Bobby Keys, the legendary rock ‘n’ roll saxophone player, has died. Keys was best known for his work with the Rolling Stones, though he also appeared on albums by John Lennon, George Harrison, the Who, Joe Cocker, Barbra Streisand, B.B. King, Carly Simon, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Eric Clapton among others. Michael Webb, Keys’ bandmate in Bobby Keys & The Suffering Bastards, confirmed Keys’ death to The Nashville Scene.

Jambase provided some details on Keys’ 50-year relationship with the Stones:

Bobby’s relationship with The Rolling Stones dates back 50 years to when he met the band at the San Antonio Teen Fair in 1964. Keys played on every album The Stones released between 1969 and 1974 as well as from 1980 to the present with his work on “Brown Sugar” among his most acclaimed solos. The saxophonist was a regular in most The Rolling Stones’ touring bands dating back to 1970.

Additionally, the Stones issued an official statement:

The Rolling Stones are devastated by the loss of their very dear friend and legendary saxophone player, Bobby Keys. Bobby made a unique musical contribution to the band since the 1960s. He will be greatly missed.

Keys passed away at his Nashville area home this morning after battling with cirrhosis in recent months. He was 70. R.I.P.

Below, watch the Stones perform “Brown Sugar” with Keys on sax in his native Texas in 1972.

[Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic.]