Blues guitarist Long John Hunter, who had 7 solo albums in his 60-year career, dies in Phoenix

PHOENIX – Blues guitarist Long John Hunter, who recorded seven solo albums in a 60-year career, has died in Arizona at age 84.

A spokesman for Hunter’s record label says Hunter died in his sleep Monday at his home in Phoenix and the cause of death isn’t immediately known.

Hunter also was a singer-songwriter whose best-known tracks are “El Paso Rock” and “Alligators Around My Door.”

Born John Thurman Hunter Jr. in Louisiana, Hunter grew up in Arkansas and Texas and adopted his stage name in 1953 when he released his first single.

He made a name for himself playing at the Lobby Club in Juarez, Mexico from 1957-70 before becoming an international touring headliner in the 1990s.

Hunter is survived by his wife Gayle and brother Tom. Funeral services are pending.