Rory Gallagher

William Rory Gallagher (2 March 1948 – 14 June 1995) was an Irish guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Known for his virtuosic guitar playing, Gallagher gained recognition as a talented musician. He was influential to many guitarists, including Alex Lifeson, Brian May, and Eric Clapton. In 1972, he was voted as guitarist of the year by Melody Maker magazine and was listed as the 57th greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine in 2015. Gallagher formed the blues rock power trio Taste in 1966 and later pursued a successful solo career. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he released music and sold over 30 million records worldwide. Unfortunately, Gallagher's popularity declined in the 1980s due to industry changes and his declining health. He underwent a liver transplant in 1995 but passed away from complications shortly after.