Spencer Davis Dies At Age 81

Influential British R&B musician Spencer Davis has died at age 81.

Davis was a record executive, multi-instrumentalist and founder of The Spencer Davis Group, which produced several hits, including "Gimme Some Lovin'" and "Keep on Running."

He passed away Monday, October 19, in a California hospital, while being treated for pneumonia, according to a statement made to the BBC by his agent Bob Birk.

In addition to earning considerable success on the charts, The Spencer Davis Group was part of the 1960s 'British Invasion,' having toured the States with The Who and The Rolling Stones.

The band is also remembered for giving keyboardist/vocalist Steve Winwood his first break in the music business.

In 1967, Steve and his brother Mutt Winwood left the group. Steve co-founded Traffic and Mutt went on to become a record executive. By 1970, Davis moved to the U.S. to pursue a solo career.

Beyond being an artist, Davis also found a niche for himself as an executive at Island Records, where he helped develop artists like Robert Palmer and Bob Marley.

Davis eventually reformed the Spencer Davis Group and toured throughout the '90s and 2000s. The band last performed in 2017, touring both Europe and the U.S.

Davis is survived by his three children and five grandchildren.

Photo: Getty Images

Spencer Davis

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