Blues guitarist Long John Hunter, who lived in Phoenix for the last part of his life, died Monday in his sleep at the age of 84.
Hunter was known for his long career and his over the top performances. His 1997 album called Swingin’ From The Rafters was named for something he actually did on stage, while still playing guitar.
His career spanned more than six decades, including a 13-year stint as the leader of the house band at the Lobby Bar in the border town of Juarez, Mexico.
Musically he stood out, too.
"He was just a very cool, Texas-style player," said Bob Corritore, host of KJZZ's Those Lowdown Blues. "He had a certain way that he would bend his notes on the guitar. He had a certain accent to his voice and it was a specific type of blues and he really epitomized that sound."
Hunter was inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame in 2009.
