AceShowbiz - The music community mourns the loss of John Hammond, the Grammy-winning blues singer and guitarist whose remarkable career spanned six decades and celebrated the Delta blues tradition. Hammond passed away on Saturday, February 28, at the age of 83.

The news of his death was confirmed by musician and longtime collaborator Paul James, who shared that Hammond's wife, Marla, had informed him. According to Billboard Canada, the cause of death was cardiac arrest.

"The blues world has lost a giant. I've lost my best friend," said James. He reflected on their shared memories, stating, "I've just been going through the photos we've shared over the years - from the Horseshoe Tavern to Albert's Hall in Toronto, from London to Montreal, to Edmonton to Ottawa - and each picture tells a story of great music, great people, and unforgettable nights." He added that Hammond was a profound inspiration and that he would miss him deeply.

Also known as John P. Hammond or John Hammond Jr., Hammond was the son of the pioneering producer and talent scout John Henry Hammond Jr. His passion for music began early, as he played guitar during high school and left Antioch College in Ohio after one year to pursue a professional career in music.