Jordan

Jordan

JAKE HOOKER, the musician who co-wrote classic track I Love ROCK 'N' ROLL, has died, aged 61.

I have no other plans but to grieve with my children and be grateful for the gift that is our precious Jordan, my mother's first great grandchild

The guitaristsongwriter passed away in Malibu, California on Monday (04Aug14) just days after the birth of his first grandchild.

His actress ex-wife Lorna Luft, daughter of iconic performer Judy Garland, says in a statement, "After a weekend of such joy with the birth of our granddaughter... I have learned that Jordan's grandfather, my former husband Jake Hooker, passed away... Jake was an accomplished musician and the father of my children. We are heartbroken. I have no other plans but to grieve with my children and be grateful for the gift that is our precious Jordan, my mother's first great grandchild. We ask that you respect our privacy during this most difficult time".

Hooker, who was born Jerry Mamberg, began his career by forming the band Arrows with his friend Alan Merrill.

They scored a number of chart successes, and their track I Love Rock 'n' Roll later became a huge international hit when it was covered by Joan Jett and The Blackhearts in 1982.

Arrows hosted their own music show in the U.K. featuring guests including Marc Bolan and The Bay City Rollers, before splitting in 1977.

Hooker later retired from music and moved to California after marrying Luft, but the union, which produced two children, ended in divorce in 1993.