London - Cult British singer-songwriter John Martyn, a contemporary of Eric Clapton known for his fusion of folk and blues guitar, has died, it was announced on his website January 29, 2009.Martyn, who only a few weeks ago was honoured with an Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in this year's New Year honours list, was 60.
"With heavy heart and an unbearable sense of loss we must announce that John died this morning," the online announcement said, without giving the cause of death.
Martyn, whose real name was Iain David McGeachy, was born in New Malden, southwest of London, in 1948 but grew up in Glasgow, brought up by his grandmother.
He released his debut album London Conversation in October 1967 and made another 20 studio albums in a career that saw him witk with musicians suchg as Clapton, Genesis star Phil Collins and Pink Floyd frontman David Gilmour.
His most well-known album was probably 1973's Solid Air, which included the song "May You Never", later covered by Clapton and said to have inspired Irish mega rockers U2.
- AFP
