Losing JJ Cale is losing an American musical treasure. Always under the radar, he has been, and will always be, a huge inspiration to me and the band.
Luckily, I had the pleasure of playing with him several times. He was always gracious and treated me like a friend.
Whenever I listen to music, it is nearly always one of his records. He had a gift for the sweetest groove, the sweetest guitar phrase, and the coolest lyrics- understated, but deep. "I'm not a homeless man - I'm a gypsy by trade and I'm traveling this land" is one of my favorites.
His guitar tone and touch were magical in their simplicity.
I will miss him terribly, but I cherish all the music he left for us.
Thanks, JJ, we love you.
-Mike Campbell, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers