R.I.P Terry Callier

I’ve seen a sparrow get high and waste his time in the sky - He thinks it’s easy to fly, he’s a little bit freer than I

Sadly Terry Callier was reportedly found dead in his home on Sunday. He was 67.

I've been a big fan of Callier ever since hearing Ordinary Joe, a track that first appeared on his 1972 album Occasional Rain. His started his music career at the age of 17 when he signed to Chess Records in 1962. His influential blend of jazz, soul and folk was seen in his early works of three famous albums—1972’s Occasional Rain, 1973’s What Color Is Love and 1974’s I Just Can’t Help Myself. Despite praise from critics, his work never truly broke into the commercial spotlight.

Later in his career he resurfaced after a long break away from music following the Acid Jazz label re-releasing his 1983 single I Don’t Want To See Myself (Without You). He also collaborated with Beth Orton and Massive Attack.

Music has lost an inspirational artist. RIP Tel.