[Deathwatch] Jay Bennett, musician, 45

[Deathwatch Central]

Former Wilco Member Jay Bennett Dies

Jay Bennett hadn't played with Wilco in some time, but his influence
lived on in the band's greatest hits.

The multitalented musician, who was a creative force with the
Chicago-based alt-rockers from 1994 to 2001, died in his sleep Sunday
night at his home in Urbana, Ill. He was 45.

Friend and collaborator Edward Burch told the Chicago Sun-Times that an
autopsy will be performed to determine cause of death.

Bennett's record label, Undertow Music Collective, confirmed his
passing on its website. "We are profoundly saddened to report that our
friend died in his sleep last night," read the statement. "Jay was a
beautiful human being who will be missed."

Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy released this statement from Spain, where
Wilco is currently touring:

"We are all deeply saddened by this tragedy. We will miss Jay as we
remember him—as a truly unique and gifted human being and one who made
welcome and significant contributions to the band's songs and
evolution. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends in this very
difficult time."

Bennett had sued Tweedy, claiming he was owed years of back royalties,
earlier this month.

"Creative differences" were cited as the reason behind Bennett's
departure from Wilco in 2001 after seven years of playing keyboard and
guitar with the Chicago-based alt-rockers. He recorded five albums with
the group, including Mermaid Ave, which received a Best Contemporary
Folk Album Grammy Nod in 1999, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and Summerteeth.

Financial conflicts between Bennett and the group were well-documented.
A 2002 lawsuit was also brought against Wilco after claims that Bennett
didn't receive his proper payout from the Sam Jones-directed
documentary on the band, I Am Trying to Break Your Heart: A Film About
Wilco, which chornicled the making of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.

Prior to joining Wilco, Bennett was a founding member of Titanic Love
Affair, and after his time with Wilco he cut four solo albums for
Undertow Music and was working on a fifth. He also produced a 2008
album for Blues Traveler and spent time as a studio session musician
with, among others, Sheryl Crow and Billy Joe Shaver.

When Bennett filed suit against Tweedy earlier this month, the musician
took to his Myspace to address his sudden financial needs, discussing
an upcoming hip-replacement surgery and the months of therapy that
would reportedly follow.

"I have been saving as much money as possible ever since I made this
new commitment to my health, my future, and my quality of life," he
wrote.
by Megan Masters and Natalie Finn 

Many thanks to Deathwatch Central for posting this obituary