Bassist Kniss Dead At 74

Bassist Dick Kniss has passed away at the age of 74.

He died of pulmonary disease in a hospital near his New York home on Wednesday (25Jan12), according to the Associated Press.

Kniss performed for five decades with folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary and was an original member of The John Denver Band.

He co-wrote the group'shit Sunshine on My Shoulders.

Born in Oregon, the musician performed with a number of jazz icons, including Herbie Hancock and Woody Herman, and he also played a variety of benefit shows during America's 1960s civil rights movement.

Releasing a statement to honor his late pal, former Peter, Paul and Mary bandmate Peter Yarrow says, "He was a dear and beloved part of our closest family circle and his bass playing was always a great fourth voice inour music as well as, conceptually, an original and delightfully surprising new statement added to our vocal arrangements".

A public viewing service is to be held in Saugerties on Sunday (29Jan12).