Mike

August 20 2010 at 8:04 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ron

Monti, it is not a good thing to say something negative about someone you don't know. Kenny was a very special person to a lot of people that knew him. I was born on the very same day and year that Kenny was. I am really sorry to hear of his death. RIP Kenny.

August 20 2010 at 8:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Bernie Santa Fe

Kenny was a true artist and a fantastic visionary! His ability to find such great talent in his friends Wendy, Emmy Lou, Karla and his true 'soul' mate Linda Ronstadt. Not too mention, the music community and all the musicians he touched. I'm a lucky person to have had the joy of knowing his music since his "Stone Pony" days. You can't think Kenny and not think, Linda Ronstadt and that orange/red "Capitol" label. Goodbye my "Hobo," enjoy your next journey.

Bernie

August 20 2010 at 7:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Linda

So sad to hear of Kenny's passing and to know he had Cancer.....He was ,indeed, very talented and contributed to music most of us love to listen to...all of us who appreciates music realizes that he will be missed...and I send my sincere sympathy to his family and close friends..

August 20 2010 at 7:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Bob

Too bad about Kenny, he was a great performer. I know it's customary to make comments on Blogs, but we, and I am counting myself in the we, have given Monti way way to much time...It's clear that he is an angry lonely person who deserves nothing more than to cohabitate with his own kind. Let's not lower ourselves to that level, he is simply not worth the energy.

August 20 2010 at 7:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
The Old Timer

Matthew 11:28 Thank You JESUS, Tell Kenny we're waving bye!

August 20 2010 at 7:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply