Tony Sheridan, Beatles Collaborator, Dies At 72

London, England – Tony Sheridan, the British guitarist, singer, and songwriter — best known for his collaboration with the Beatles during their the group’s early years performing in Hamburg — has died at age 72.

Wendy Clare Sheridan-McGinnity, his daughter, announced his death, and a statement given Sunday on the social network Facebook read, ” Our beloved father and friend! Thank you for your love and inspiration. You left us today at 12.00 [pm].”

Sheridan, who died in Hamburg, worked with the Beatles on some of their earliest recordings after having met John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Pete Best in Hamburg’s red-light district during the early 60s.

Sheridan was a key influence on the band and not only introduced them to American R&B artists like Little Richard but also advised them on their look (leather jackets and cowboy boots).

Rolling Stone says that the Beatles eventually served as Sheridan’s backing band at the Top Ten Club and released some of their earliest records know as the Beat Boys on recordings of “My Bonnie” and “When the Saints Go Marching In”, an album that was later released as Tony Sheridan and The Beatles.

Paul McCartney referred to Sheridan as “The Teacher” because of the influence he had over the band.

Tony Sheridan, the first British musician which played the electric guitar on television, toured with Chubby Checker, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Chuck Berry. In 2002, Sheridan released his last solo album, Vagabond.

According to The Telegraph, following a rather rare appearance at the 2012 Beatlefair in San Diego, California, Sheridan underwent heart surgery in Germany.

Tony Sheridan leaves behind his wife, Anna; three sons, Tony Jr., Bennet, and Felim; and a daughter, Amber.