Brian Cooke/RedfernsAndy Fraser, who co-wrote the famous rock anthem "All Right Now," died Monday in Temecula, Calif. He was 62.
The London-born Free bassist began his music career at just 15 when he joined John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, a "training ground" for British musicians including Eric Clapton and Mick Taylor. He saw success quickly, becoming one of the founding members of Free only one year later.
Singer and guitarist Paul Rodgers teamed up with Fraser, but would later go on to be the frontman of Bad Company and The Firm. Free launched to fame with its third album, Fire and Water, which contained the title hit song and the single that would memorialize the band for decades, "All Right Now." Fraser co-wrote and produced the hit and also has a solo on the bass.
Fraser continued his musical career throughout his life but reached peak success with Free, which broke up in 1972. Afterwards, Fraser formed Sharks, but the band only lasted a year before he led the Andy Fraser Band. But he and Rodgers went on to reboot Free briefly in 1994 to play "All Right Now" at Woodstock.
In recent years, Fraser took on a strong role in politics, writing songs and donating the proceeds to President Barack Obama's election campaign and humanitarian organizations. He also mentored other up and coming artists, including guitar prodigy Tobi Earnshaw.
Fraser had also become a key member in the Rock Against Trafficking charity. President Gary Miller said, "My dear friend did so much for the organisation, and for me personally.
"He was my little big brother and one of the greatest bass players and songwriters of all time."
The bassist was found in his car by his gardener Monday, but no official cause of death has been released, according to reports. Fraser has been living with HIV since the 1990s.
He is survived by two daughters, Hannah and Jasmine Fraser.