366 | J.J. Cale

J.J. Cale was born John Weldon on December 5, 1938, in Oklahoma City. From a young age, he had a passion for music. Cale began his musical journey with the guitar and soon developed his own distinctive sound. One of the most striking features of J.J. Cale’s music is his calm and relaxed approach. His voice, guitar playing, and songwriting radiated a sense of tranquility and simplicity, drawing listeners into a world of ease and reflection — the signature laid-back sound.

His songs, including Cocaine, After Midnight, and Call Me the Breeze, are classics that have left a unique mark on music history. Several of these tracks were later covered by Eric Clapton. Throughout his career, Cale released numerous albums, including Naturally (1972), Okie (1974), Troubadour (1976), and Grasshopper (1982). His influence on the music world has been significant, with his style shaping the work of many artists across genres ranging from rock and blues to country.

Cale passed away on the evening of July 26, 2013, at the age of 74, due to a heart attack. He was buried at Mission San Luis Rey Cemetery in Oceanside. His final album released during his lifetime was Roll On. In 2019, the posthumous album Stay Around was released.

Although J.J. Cale may not have been widely known to the general public, he was greatly respected by fellow musicians. His musical legacy lives on. His relaxed sound and timeless songs continue to inspire new generations of musicians and listeners.