Jahfin Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 Jay apparently passed away in his sleep earlier today. Jay Bennett, a rock musician with deep ties to Chicago best known as a former member of Wilco, died early Sunday morning in downstate Urbana, where he had been running a recording studio, according to a spokesman for his family. The singer and multi-instrumentalist was 45 years old. "Early this morning, Jay died in his sleep and an autopsy is being performed," said Edward Burch, a friend and musician who collaborated with Bennett on the 2005 album "The Palace at 4 a.m." "The family is in mourning and is unavailable for comment at this time." Born in the Chicago suburb of Rolling Meadows, Bennett began playing in bands as a teenager. He attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and earned multiple degrees in secondary education, math and political science. In between, he co-founded the Replacements-like power-pop band Titanic Love Affair, which released three albums during the alternative-rock heyday between 1991 and 1996, when it was dropped from its label. Bennett was working at a VCR repair shop in Champaign when he was tapped to join Wilco as it toured in support of its first album, "A.M." A talented arranger and versatile musician who could play virtually any instrument he picked up, from mandolin to Mellotron, Bennett formed a fruitful partnership with Wilco bandleader Jeff Tweedy. His contributions over a seven-year period were key to the albums that resulted in the band's national breakthrough, including "Being There" (1996), "Summerteeth" (1999) and "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" (2002). To read the remainder of Jay's obituary click here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ninelives Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 What a shame - and so young. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jahfin Posted May 25, 2009 Author Share Posted May 25, 2009 Yes, it is. Odd that he was just in the news about his lawsuit against Jeff Tweedy. Glad I got to see him with Wilco a few times. Goes to show you just never know... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alinds Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 Very sad news. Crankin' some Summerteeth in his honour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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