RL Burnside 1927-2005

Blues legend R.L. Burnside passed away Thursday in a Memphis hospital at age 78. The cause of death was not given, however Matthew Johnson the founder of Fat Possum Records told Billboard.com Burnside's "health was declining." His career was on an upswing when he signed with Fat Possum Records in the early 90's. He appeared in Robert Mugge's 1991 doscumentary "Deep Blues" and on the film's 1992 Atlantic soundtrack album. He recorded "Bad Luck City" in 1993 and "Too Bad Jim" in 1994 all on Fat Possum and also worked with the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion on Matador's "Ass Pocket of Whiskey". His latest release "A Bothered Mind" was released last year on Fat Possum. Burnside is survived by his wife, Alice Mae, 12 children and numerous grandchildren.

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