John Baldry, 64; British Blues Musician Helped Launch Careers

“Long” John Baldry, 64, the British blues musician who helped launch the careers of such rock greats as Rod Stewart and the Rolling Stones, died of complications from a chest infection Thursday in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Baldry was admitted to a Vancouver hospital with respiratory problems in April.

Nicknamed Long John because of his 6-foot, 7-inch height, Baldry was born in East Maddon, England, but became a Canadian citizen in 1981.

Credited as one of the main forces in British blues, rock and pop music in the 1960s, he first hit the top of the U.K. singles charts in 1967 with “Let the Heartaches Begin.”

One of his most memorable hits was “Don’t Try to Lay No Boogie-Woogie on the King of Rock and Roll,” co-produced by Stewart and Elton John.

Baldry released more than 40 albums that included the songs “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling,” “Come and Get Your Love” and “A Thrill’s a Thrill.”

Baldry’s early 1960s stage act featured Stewart, Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, Jimmy Page and Ginger Baker.