The Shadows bassist Jet Harris has died aged 71
The musician, who played alongside Sir Cliff Richard in the British rock and roll group, passed away at his partner`s home in Winchester, south west England after battling throat cancer.
Born Terence Harris, he made his debut recording on Cliff`s hit `Livin` Lovin` Doll` and was awarded an MBE for services to music in 2010.
Cliff said: "Jet was exactly what The Shadows and I needed - a backbone holding our sound together."
"Jet, the bass player, will always be an integral part of British rock and roll history.
"Losing him is sad - but the great memories will stay with me. Rock on, Jet."
The `Apache` hitmaker was also praised by his agent Peter Stockton who paid tribute to his dedication to his fans right up to his last performance.
He told the BBC: "He was a man who was so courageous and determined and kept saying `I will beat this`.
"The last time he went on stage he said he didn`t want to let people down and I could see he was struggling a bit, but he got a standing ovation. Regrettably it was the last concert he did on February 5."
Jet`s musical career took off in 1958 when he went on tour with the Most Brothers. He later joined Cliff`s group The Drifters and is credited with coming up with their new name The Shadows.
They went on to release a string of hits including `The Savage`, `Wonderful Land` and `Man of Mystery` and the rocker also enjoyed solo success in 1962 with `Besame Mucho` and `The Man With the Golden Arm`.
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