Singer Chris Whitley has died of lung cancer at the age of 45. The artist, whose work blended alternative rock with acoustic blues, achieved critical acclaim and commercial success with his 1991 album 'Living With The Law', and later toured alongside Bob Dylan and Tom Petty. Talking recently to the Houston Chronicle about his eclectic style, he said: "I'm always looking for something kind of melancholy. I guess I was trying to mix these things without really knowing it. I write in a way that's more subconscious, just trying to articulate some mystery that's not obvious."
Whitely died on Sunday in Houston, after being diagnosed with the cancer just five weeks ago. His brother Daniel said "I hope you all will mourn my brother's death, but more important, celebrate his life, as Chris was all about life and living." Whitley's labels, Cooking Vinyl and Messenger Records, have released a statement that reads: "We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of singer-songwriter, guitarist, and recording artist Chris Whitley. Chris was a kind man and immensely talented artist whose music has become an intimate part of many of our lives. We are pained to acknowledge this loss and we grieve along with those who knew and loved him and his music."