Jeff Beck, one of the most influential rock guitarists of all time, has died at the age of 78. He dies on Tuesday at a hospital near his home in Surrey, England because of bacterial meningitis, Melissa Dragich, his publicist, said.

Beck rose to prominence as a member of the Yardbirds and then went out on his own in a solo career that incorporated hard rock, jazz, funky blues, and opera. He was known for his improvising, love for harmonics, and the whammy bar on his preferred guitar, the Fender Stratocaster.

Also Read | Jeff Beck family: All about wife Sandra Cash and ex-wife Patricia Brown

Age

Beck was born on June 24, 1944, to Arnold and Ethel Beck at 206 Demesne Road, Wallington, England. He attended Sutton Manor School and Sutton East County Secondary Modern School. He earned a diploma from Wimbledon College of Arts.

Wife

Jeff Beck married Sandra Beck in 2005.

Also Read | The Yardbirds guitarist Jeff Beck death: What is bacterial meningitis and how does one contract it?

Career

Beck started his musical career after enrolling at Wimbledon Art College in London. He backed Lord Sutch and made a name for himself in the profession. In 1967, he founded the Jeff Beck Group, which went on to record several popular records. Rod Stewart was the band’s lead vocalist, Ron Wood managed the bass and Aynsley Dunbar handled the drums. Heavy metal was the band’s key focus. The band’s unity was lacking and had conflicts almost every time they went on tour. Eventually, Beck left the band.

Also Read | Who is Jonah Patitz, supermodel Tatjana Patitz’s son?

Carmine Appice and Tim Bogert decided to form a trio with Beck. However, the trio didn’t get along so well. In 1980, he made a comeback with the tune There and Backed. In 2013, he released a few singles over the next few years and toured with Brian Wilson

Awards

During his excellent career, Beck has received eight Grammy Awards, the first for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for his track Escape, which was featured in his album Flash.

Also Read | Tatjana Patitz’s rumored ex-boyfriends: From Pierce Brosnan to Johnny Depp

Net Worth

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Beck had an estimated net worth of $18 million. He accumulated his wealth through his musical career with The Yardbirds, his own band The Jeff Beck Group, and others, as well as his solo performances, and musical tours.