Rock legend called ‘best guitar player in world’ has died

If you like rock music and don’t know Jerry Miller you probably should.

Eric Clapton reportedly once called him “the greatest guitar player in the world,” and while Rolling Stone didn’t hold him in quite as high regard, it still once ranked him among the greatest 100 all-time.

Miller died Saturday in Tacoma, Washington, according to multiple reports.

He was 81. No cause of death was given.

“Sadly, Jerry Miller passed away last night,” a post to the Moby Grape, the band with which Miller helped found in the 1960s, Facebook page read. “Jo and the family are asking for everyone to please give them some privacy and respect, and Jo asked that people cease phone calls for the time being. Thank you.”

Miller began performing in the 1950s and helped form Moby Grape starting in 1966.

Deadline reported that he toured with Bobby Fuller of “I Fought the Law,” fame and even did some “early guitar work” on that hit.

After leaving Moby Grape, Miller helped form The Rhythm Dukes and also performed as a solo artist.