Popular blues musician Colin Cooper, whose band had hits in Britain and America in the 1970s and ‘80s, died on 3 July, 2008, aged 68.

Mr Cooper, founding member of the Climax Blues Band, died at his home in Stafford after battling against cancer.

In a career which spanned almost five decades, the vocalist and saxophonist performed at major concerts and festivals around the world, including Glastonbury and a 25-date German tour with the Godfather of British Blues, John Mayall.

Band members said Mr Cooper’s death was a great loss, not only to those who knew him, but to the world of music.

Lead guitarist Lester Hunt said: "Colin was a great musician and a unique vocalist. His sound was instantly recognisable to people around the world, both live and on recordings.

"His knowledge, passion and pure feel for the blues was deep and from the heart. He was also a good mate for more than 20 years. I remember many hours in the band bus spent agreeing and disagreeing about every subject from sport to politics, and, of course, music.

"As the song goes, ‘he loved the life he lived and he lived the life he loved’.

"It has always been a privilege for me to work with Colin and the band. He will be missed by many people in many ways."

Mr Cooper was an original member of the band when it was set up in 1968. It was known back then as the Climax Chicago Blues Band.

The band has released eighteen albums and has had Top 40 hits in 1976 in the UK with Couldn’t Get It Right, and in 1981 in the United States with I Love You.

The two songs were also big American hits – Couldn’t Get It Right reached number three on the Hot 100 in 1977, and I Love You reached number 12 in 1981. Couldn’t Get It Right was later covered by the Fun Lovin’ Criminals on their album Mimosa.

George Glover, who plays keyboard in the band, said Mr Cooper lived for music.

He said: "Colin was just a great person. A true character and that is why he was loved by so many people."