In Memoriam | Rolling Stones Saxophonist Bobby Keys

The rock world has lost one of its most notable sax players as Bobby Keys has died at age 70. Keys was best known for his work with The Rolling Stones, though he also has appeared on albums from a who’s who of rock royalty including Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Who, George Harrison, Joe Cocker and Eric Clapton. Keys’ death was confirmed to Nashville Scene by Michael Webb, keyboardist for Bobby Keys and the Suffering Bastards. Webb told Nashville Scene that Bobby “had been battling cirrhosis and passed away at his home in Franklin (Tennessee) early this morning.”

The first sign that something was amiss came in October, when The Rolling Stones announced Keys would sit out a tour of Australia and New Zealand as he was “a bit under the weather.” Karl Denson wound up touring with the Stones on the run and played some of Keys’ most familiar solos such as on “Brown Sugar.”

Bobby’s relationship with The Rolling Stones dates back 50 years to when he met the band at the San Antonio Teen Fair in 1964. Keys played on every album The Stones released between 1969 and 1974 as well as from 1980 to the present with his work on “Brown Sugar” among his most acclaimed solos. The saxophonist was a regular in most The Rolling Stones’ touring bands dating back to 1970.

The JamBase team would like to send our thoughts and prayers to Bobby’s family.

Update: The Rolling Stones have issued a statement about Keys’ death via Rolling Stone, “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.” Read what Keith Richards had to say/write:

Post by Keith Richards.

Fellow Stones touring band member Bernard Fowler also weighed in:

Post by Bernard Fowler.

Here’s a selection of videos showing Bobby at work:

We’ll compile some of the tributes to Keys that are posted on Twitter:

RIP Bobby Keys. You were always so kind and so in the groove. Safe passage to the stars, brother

— Ryan Adams (@TheRyanAdams) December 2, 2014

I'm going to miss you, Bobby Keys. Here's to all the great music and happy memories we made together…. pic.twitter.com/RxZzTDScTa

— Bill Kreutzmann (@BKreutzmann) December 2, 2014

The Rolling Stones are devastated by the loss of their very dear friend and legendary saxophone player, Bobby Keys… pic.twitter.com/mPWcVddiUr

— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) December 2, 2014

RIP Bobby Keys -Rolling Stones saxophonist @RollingStones @davematthewsbnd

— Jeff Coffin (@JeffCoffinMusic) December 2, 2014

Bobby Keys on SGS! Podcast with me and @mitchblum. More than a few good stories here. A great listen. #RIPBobbyKeys http://t.co/flM7QBa7CH

— Steve Gorman SPORTS! (@SGSFOX) December 2, 2014

Saddened to hear of Bobby Keys' passing. One of the very best musicians, and he surely made the most of his life. He'll be missed by many.

— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) December 2, 2014