Clapton's Keyboardist Sims Dies

Eric Clapton's longtime keyboardist Dick Sims has lost his battle with cancer.

The musician died on Thursday (08Dec11) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, according to family members. He was 60.

Sims played with Bob Seger and Freddie King before going on to tour andrecord with guitar great Clapton from 1974 until the early 1980s.

He also released his own solo album in 2002.

He will be best remembered for contributing to a number of rock's biggest hits, including Clapton's tracks I Shot the Sheriff and Wonderful Tonight.

Drummer Jamie Oldaker, who played in the band Tulsa County with Sims, says, "Dick was the best keyboardist I ever played with.

"There aren't any stylists like him anymore. I couldn't find one today if I tried. He had asound that nobody else had. He was a dear friend and a great guy".