Bruce Hampton, who was known as the granddaddy of the jam scene for his energetic, eccentric guitar playing in a career that lasted five decades, died in Atlanta on Monday. He was 70.
His death was confirmed on Tuesday by Investigator Eric Sliz of the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office in Atlanta.
Mr. Hampton, who for years called himself “colonel” before officially adding the abbreviated title to his name in 2000, collapsed on stage at the Fox Theater in the waning moments of a concert in honor of his 70th birthday, according to news reports and a family statement posted on Twitter through the Tedeschi Trucks Band, whose members were in attendance. Read more at New York Times.
Remembrances of jam scene icon Col. Bruce Hampton have come pouring in following his death on Monday night after he collapsed at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. Bruce died at the end of one of the greatest nights of his life surrounded by those who loved him.
Keyboardist Chuck Leavell was among those who performed at Hampton 70: A Celebration Of Col. Bruce Hampton and shared a sentiment with CNN that Hampton’s death was “a poetic exit” adding, “And I’m sure if he had written the script himself, that would’ve been the last page of the last chapter.” Read more at Jambase.com.