J.J. Cale—the legendary musician behind hits by Eric Clapton, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Tom Petty—died Friday (July 26) at the age of 74, according to his rep.
The singer-songwriter's website and Facebook Page confirms that Cale passed away Friday evening at Scripps Hospital in La Jolla, Calif., after suffering a heart attack.
Born in Oklahoma City in 1938, Cale was raised in Tulsa and played local clubs with Leon Russell until 1964, when the duo moved to Los Angeles. It was there at Cale subsequently launched out on his own and recording his version of "After Midnight," a song later made popular by Clapton.
The GRAMMY winner is widely credited as one of the originators of the Tulsa Sound, a musical style that combined rockabilly, country, rock 'n' roll and blues.
Following Cale's death, many in the music industry have reflected on his life and shared their thoughts on his influence in music. Some of the latest reactions are seen below:
U.K.'s Mirror columnist Tony Parsons: "RIP JJ Cale - got to love a man whose life motto was, 'Slower, baby.'"
Nicki Bluhm: "This will spin forever. Much love for JJ Cale. http://instagram.com/p/cSRsYvJ2vs/"
Grace Potter: "RIP JJ Cale. There's no one like him out there. Magical subtlety and timeless songs. Love,GPN"
Shooter Jennings: "J.J. Cale was my dad's favorite. He studied his songs and his singing. He was the king, the smartest & the slickest of all. R.I.P. #JJCale"
Eric Clapton: "We've lost a great artist and a great person tonight."
Sheryl Underwood: "R.I.P #J.J. Cale "After Midnight" was the cut!"
Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa: "RIP JJ Cale, a Tulsa legend..."
James Otto: "RIP. One of the greats!"
Neil Portnow, President/CEO of GRAMMYs Recording Academy: "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.”