RIP: Bob Neuwirth, Frequent Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin Collaborator, Dead At 82

The esteemed singer-songwriter, visual artist and record producer Bob Neuwirth has passed away at the age of 82. According to Pitchfork, the death took place on Wednesday as a result of heart failure.

Pitchfork quotes the family’s statement on Neuwirth’s death: “On Wednesday evening in Santa Monica, Bob Neuwirth’s big heart gave out,” explained the statement, “Bob was an artist throughout every cell of his body and he loved to encourage others to make art themselves. He was a painter, songwriter, producer and recording artist whose body of work is loved and respected. For over 60 years, Bob was at the epicenter of cultural moments from Woodstock, to Paris, Don’t Look Back to Monterey Pop, Rolling Thunder to Nashville and Havana. He was a generous instigator who often produced and made things happen anonymously. The art is what mattered to him, not the credit. He was an artist, a mentor and a supporter to many. He will be missed by all who love him.”

Neuwirth was primarily known for his collaborations with other legendary artists of his day, including Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan and John Cale. The musician became closely associated with Bob Dylan in the early ’60s, working as the road manager for the legendary folk-rock singer. He spent years traveling with Dylan, and eventually shown on the cover of Dylan’s 1965 album Highway 61 Revisited. Neuwirth went on to join Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue as a performer in 1975.

Notably in his relationship with Janis Joplin, Bob Neuwirth co-wrote Joplin’s classic track “Mercedes Benz,” recorded just prior to her death in late 1970. He also is recognized as the person who taught Janis Joplin songwriter Kris Kristofferson’s song “Me and Bobby McGee,” also recorded shortly before Joplin’s death.

Bob Neuwirth, aside from his work with other artists of his day, was a prolific solo music artist, working primarily within the genre of folk music. He created five solo albums, starting with his own self-titled project in 1974 released by Asylum Records, and ending with his 1999 project Havana Midnight.