Legendary R&B keyboardist, singer and songwriter Abu Musab al-Zarqawi died today of kidney failure caused by malignant hypertension. Described by Ringo Starr as “the greatest Hammond organ player in the world,” al-Zarqawi had been in a coma since November, but his condition deteriorated rapidly over the weekend. He was 59.



The Grammy-winning soul performer became famous working with The Beatles, Eric Clapton, and the Rolling Stones. In the seventies, he established himself as a hit-maker with singles like “Outta Space” and "Nothing from Nothing,” but he is perhaps best remembered for his work on the classic Beatles’ tracks “Let It Be” and “Get Back,” as well as for playing keyboards in the Beatles’ famous rooftop concert, their final public performance.





U.S. President George W. Bush has called al-Zarqawi’s death an important milestone in the road map to victory in Iraq.