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Booker T and the MGs Bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn Dead at 70

by Jefferson Reid Sun., May. 13, 2012 11:31 AM PDT

Barry Brecheisen/WireImage

Grammy-winning musician Donald "Duck" Dunn, known for the fat bass sound and tasteful flourishes he squeezed effortlessly into hits like "Soul Man" and "Respect," passed away in his sleep Sunday morning in Tokyo.

He was 70.

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The Memphis-born bass legend was well known for his '60s work with Stax Records house band Booker T and the MGs as well as a host of other artists including Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton.

A highly regarded session musician working on countless albums throughout the '70s, he would later enjoy a career resurgence (and garner a legion of new fans) as a member of the Blues Brothers, playing himself in the movie and during Saturday Night Live appearances with the band's frontmen, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.

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His childhood friend and guitarist collaborator Steve Cropper revealed the sad news on his Facebook page: "Today I lost my best friend, the World has lost the best guy and bass player to ever live. Duck Dunn died in his sleep Sunday morning May 13 in Tokyo Japan after finishing 2 shows at the Blue Note Night Club."

He will be missed.

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