EARL KING - EARL KING DIES

Blues great EARL KING has died from diabetes-related complications. He was 69.

The songwriter and guitarist was responsible for early R'n'B hits like TRICK BAG, STREET PARADE and COME ON (LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL).

Friend DR JOHN says, "He approached songs from different angles, from different places in life."

Born EARL SILAS JOHNSON, King cut his first single in the early 1950s.

His upcoming funeral in New Orleans, Louisiana, is expected to be a star-studded affair.

Meanwhile, as one Earl passes, another is honoured - composer EARL HAGAN received a star on Palm Springs, California's Walk of Fame on Saturday (19APR03).