Singer, Songwriter and Musician JJ Cale Passes Away

Singer/songwriter JJ Cale passed away last night, Friday, July 26, in La Jolla, Calif., according to his website.

Cale, a vocalist and musician, is well nown for writing some of Eric Clapton's hit songs, including "After Midnight" and "Cocaine". Cale and Clapton also collaborated the 2006 Grammy-winning album The Road to Escondido. Lynyrd Dkynyrd, Santana, Tom Petty, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings have all covered Cale's work.

The Recording Academy's President and CEO Neil Portnow released the following statement today on Cale's passing:

"GRAMMY winner J.J. Cale was a gifted writer whose classic songs became hits for countless artists including Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, Waylon Jennings, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tom Petty, and Carlos Santana. His laid-back style combined elements of blues, folk and jazz, as evidenced by his collaboration with Clapton on The Road To Escondido, which garnered a GRAMMY for Best Contemporary Blues Album. He was an exceptional talent whose remarkable career influenced musicians across the industry. We are saddened by this loss, and our sympathies go out to his family, friends and all who were inspired by his music."

Cale was a great lover of animals, so, as requested by his website, if you want to make a donation, please remember him by giving to your favorite local animal shelter.

Photo Credit: Jane Richey

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