Drummer Ricky Lawson, Dies At 59 / R.I.P. (LATimes)

The death was confirmed by hospital spokeswoman Wendy Dow. Larson became disoriented during a performance Dec. 13 and was hospitalized, according to an Associated Press report. He died after being removed from life support, said his uncle, Paul Riser of Detroit.

Larson performed with Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Bette Miller and many others. He was the drummer for Whitney Houston‘s hit recording of “I Will Always Love You.”

He was a founding member of the jazz-fusion Yellowjackets group that won a 1986 Grammy for its recording of “And You Know That.”

Born in Detroit, Lawon learned to play drums at age 16 and jumped into the music business even before graduating from high school.

Drummer Questlove Jenkins of The Roots called Lawson “the master” on Twitter on Dec. 18 in a message saying, “praying for his recovery.”

Drummer Sheila E. tweeted Tuesday: “We lost a great man, drummer, father, brother and son. mr Ricky Lawson. He passed away yesterday. Please pray for his family. we will miss u.”

Dow said Larson’s organs were donated for possible transplant to others.