In a bit of very sad news Jay Bennett died in his sleep Sunday morning, May 24. Most fans will remember Bennett as the dread-locked multi-instrumentalist central to Wilco's success from 1994 - 2001. He helped the band craft some of its most memorable music with "Being There," "Summerteeth" and "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot," as well as the "Mermaid Avenue" sessions with Billy Bragg.
Unfortunately his career with the band will forever be tagged by a few heavy footnotes including his acrimonious dismissal immediately following "YHF," his vilification in the Wilco documentary "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart" and the breach of contract lawsuit he filed against the band this month over royalties owed to him from the film.
Bennett continued recording after Wilco, releasing four solo albums including "The Palace at 4am" with fellow Chicagoan Edward Burch and "Bigger Than Blue," both excellent examples of the heartfelt and pop-soaked Americana Bennett did so well, and both fine additions to the genre on their own merits.
Bennett was a true hidden talent, an often under appreciated performer, producer and artist whose greatest contributions lie just beneath the surface of things you know and love so well.
My thoughts go out to his family and friends.
