Chances are you probably own at least one recording featuring Big Jim Sullivan’s guitar work. The very in-demand guitarist, who played on hits by such people as Tom Jones, Carly Simon, David Bowie and The Kinks, passed away this week. He was 71.
Sullivan died Tuesday in his home in West Sussex, England, according to the BBC.
An almost endless list of accomplishments posted on Sullivan’s website reads like a history of rock ’n’ roll.
Having turned pro only two years after picking up the guitar at age 14, Sullivan backed Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent in 1960 and at one time gave lessons to a very young Ritchie Blackmore. Sullivan also toured as a member of Tom Jones’ backing band.
The hits Sullivan played on include The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me,” “Space Oddity” by David Bowie, Donovan’s “Sunshine Superman,” “It’s Not Unusual” by Tom Jones and “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon.
For more information, click here for Big Jim Sullivan’s website.