Rock musician Richard Bell dead
Keyboardist and songwriter Richard Bell, has died of cancer in a Toronto hospital. He was 61.
Bell died June 15 after a long battle with multiple myeloma.His work included stints with some of rock ‘n’ roll’s most legendary performers, including Joplin and The Band.
I’ve never known a finer musician and a finer man,” Linden said. “He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and for life. At age 61, he played as well or better than he ever played.”
Bell was the son of esteemed Canadian conductor, musician and educator, Dr. Leslie Bell.
Bell began playing the piano at age 4 and studied at Canada’s Royal Conservatory of Music.He began playing with Joplin’s Full Tilt Boogie Band in 1970 and appeared on “Pearl,” her posthumously released album.
He also joined The Band as a keyboardist and played on their albums “Jericho,” “High on the Hog” and “Jubilation.”
After being diagnosed about a year ago with cancer, though he had rigorous treatment his cancer returned.He is survived by his mother, his sister and his nieces and nephews.
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