R.I.P. Jim Dickinson

From Pitchfork:

As the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports, renowned Memphis producer and musician James Luther "Jim" Dickinson died this past weekend, passing away in his sleep after heart surgery. He was 67. During his lifetime, Dickinson left his mark on the careers of an astoundingly wide-ranging number of musicians, from Aretha Franklin to the Replacements, Bob Dylan to Big Star. Before he became famous behind the boards, Dickinson started out in front of the mic. In 1966, his band the Jesters released their single "Cadillac Man" on the already legendary Sun Records. He went on to become a session player, forming the Dixie Flyers, which became the Atlantic Records house band. In that band, he backed up artists like Aretha Franklin and Little Richard. In 1969, he played piano on the Rolling Stones "Wild Horses", thereby securing a place in heaven if there's any justice in the universe.

Later in his career, Dickinson worked as a producer, recording classic albums like Big Star's Third/Sister Lovers and the Replacements' Pleased to Meet Me. He played on Bob Dylan's 1997 album Time Out of Mind, and Dylan called Dickinson a "brother" when he was accepting a Grammy for it. He also recorded a number of solo albums, starting with 1972's Dixie Fried. His most recent, Dinosaurs Run in Circles, came out earlier this year. Dickinson's sons Cody and Luther lead the North Mississippi All-Stars.

According to the Commercial Appeal, Dickinson's health has been failing for several months. This past weekend, a number of local musicians played a benefit show to help cover his medical costs.