Legendary guitarist J.J. Cale, best known for his work with Eric Clapton and the songs “Cocaine” and “After Midnight,” has died. He was 74-years-old.
The news was announced on Cale’s Facebook page and JJCale.com. The statement says that Cale died at Scripps Hospital in La Jolla, California at 8 p.m. Friday night. He had suffered a heart attack and there are no plans for his funeral yet.
The statement notes that donations aren’t necessary, but “he was a great lover of animals so, if you like, donations can be made to your favorite local animal shelter.”
Cale is best known as the writer of “After Midnight” and “Cocaine,” two songs that later became huge hits for Clapton. They continued working together, recording the hit album The Road To Escondido in 2006. The album contained the hit single “Ride The River.”
According to Noise11, he was born John Weldon Cale in 1938 and made 14 solo albums throughout his career. His last recorded work is “Angel,” which appeared on Clapton’s 2013 album Old Sock.
His site notes that in April, he released Classic Album Selection, a group of his five best solo albums. Cale’s last solo album was 2009’s Roll On.