Spencer Davis has died aged 81 after suffering a heart attack in California, according to bandmate Pete York.

The welsh musician who founded The Spencer Davis Group was famous for 1960s hits including Gimme Some Lovin’, Keep On Running and I’m A Man.

Spencer died on Monday, October 19, after being treated in hospital for pneumonia, his agent Bob Birk confirmed to Metro.co.uk: ‘I have represented him as his agent for over 30 years.

‘He was a very good friend. He was a highly ethical, very talented, good hearted, extremely intelligent, generous man.

‘He leaves behind his long time, domestic partner, June and three adult children. He will be missed.’

With The Spencer Davis Group, he had two number ones and four top ten hits throughout the band’s career.

Their track, Gimme Some Lovin’ also featured on the soundtracks of Notting Hill and The Blues Brothers movies.

Fans and friends of the band paid tribute to Spencer, including Badly Drawn Boy who wrote: ‘Sad news. Spencer Davis. Legend.’

Radio Caroline presenter Suzy Wild added: ‘I’m so very, very saddened to learn of the passing of Spencer Davis. He was such a lovely man, generous and kind, warm and funny, and will be much missed. RIP dear Spencer.’

According to Birmingham Live, Pete had called best friend Jim Simpson – who was the first manager of Black Sabbath – on Tuesday to inform him that Spencr had died.

Jim said: ‘I took Pete’s call half an hour ago and thought: “What a shame”. Spencer was a lovely man – always very courteous and a purist about music.

‘The Spencer Davis Group stuck more to the blues and never became a fully-fledged rock band.

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‘Spencer was scholarly and well educated, very gentle and kind and his tastes in music were spot on.’

He added: ‘I last spoke to him in March just before lockdown and last saw him a couple of years ago when he played Symphony Hall as part of a package.

‘He always kept in touch with his friends and would always call if he was in this country.’

Spencer was survived by three children and ‘girlfriend June who looked after him in his later years’, according to Jim.

Birmingham, Sandwell & Westside Jazz Festival will hold a tribute to the Spencer Davis Group on Sunday at Henry’s Bluehouse in Birmingham in honour of Spencer being an iconic Birmingham musician.

Jim, who is the director of the festival, and a friend of Spencer Davis and the band for more than 55 years and whose company, Big Bear Music, at one time represented the Spencer Davis Group in the UK, will also share some of his memories of the band on the night.

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