David Lindley, a well-known guitarist and the creator of the ensemble El Rayo-X, passed away on March 3 at the age of 78. He died due to an illness and a campaign was launched in early 2023 to cover his medical costs. Singer and lyricist Warren Haynes paid tribute to Lindley by posting a photo of her playing a musical instrument on Facebook. Lindley, he said, was a true performer with a unique sound on the instrument he chose to perform. Lindley, according to Haynes, was a great influence on him. Haynes stated:
“I’ve always put David on a small list of major inspirations when playing my slides, especially on the rhythmic side. Lindley’s impact often comes to mind when I approach a tune or performance in a major. His singing technique was vocal and his sense of rhythm was profound.”
Lindley’s collaboration with Jackson Browne became popular in the 1970s, according to Haynes, and the passages were so well known that even non-musicians could “sing along.” Leland Sklar, a bassist, also shared his grief on Facebook, writing:
“We have lost one of the most distinctive and exceptional musicians and companions in history! David Lindley was the only one like him. Always in my heart, earth and rhythm. My thoughts are now with you and your dear family. I will mourn you, my brother.
Twitter users pay tribute
David Lindley has built a reputation over the years as a flawless performer. As news of his death spread, Twitter was flooded with tributes:
Aw, I just heard that David Lindley passed away. I wish he had stayed a little longer. pic.twitter.com/5k0jBDPX0K
— 💀 (@DeadsoundApp) March 3, 2023
Guitarist David Lindley has passed away, but I haven’t seen anyone share this incredible 1978 Jackson Brown performance with “Running on Empty.” Astonishing. pic.twitter.com/YCFfOKy3Ei
— Jay Gerland (@jaygerland) March 3, 2023
David Lindley was known for his work with Jackson Browne.
Born on March 21, 1944, David Lindley began learning the violin and uke at a young age and developed an interest in music in the 1960s. As a result, Kaleidoscope was formed in 1966 and the ensemble produced six recordings. When Kaleidoscope broke up in the 1970s, David collaborated with several other bands before forming El Rayo-X in 1981. However, the ensemble disbanded in 1989. He regularly worked on albums by musicians such as Warren Zevon, Curtis Mayfield, James Taylor, Terry Reid, Bob Dylan, Rod Stewart and others.
Lindley was known for his work with Jackson Browne, and contributed to most of Browne’s efforts, including Browne’s rendition of Maurice Williams’ Remain. David had a wide range of instruments, but he once stated that he didn’t know which one he could play. Lindley married Chris Darrow’s sister Joan Darrow in 1976, and the couple had a daughter, Rosanne.
