LA JOLLA, Calif. (AP) - Grammy-winning musician JJ Cale, whose best known songs became hits for Eric Clapton with "After Midnight" and Lynyrd Skynyrd with "Call Me the Breeze," has died. He was 74.
The performer and producer's manager Mike Kappus has told The Associated Press that the architect of the Tulsa Sound died Friday night of a heart attack at Scripps Hospital in La Jolla, Calif.
Born John Weldon Cale in Oklahoma City, he cut a wide path through 1970s rock 'n' roll, influencing some of the most famous musicians at the time with songs that were laid back and mellow, yet imbued with a driving groove.
Neil Young, Mark Knopfler and Bryan Ferry are among his many fans in the music world.
A former member of the Grand Ole Opry touring company, Cale never rose to the level of success of his admirers, but his fingerprints could be heard all over the genre in the 1970s, and his music remains influential.
His album with Eric Clapton "The Road to Escondido" won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album in 2007.
In 2006, Cale told the AP in an interview "I'd probably be selling shoes today if it wasn't for Eric."
Clapton also recorded Cale's "Cocaine," ''Travelin' Light" and "I'll Make Love To You Anytime."
Artists including Santana, The Allman Brothers and Johnny Cash have all covered Cale's songs.
On his website, Cale was asked if it bothers him that "contemporaries and critics list him amongst legends, and fans might love his songs yet not even know his name?"
"No, it doesn't bother me," he said with a laugh. "What's really nice is when you get a check in the mail."
MESFIN FEKADU, AP Music Writer
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hi - this is Tony Spirito. I just wanted to stop by here and tell you that I recently heard your name through my father. He said you died a couple years ago but it doesn't even feel like it. I enjoyed listening to you sing "Ride The River" - it made me wanna embark on an immersive journey unlike any other. Blessings to you.
Tony Spirito
November 23, 2024
RIP GOD BLESS
Evan Hansen
April 16, 2024 | Hudson, FL | Friend
Speak softly, and write great songs - my "takeaway" from the life of J.J Cale
Brian Glubok
November 10, 2019 | New York, NY | Acquaintance
Godspeed JJ, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Harry Simpson
July 26, 2018 | Buckeye, AZ
wont be the same without him
richard leonard
June 28, 2018 | Levittown, PA
Another legend gone. I will miss you greatly. Thank you JJ Cale , thank you!
Ralph Billick
December 10, 2017 | Tabernacle, NJ
I always love his music and style
sharon gagon
August 04, 2017 | Phoenix, AZ
I'm much too late for condolences,but still feel I have to express my feelings about the world feeling a bit more lonely without such a great man and musician.
JJ Cale was and for me is a moment of rest, a painting of memories.
I got Okie and Troubadour as the first music carriers in a time when you did not own much and music was a wealth.
I turn his music daily and could not do without it, it's the only music you can play at any time, under any circumstance and in any mood.
It...
Benjamin Aben
June 21, 2017 | Zwolle,Netherlands
Valenda Newell
November 07, 2016 | Indianapolis, IN
