Deaths: Bluesey Singer Songwriter: J.J. Cale

J.J. CALE (1938-2013)

Died July 26th.

From Oklahoma and owes a big thanks to Eric Clapton for making him some money. Penned hits "After Midnight" and "Cocaine" which did well for E.C. and Mr. Cale's wallet. In 1970, he was just scraping by in Tulsa when he heard Clapton singing his "After Midnight." Cale had released that song four years earlier "to deafening silence."

It sure helped him, but he did it on his terms and always remained publicity shy. In his 2007 autobiography, Eric Clapton called Cale"one of the most important artists in the history of rock, quietly representing the greatest asset his country has ever had."

Waylon Jennings sang his "Louisiana Women" and Lynyrd Skynyrd used his "Call Me the Breeze."

From the 28th Chicago Tribune.