Shawn Lane was a prodigious musician who could play guitar and piano with astonishing speed and skill. He was also a composer, producer, and collaborator who worked with many famous artists in various genres. He had a loyal fan base and was respected by his peers for his talent and vision. However, he also faced many challenges and hardships in his life, which ultimately led to his premature death at the age of 40. What was the cause of death of Shawn Lane, and what legacy did he leave behind?
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Early Life and Career
Shawn Lane was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on March 21, 1963. He started playing piano with his sisters when he was eight years old, but switched to guitar when he was ten. He was influenced by guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Allan Holdsworth. He developed his own style of playing, which combined speed, accuracy, and emotion. He was also proficient in music theory and could play in any key, mode, or scale.
At the age of 14, he joined the southern rock band Black Oak Arkansas as their lead guitarist. He toured with them for four years, opening for acts like REO Speedwagon, Ted Nugent, and Blue Öyster Cult. He also recorded two albums with them, Ready as Hell and The Black Attack Is Back. He left the band in 1981, when he was 18 years old.
He then formed his own band, The Streets, with bassist Andy Tanas, drummer Chris Craig, and guitarist Jimmy Henderson. They recorded some demo tapes and almost secured a deal with Epic Records, but it fell through. He also played in other bands, such as Savage Innocence, The Willys, and Out of Bounds, in the 1980s and early 1990s. He experimented with different styles of music, such as jazz fusion, blues, and pop.
Solo Career and Collaborations
In 1992, Lane signed a contract with Warner Bros. Records and released his first solo album, Powers of Ten. He wrote all the songs and played all the instruments on the album, except for one cover song. The album received positive reviews and won several awards from guitar magazines. He also released a live version of the album, Powers of Ten Live!, in 1993.
Lane also collaborated with many other musicians, such as Ringo Starr, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Joe Walsh, and Michael Shrieve. He was especially close with Swedish bassist Jonas Hellborg, with whom he recorded several albums and toured extensively. He also formed a trio with Hellborg and Indian percussionist V. Selvaganesh, which blended jazz, rock, and world music.
Lane was also a teacher and mentor to many aspiring guitarists. He gave workshops, clinics, and masterclasses around the world. He also released instructional videos, such as Power Licks and Power Solos, which demonstrated his techniques and concepts. He was generous with his knowledge and encouraged his students to find their own voice on the instrument.
Health Problems and Death
Lane suffered from psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis since he was 13 years old. These conditions affected his skin, joints, and mobility. He had to take various medications and undergo treatments to manage his symptoms. He also struggled with weight issues, which worsened his health problems. He sometimes had difficulty walking and playing guitar, but he never gave up on his passion.
On September 26, 2003, Lane died in a hospital in Memphis, shortly after being told that he would have to remain on medical oxygen for the rest of his life. He had lung-related illnesses, which were possibly caused by his medications or his smoking habit. He was buried in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis.
Legacy and Influence
Shawn Lane is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. He was admired for his technical ability, musicality, and creativity. He was also praised for his versatility, originality, and humility. He influenced many guitarists, such as Buckethead, Guthrie Govan, Paul Gilbert, and Tosin Abasi. He was also inducted into the Guitar World Hall of Fame in 2019.
Shawn Lane’s music lives on through his recordings, videos, and books. His fans and friends continue to celebrate his life and work. His daughter, Ashley, also carries on his legacy as a singer and songwriter. Shawn Lane was a guitar genius who left a lasting mark on the world of music. He was a shining example of dedication, perseverance, and expression. He was a true artist who followed his own path and inspired many others along the way.
