In Memoriam: Ex-Wilco member Jay Bennett (1963-2009)
Jay Bennett, former multi-instrumentalist for Wilco, died Sunday May 24 at his home in Urbana, Illinois. He was 45. Although the cause of death is still unknown, Undertow Music Collective (who released
Bennett’s 2002 solo album, The Palace At 4 A.M.) made a statement that Bennett passed away in his sleep.
Bennett founded the ’90s power-pop outfit, Titanic Love Affair, before joining Wilco in 1994. He performed on the band’s 1999 album, Summerteeth, 2002’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and the band’s Mermaid Avenue collaborations with Billy Bragg between 1998 and 2000. Bennett left the band in 2001.
Bennett’s creative differences with Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy, and Bennett’s departure from the band, were featured prominently in the 2002 documentary, I Am Trying To Break Your Heart. Earlier this month, Bennett presented a lawsuit against Tweedy for $50,000 in royalties Bennett claimed he was owed, along with compensation for his involvement in the documentary.
Tweedy made this comment on Wilco’s website:
"We are all deeply saddened by this tragedy. We will miss Jay as we remember him — as a truly unique and gifted human being and one who made welcome and significant contributions to the band’s songs and evolution. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends in this very difficult time."
