Mike Seeger, the American folk musician who Bob Dylan said inspired him to first start writing original music, has died aged 75.
Seeger passed away on Friday (August 7) at his home in Lexington, Virginia after battling cancer, reports BBC News.
The musician, who played in the group New Lost City Ramblers, was the artist whose influence Dylan said pushed him to write his own music.
"Sometimes you know things have to change," Dylan wrote in his 2004 book 'Chronicles'. "Somebody holds the mirror up, unlocks the door, and your head has to go into a different place. Mike Seeger had that effect on me."
Seeger, who was born in New York and credited with helping to kick off the '60s folk music boom, collaborated with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss on their 2007 multiple Grammy-winning album 'Raising Sand'.
As well as being a musician Seeger was a music historian, and was the sister of the equally influential Peggy and half-brother of the legendary Pete Seeger. He is survived by his wife, Alexia, and three children.
Visit NME Video for the latest music videos and artist interviews
- Previous: La Roux announce new single details
- Next: Dizzee Rascal, Robbie Williams for William Orbit compilation
Comments do not always reflect the views of NME, or IPC Media, for guidelines visit our Ts & Cs page