Musician JJ Cale dies; wrote Clapton, Skynyrd hits

[Achilleslastand]

Musician JJ Cale dies; wrote Clapton, Skynyrd hits - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports |

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.

[bluedogok]

He was OKC born and a huge influence on the Tulsa and Oklahoma music scene, even while living in California for many, many years.

RIP JJ

[kelroy55]

He was an amazing talent and gifted song writer.