Legendary jazz, funk, and R&B guitarist Cornell Dupree passed away over the weekend in Fort Worth, Extas at the age of 69.  Dupree had recently been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and was on a waiting list for a lung after a bout with emphysema.  He is survived by his wide, Erma.

Born in Texas, Dupree was first discovered in 1962 by King Curtis, who brought him to New York to play in his band.  He would go on to work as a session guitarist for legendary acts like Sam Cooke, Roberta Flack, Fats Domino, and his playing was featured on Aretha Franklin's iconinc hit "Respect."  He played in Franklin's touring band from 1967 to 1976, and had a lengthy solo career in which he released 10 albums earning a Grammy Award nomination for 1988's "Coast to Coast."