David Lindley dies as tributes paid to musician behind Dolly Parton hits

03 March 2023 , 22:48

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David Lindley has died

Musician David Lindley has died at the age of 78 after reportedly being ill for a number of months.

The iconic star was best known for working alongside some of the biggest names in the industry, including Dolly Parton, Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt.

Throughout his five-decade-long career, he influenced a number of musicians and songwriters. He was known to have a wide range of knowledge of rare and unusual instruments from across the globe.

He formed the band Kaleidoscope with the late Chris Darrow. He later went on to marry his bandmate's sister.

Between 1966 and 1970, the band released four albums. Upon leaving the band, who linked up with high-profile artists such as Rod Stewart, Bob Dylan and Warren Zevon.

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David Lindley performing in Italy in 1983 (Getty Images)

One famous partnership came with Jackson Browne. He helped the star become known in the mainstream with his track from 1973 titled For Everyman.

Later in that decade Lindley's hits included These Days, Redneck Friend, Running on Empty and That Girl Could Sing.

In the early 80s he put aside his session work to form the band El Rayo-X. He went on to call the group "more or less a party band".

He released his last solo album titled Big Twang in 2007.

Guitar player David Lindley has died aged 78 (Redferns)

Following the sad news of his passing, fans took to social media to pay their respects.

One user on Twitter shared his hit Mercury Blues from 1981, alongside the comment: "Condolences to the family and friends of the genius guitarist David Lindley.

"I had hopes of interviewing him in 2023. Here’s his searing screaming “Mercury Blues” from 1981. RIP."

David Lindley worked with a number of big names in music (Corbis via Getty Images)

Another penned: "Aw, just hearing David Lindley has died. Wish he'd stayed just a little bit longer."

And a Jason Isbell said: "The loss of David Lindley is a huge one- Without his influence my music would sound completely different.

"I was genuinely obsessed with his playing from the first time I heard it. The man was a giant."

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Lindley is is survived by his wife Joan Darrow and their daughter Rosanne Lindley.

Jamie Roberts