Jay Bennett (November 15, 1963 - May 24, 2009)

Musician Jay Bennett died in his sleep over the weekend. My most vivid impression of Bennett is of him hunched over the Wurlitzer or Hammond organ in Sam Jones's documentary I Am Trying To Break Your Heart as he and his Wilco bandmates worked out what became their celebrated Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. There's also the unfortunate impression of someone who comes off looking like a pompous ass in that same film. Whatever his personal flaws Bennett had a hand in creating several albums of unique worn-around-the-edges poems of the American heartland. In my opinion you can hear his artistry the best on Summerteeth, still my favorite Wilco album. The NYT obit is below.

Jay Bennett, Former Member of Rock Band Wilco, Dies at 45