GUITAR legend Bert Weedon, the man who inspired some of the greatest names in rock 'n' roll, died yesterday.
The married dad of two, who once backed Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole, taught a generation of stars to strum using his Play In A Day book.
A friend said he had "been poorly" for some time and passed away at home in Beaconsfield, Bucks. He was 91.
Eric Clapton, Sir Paul McCartney and Brian May were among the stars who learned to play guitar from his book.
Clapton once said: "I wouldn't have felt the urge to press on without the tips and encouragement that Bert's book gives you. I've never met a player of any consequence that doesn't say the same thing."
Weedon, dubbed Mr Guitar, was born in East London and bought his first instrument at 12. He played with big bands before going solo and bagging hits including Nashville Boogie in 1959.
The arrival of rock 'n' roll ended his run of hit singles, but gave him a new role as a session man who played with stars including Cliff Richard, Adam Faith and Billy Fury.
As tributes poured in yesterday, Weedon's friend and agent Johnny Mans said: "He really was king of the guitar รน and one of the nicest, most genuine guys you'd ever meet."
Weedon, awarded an OBE in 2001, is survived by his wife Maggie and two sons.