Guitar virtuoso Jeff Beck, known worldwide as one of the absolute greatest, has died. He was 78
Beck died Tuesday after “suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis,” his representatives said in a statement released earlier today (Wednesday January 11).
Jeff Beck first came to prominence as lead guitarist for THE YARDBIRDS prior to building one of the most legendary musical careers, which saw the six-stringer integrate hard rock, jazz, funky blues and even opera into his vast style of playing.
Beck was among the rock-guitarist royalty from the late ’60s that included Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix. He won eight Grammy Awards and was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice — once with THE YARDBIRDS in 1992 and again as a solo artist in 2009. He was also ranked fifth in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.”
Beck took the stage, or played in studio with such names as Luciano Pavarotti, Macy Gray, Chrissie Hynde, Joss Stone, Imelda May, Cyndi Lauper, Wynonna Judd, Buddy Guy and most recently, Ozzy Osbourne. He also made two records with Rod Stewart, 1968′s “Truth” and 1969′s “Beck-Ola”, with whom he would have an incredible working relationship for years.
Geoffrey Arnold Beck was born in Surrey, England, and attended Wimbledon Art College. His father was an accountant, and his mother worked in a chocolate factory.
Jeff Beck is survived by his wife, Sandra.