The blind guitarist died of a heart attack at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans after falling ill and being hospitalised last week, said John Blancher, a close family friend. Eaglin was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year, said Blancher.

Eaglin was known for unique style of picking strings with his thumbnail and fingers. He played and recorded with a host of New Orleans luminaries, including Professor Longhair, the Wild Magnolias and pianist Allan Toussaint. Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Robert Plant and Bonnie Raitt were all fans. - more on this story

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