The Grammy award winning singer-songwriter died of a heart attack on Friday 26th at a hospital in California, as confirmed by a statement on his website.

Born John Weldon Cale in 1938, Cale was regarded as one of the originators of the ‘Tulsa Sound’ , a genre that fused elements of blues, rockabilly, country and jazz that developed in Tulsa during the late 50s.

Cale released 14 studio albums between 1972 and 2009, as well as working on collaborations with a number of artists. His most well-known songs however gained their popularity when covered by artists like Eric Clapton (Cocaine, After Midnight), Lynyrd Skynyrd and Johnny Cash (Call Me the Breeze).

In his biography, Cale said “Basically, I’m just a guitar player that figured out I wasn’t ever gonna be able to buy dinner with my guitar playing so I got into songwriting, which is a little more profitable business.”

His website released the following statement:

“JJ Cale Has Passed Away

JJ Cale passed away at 8:00 pm on Friday July 26 at Scripps Hospital in La Jolla, CA.

The legendary singer / songwriter had suffered a heart attack. There are no immediate plans for services. His history is well documented at JJCale.com, rosebudus.com/cale, and in the documentary, To Tulsa And Back.

Donations are not needed but he was a great lover of animals so, if you like, you can remember him with a donation to your favorite local animal shelter.”

Watch Cale perform After Midnight and Call Me the Breeze here: