Leslie West and his band, Mountain, had been pioneers of what would finally be known as heavy steel.
Guitarist Leslie West, credited for the hit “Mississippi Queen” and for uplifting new generations of hard-rock guitarists, has died. He was 75.
“The enduring guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and storyteller has left a legacy that to this present day is well known by friends and followers throughout The World,” publicist Steve Karas stated on Fb Wednesday.
Rolling Stone studies West suffered cardiac arrest at his Dayton, Fla., residence Monday and by no means regained consciousness.
Karas stated West’s band, Mountain, was one of many first to pioneer what would later develop into generally known as heavy steel music. “Mississippi Queen” was Mountain’s best-known music, peaking at No. 27 on the Billboard chart in 1970.
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“West was inducted into the Lengthy Island Music Corridor of Fame in 2006, and appeared on dozens of different recordings from an unlimited universe of artists. Samples of his performances lived a secondary life on the masters of a who’s who of hip-hop and rap stars,” Karas wrote.
Karas credited West for serving to popularize the Gibson Les Paul Jr guitar mannequin. He additionally launched a number of signature fashions for Dean Guitars.
“From 1964 by way of right now, few artists have left a extra vital mark on music as we all know it. Guitarists throughout the globe collectively will unite in disappointment as The World says goodbye to a real unique,” Karas wrote.
West is survived by his spouse, Jenni. Karas stated West married her on stage after Mountain carried out at Woodstock’s 40th anniversary live performance in 2009. He is additionally survived by his brother, Larry, and nephew, Max.
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