Rolling Stones Saxophonist Bobby Keys Dies, 'Brown Sugar' Solo Among Artist's Highlights [WATCH]

Longtime Rolling Stones collaborator Bobby Keys, who played saxophone on hits like "Brown Sugar" and "Live with Me," has died at the age of 70. Keys backed a laundry list of big names including The Who, George Harrison and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Keys worked with The Stones for more than 40 years. He died this morning (Dec. 2) after a long battle with cirrhosis, the Nashville Scene reports.

"The Rolling Stones are devastated by the loss of their very dear friend and legendary saxophone player, Bobby Keys," the band said in a statement. "Bobby made a unique musical contribution to the band since the 1960s. He will be greatly missed."

According to Rolling Stone, Keys played with Buddy Holly growing up before hitting the road with Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars tour. He first crossed paths with The Stones in 1964. The saxophonist played on iconic albums like Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main Street. His crowning moment -- the solo in 1971's "Brown Sugar" -- was actually meant to be a guitar solo.

"It was the first take - I just really shut my eyes and play," Keys said. "I listen subliminally. I play more rhythmically than I do a lot of notes. I pull a lot of the stuff that I play off the rhythm tracks - and Keith Richards has been one of the main contributors to my inspirational playing."

The sax man appeared with The Stones most recently on the 14 on Fire tour last year.

R.I.P. Bobby.

Tags

The Rolling Stones, The Who, George Harrison, Lynyrd skynyrd, Buddy holly