Blues star Louisiana Red has died at the age of 79.
The veteran musician, real name Iverson Minter, passed away on Saturday (25Feb12) at a hospital in Germany and reports suggest he spent several days in a coma prior to his death due to a thyroid imbalance.
A message posted on the star's website reads, "It is sad to say goodbye to the loving persona of this great bluesman who's music warmed our hearts... His legacy is great and his friendships are many. He can now rest in peace after a lifetime of giving us everything he had through his amazing blues. God bless you Red."
Minter recorded more than 50 albums during his longrunning career and played with high-profile collaborators including B.B. King and Muddy Waters.
A number of stars have paid tribute to the musician following the sad news, with The Animals rocker Eric Burdon writing in a post on Twitter.com, "This weekend we raised a glass in honour of bluesman Louisiana Red. Thanks for the good times and memories, my friend. Rip."
Scottish singer/songwriter Sandi Thom adds, "Rip Iverson Minter Aka Louisiana Red xx"