R.I.P. Jay Bennett
Jay Bennett, the multi-instrumentalist who was best known for playing in the band Wilco from 1994-2001, passed away in his sleep on Saturday night. He was 45 years old.
While in Wilco, Bennett was a major force behind the band’s albums Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, Being There and Summerteeth. His exit from the band was filmed in the 2002 documentary I Am Trying To Break Your Heart.
He also released his own solo records including The Beloved Enemy, Bigger Than Blue and The Magnificent Defeat. He also released the solo record Whatever Happened I Apologize in November of 2008 as a free download. In addition to his solo stints he contributed to music by artists like Sheryl Crow, Blues Traveler and Billy Joe Shaver.
Bennett made headlines earlier this month when he sued his former bandmate Jeff Tweedy for back royalties made from the Wilco recordings as well as compensation from the documentary.
An autopsy has not yet revealed the cause of death.
