Famed piano player Jim Dickinson, 67, has passed away early this morning in his sleep, Commercial Appeal reports. The Memphis producer/artist is perhaps best known for producing Big Star’s album 3rd, and his session work playing piano on tracks by Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, and Aretha Franklin, among countless others. He recently had undergone heart surgery for a triple bypass, and a benefit in his honor was held in Arkansas last week, in an effort to help defray his medical costs. “He had a great life, and he was a consummate family man,” Dickinson’s wife, Mary, said. “He loved music and his family. And he loved Memphis music, specifically.”
More on Jim Dickinson’s legacy in EW’s Music Mix:
Jim Dickinson: An appreciation
man, that’s a shame. if you like REM’s Automatic for the People, check out Big Star’s 3rd/Sister Lovers. it’s beautifully depressing pop.