Poco Guitarist And Singer Paul Cotton Passed Away At 78

Rest in Peace

Former Poco guitarist Paul Cotton has passed away at the age of 78. In a post on his Facebook page, his family revealed that he died unexpectedly but peacefully. Poco founder Jim Messina also confirmed the news.

“I woke up this morning to very sad news,” Messina wrote. “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… 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.”

Born in Alabama in 1943 but was raised in Chicago, Cotton formed the Illinois Speed Press in 1965, and they released two LPs for Columbia Records. By 1970, Cotton joined Poco founding member Messina. After singer/guitarist Richie Furay left the group three years later, Cotton became their co-leader along with singer/pedal-steel player Rusty Young.

Cotton wrote one of Poco’s biggest hits, “Heart Of The Night”. He left the band in 1987, but rejoined them four years later and continued to perform with them until 2010. He also pursued a solo career, releasing a total of four solo studio albums – the last of which was released in 2014.