Kenny Edwards

Kenny Edwards, a co-founding member of the Stone Poneys, died Wednesday after battles with cancer and a blood disorder. He was 64.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Edwards -- who was instrumental in helping Linda Ronstadt launch her career -- was hospitalized in Denver earlier in the month after collapsing on tour with Karla Bonoff. The guitarist and vocalist was subsequently moved to a hospital near his home in Santa Barbara where he passed.

Edwards was just out of high school when he steered the aforementioned but short-lived country rock band, which included Ronstadt, onto the charts when the group's song 'Different Drum' peaked at No. 13 in 1967. Although the group split soon after, Edwards went on to form the folk rock outfit Bryndle with Bonoff, Andrew Gold and Wendy Waldman.

He was perhaps best known throughout his career for his supporting musical roles with artists such as Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, Don Henley, Vince Gill, Art Garfunkel, Brian Wilson and Bonoff.

"He was always a beacon to me," Ronstadt told the paper Thursday, citing him for his efforts in crafting her 1974 US No. 1 "You're No Good." "He introduced me to so much stuff, and his opinion always counted a lot to me."

"He came up with that guitar and bass idea that gave it a very different sound, and really gave Andrew [Gold] and Peter [Asher] something to build on," Ronstadt continued. "When he and Andrew started singing together with me, that became a really important part of my sound. He was always a really good ensemble player."

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Bonoff heralded Edwards "for being my teacher, my musical partner and my best friend for the last 43 years."

Born in Santa Monica on Feb. 10, 1946, Edwards formed the Stone Poneys in 1965 with Bobby Kimmell. Aside from 'Different Drum,' which was penned by the Monkees' Mike Nesmith, the band had one other Top 100 hit, 'Up to My Neck in High Muddy Water.'
Although he was supporting musician for the bulk of his career, Edwards released his second solo album, 'Resurrection Road' in November 2009.

Edwards had reportedly been diagnosed with the blood disorder TTP (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura) and had also been receiving chemotherapy for prostate cancer. He is survived by his mother.