Singer and guitarist Spencer Davis of The Spencer Davis Group, a major band in the world of 1960s pop/rock, has died at the age of 81, it was reported Tuesday.
Davis died Monday at a Los Angeles hospital where he was being treated for pneumonia, his agent told the BBC.
“So sad to hear the news that Spencer Davis has passed. Our thoughts are with his family & friends. Thank you for such great songs….RIP Spencer,” the group Foghat tweeted.
Davis was a driving force behind the major radio hits “Gimme Some Lovin,” “I’m a Man,” and “Keep On Running,” even though all three songs were sung by a teenaged Steve Winwood, who went on to more success with the bands Traffic and Blind Faith before embarking on a long solo career.
Davis co-wrote many of the songs for his titular band, in addition to playing rhythm guitar and occasionally taking lead vocals.
He later worked as an A&R executive at Island Records.