John Martyn passed away this morning (January 29), aged just 60, Uncut has learnt.
A cause of death has yet to be confirmed, but a post on his website johnmartyn.com reads: “With heavy heart and an unbearable sense of loss we must announce that John died this morning.”
Martyn, who started his career aged 17, was a major figure on the London folk scene in the mid-Sixties. In 1967, he released his first album, London Conversation, and a further 21 would follow during his 40-year career.
He is perhaps best known for his 1973 album, Solid Air. Among his other career highlights are 1977’s One World, notable for “Big Muff”, a collaboration with Lee “Scratch” Perry, and 1980’s Grace And Danger, recorded during the break-up of his marriage.
In September 2008, Island Records released a retrospective 4CD boxset, Ain’t No Saint, to mark his 60th birthday.
In 2008, Martyn was awarded a lifetime achievement award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, while in January this year, he received an OBE.
Martyn last toured the UK just last November, revisting his Grace and Danger album, after successfully touring Solid Air the year previous.
He was due to headline three shows at the Fifestock festival in March.
For a full obituary, click here.
Also, to read about a colourful encounter between Martyn and Uncut editor Allan Jones, click here for a re-print of a Stop Me piece, originally published in 2004.
Any comments you would like to make about what Martyn meant to you, please email allan_jones@ipcmedia.com and we’ll publish your thoughts.
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