Saxophone player Bobby Keys, a longtime touring member of The Rolling Stones, died at his home in Franklin, Tenn. today (Dec. 2). He was 70 and had been battling cirrhosis.
During his more than 40 years with The Stones, Keys became an integral part of the band, bonding with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, and playing on the classic albums Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers, and Exile on Main St.
Throughout his career he also contributed to recordings by legendary artists John Lennon, Joe Cocker, Barbra Streisand, B.B. King, Carly Simon and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
The Texas native settled in Middle Tennessee in the early ‘90s.
The Rolling Stones released this statement following Keys’ death: “The Rolling Stones are devastated by the loss of their very dear friend and legendary saxophone player, Bobby Keys. Bobby made a unique musical contribution to the band since the 1960s. He will be greatly missed.”
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