SCOTTISH folk singer and songwriter Jackie Leven has died following a long battle with cancer.
The 61-year-old musician, whose album Mystery of Love was listed by Q Magazine as one of the 100 best albums of all time, died on Monday night.
Friends, colleagues and fans yesterday paid tribute to the performer, who was described by one music critic as “the most talented singer- songwriter never to have become a household name”.
Crime writer Ian Rankin, who recorded the album Jackie Leven Said with Mr Leven in 2005, wrote online: “RIP Jackie Leven. Gentle man, poetic songwriter, skilled guitarist, storyteller. It was an honour to call you friend.”
Singer Eddi Reader added: “What hard news today. RIP Jackie Leven, here’s to him.”
Mr Leven, originally from Kirkcaldy, Fife, began his career in the late 1960s under the pseudonym John St Field.
He lost his voice for two years in 1983 after being attacked in the street and during that time became addicted to heroin. He overcame his addiction years later and went on to write more than 400 songs, enjoying success with the band Doll by Doll and as a solo artist. His albums included Songs For Lonely Americans and Elegy For Johnny Cash.
Mr Leven also co-formed addiction support centre CORE Trust, which uses holistic therapies to help with addiction.
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