Legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Jeff Beck died Tuesday, Jan. 10 at the age of 78. The news was confirmed in a statement issued by Beck’s publicist that read: “On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing. After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss.”
The guitarist, born Gregory Arnold Beck in Wallington, Surrey, England, attended the Wimbledon College of Art. He began playing guitar in several different groups and by 1964, he garnered work as a session guitarist. In 1965 was recruited to follow Eric Clapton in The Yardbirds on the recommendation of Jimmy Page. After splitting with the Yardbirds, Beck went on to perform solo until he formed the Jeff Beck Group with Rod Stewart on vocals, Ronnie Wood on bass, Nicky Hopkins on piano and Aynsley Dunbar on drums. The group recorded a pair of albums before dissolving in 1969.
Beck recorded 14 studio albums, the most recent being 2016’s Loud Hailer. He was also part of four collaborative albums, including a 2022 record with Johnny Depp titled 18, and performed on the title track of Ozzy Osbourne’s Patient Number 9 album. The guitarist received eight Grammy Awards, while being nominated for 16 Grammys. Beck was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, as a member of The Yardbirds and also as a solo artist.
Beck is survived by his wife, Sandra Beck.
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