The bass player for Booker T. and the MGs died Sunday, May 13 morning at the age of 70, his friend and guitarist collaborator Steve Cropper confirms the sad news via Facebook.
- May 14, 2012
AceShowbiz - The music world is mourning the death of another one of its legends. Donald "Duck" Dunn, the bass player known for his work with the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame band Booker T. and the MGs, has passed away at the age of 70 on Sunday, May 13 morning. He was, at the time, in Tokyo, Japan for a series of shows.
Dunn's friend and guitarist collaborator Steve Cropper, who was on the same tour, said that the musician died in his sleep. "Today I lost my best friend, the World has lost the best guy and bass player to ever live," so he wrote on Facebook. "Duck Dunn died in his sleep Sunday morning May 13 in Tokyo Japan after finishing 2 shows at the Blue Note Night Club."
Also mourning the loss of Dunn was the band's leader, Booker T. Jones. In a statement on his official site, he dished, "My good friend and bass player, Donald 'Duck' Dunn has passed away this morning in Tokyo. He was in the company of good friends Eddie Floyd and Steve Cropper. My daughter Cicely called to tell me the news. Steve said he died in his sleep."
"Duck was too close to me for me to at this point realize the full implications of his passing," Jones continued. "I can't imagine not being able to hear Duck laugh and curse, but I'm thankful I got to spend time and make music with him. His intensity was incomparable. Everyone loved him. None more than Otis Redding."
"Of all the 'departures' of the past 30 days, this one is the hardest and most crushing for me. It was totally unexpected, and I've rarely had tears come so quickly. I've always believed that every closing door opens another, and this one will have some good effect too, somewhere down the line. Thank you all for your prayers and condolences, and just know that Duck is somewhere smiling down on all of us saying, 'Got Damn!!!' "
Other musicians have also taken to Twitter to express their condolences upon hearing the sad news. Among those was Red Hot Chili Peppers' bassist Flea, who wrote, "Wow, duck Dunn passed.. What a deep pocket that dude had, so glad I got to see him play, beautiful bass player we'll be listening to forever."
Nickelback paid a tribute by tweeting, "RIP Donald 'Duck' Dunn. You inspired countless people with your gift of music. Heartfelt condolences to your family, friends and fans." Additionally, Tom Petty posted, "Legendary Donald 'Duck' Dunn, bassist and friend of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, passed away in Tokyo today. He will be dearly missed."
The Rolling Stones remembered Dunn as an "inspirational and incredibly gifted bass player" before tweeting, "Condolences to all who loved him." Fellow rocker Peter Frampton chimed in, "So sad to hear of bass player Duck Dunn's passing in Tokyo. He wrote the book on R&B bass playing. My thoughts are with his family. RIP."
