Sam Lay, Drummer Inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Passes Away at 86

▲Sam Ray [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Sam Lay, a blues drummer and vocalist inducted into the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has passed away at the age of 86.

On the 31st (local time), according to the Chicago Sun-Times and AP News, the record label 'Alligator Records' announced that Lay passed away from old age on the 29th at a nursing home near his home in Chicago.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Lay began his music career in Cleveland in the mid-1950s before moving to Chicago.

Debuting in 1957, Lay gained recognition in the 1960s performing with blues legends such as Muddy Waters (1913?1983), Howlin' Wolf (1910?1976), Bob Dylan (age 83), and Paul Butterfield (1942?1987).

In 2015, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band.

At that time, he said, "I cannot put into words how much I love the blues," adding, "I enjoyed every moment of playing and was deeply involved with every member of the band."

Star Sutherland, the producer of the 2016 documentary "Sam Lay in Bluesland," praised him, saying, "All members of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band were outstanding, but Sam Lay was indispensable."

Film musician John Anderson said, "Lay's playing was lively and delicate," and added, "He could produce a sound more powerful than a locomotive without playing loudly."

Alligator Records stated, "Lay's trademark was his double shuffle drumming style, which was difficult for anyone to imitate."

Lay had two sons and a daughter with his wife Liz, but his wife and two sons passed away before him.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.