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Blues Brothers’ Matt ‘Guitar’ Murphy Passes Away
Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images – Matt “Guitar” Murphy
Matt “Guitar” Murphy performs at the official Blues Brothers Revue at the Rialto Theater in Joliet, Ill., March 5, 2012.
Matt “Guitar” Murphy, who spent seven decades playing the blues – from recording with Muddy Waters to performing as a member of The Blues Brothers – died June 15 at age 88.
The guitarist’s wife told the New York Times he died from a heart attack.
Murphy was best known for his time in The Blues Brothers, the blues rock band Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi (aka Elwood Blues and Joliet” Jake Blues) introduced to the world via “Saturday Night Live.” The group, which featured well-respected musicians including guitarist Steve “The Colonel” Cropper, bassist Donald “Duck” Dunn and trumpeter Alan “Mr. Fabulous” Rubin, went on to tour, released a few studio albums and several live albums, and was the subject of two movies.
Murphy is featured in the 1980 film “The Blues Brothers” as a guitarist married to a character played by Aretha Franklin, as well as the “Blues Brothers 2000” sequel.
The bluesman got his start in the late ’40s in Memphis, performing with Howlin’ Wolf, Memphis Slim and the bandleader Tuff Green, according to the Times. After relocating to Chicago, Murphy worked as a staff guitarist at Chess Records and recorded with the likes of Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters and Sonny Boy Williamson.
He joined James Cotton’s band in the early ’70s and went on to front his own band the following decade.
His performances in recent years included an appearance at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2013.
The official Blues Brothers Instagram page acknowledged Murphy’s death with a post saying, “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of the blues brothers – the legendary Matt Guitar Murphy has passed away. Through his music, he will live forever. We ask that you join us while we offer condolences to the entire Murphy family.”
Dan Aykroyd tweeted June 17, “‘Fondly remembering sweet, strong, funny and immensely talented Matt ‘Guitar’ Murphy. The Blues Brothers would not have been what they were without Matt’s playing power, stage magnetism and knowledge of music.’ Dan Aykroyd aka Elwood Blues”
Murphy was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2012.