A true legend. I didn't really start following him until the Seventies, when I moved back to NY and started reading the Village Voice on a weekly basis. He was so well-versed on so many topics.
Also, Mose Allison just passed away at 89. Although he originally came out of Delta Blues and Jazz many of his own recordings were eclectic in those styles, Much of his stuff was covered by a ton of rock and pop artists.
...his songs would go on to be covered by an extensive and diverse collection of artists including the Clash, the Who, Elvis Costello, the Gories, Van Morrison, Robert Palmer, Bonnie Raitt, Roy Rogers, Leon Russell, Hot Tuna, the Yardbirds and the Bangles.
Obit here:
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/ne...-at-89-w450619