The music world is a little less rich now that Jay Walter Bennett is gone. Jay passed away in his sleep sometime Sunday morning at his home in Champaign, IL.
Jay was a musical hero of mine and my first true interview subject. He was also a friend.
Our first interview was supposed to only go 30 minutes, but we ended up talking for hours, with Jay even calling me back after wrapping up another interview to talk some more. He was always kind, gracious, generous and spirited every moment I spoke to him.
When I dropped him off at his then home in Arlington Heights, IL after a long night on the town that began with catching the finale of the Hideout’s Block Party in 2002, he embraced me warmly and thanked me for being a friend. He was an incredibly warm and generous person and I will miss him terribly.
Jay – wherever you are, know that you were loved, admired and thought about always by your friends, fans and family. May you find peace. We will carry on in your honor.
Editor’s Note: My hope is to put on a show, or a series of shows, in honor of Jay and to help support a charity specifically for musicians. If you’re interested in helping in any way, please contact me at rockandrollghost@gmail.com.
Thank you.
Great post. RIP Mr. Bennett!
Thanks for posting that. I cried, and I didn’t know him, just loved his work.
Thanks Jay. I will miss you.