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Paul Cotton, member of country rock band Poco, passed away on Sunday at the age of 78.

The news was officially announced on Cotton’s Facebook page. Jim Messina, founder of Poco and half of soft rock duo Loggins & Messina, also shared his feelings when he heard the news:
“I woke up this morning to very sad news. Paul Cotton was a special musical kindred brother. We spent time together before he joined Poco and indeed gave me a great honour when he filled my position.
He came back into my life once again around 1995 when my son was three years old and we had a chance to spend some gracious moments together. I am now so very grateful I had a chance to meet up with Paul in 2009 when we performed together once again.
I last heard his voice on the evening of Rusty Young‘s Radio Memorial that was hosted by John Cowan. The sound of his voice is now forever imprinted in my mind and in my heart. May he, this very kind hearted soul, Rest In Peace.”

Cotton joined Poco in 1970 and wrote their international hit Heart Of The Night. Since then, the guitarist and singer-songwriter released five solo albums from 2009 to 2014. It was stated that his passing was unexpected, but peaceful.