Bob Neuwirth dead at 82: Country singer and close friend of Bob Dylan passes away as partner reveals cause of death

COUNTRY singer Bob Neuwirth, a close associate of superstar musician Bob Dylan, has passed away at 82.

Neuwirth’s partner, Paula Batson, confirmed his death to the New York Times, saying he died from heart failure on Wednesday.

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Bob Neuwirth (R) alongside music producer Joseph Baldassare[/caption]

“On Wednesday evening in Santa Monica, Bob Neuwirth’s big heart gave out,” Neuwirth’s family told Rolling Stone.

“Bob was an artist throughout every cell of his body and he loved to encourage others to make art themselves. He was a painter, songwriter, producer and recording artist whose body of work is loved and respected.

“For over 60 years, Bob was at the epicenter of cultural moments from Woodstock, to Paris, Don’t Look Back to Monterey Pop, Rolling Thunder to Nashville and Havana.”

The family added: “He was a generous instigator who often produced and made things happen anonymously. The art is what mattered to him, not the credit.

“He was an artist, a mentor and a supporter to many. He will be missed by all who love him.”

Neuwirth rose to fame as a singer-songwriter in the 1960s when he entered Dylan’s inner circle.

He worked as Dylan’s road manager during the infamous 1965 tour of England documented in D.A. Pennebaker’s Don’t Look Back.

Neuwirth later became a member of Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue band and crew in the mid-’70s.

He famously co-wrote Janis Joplin’s hit single Mercedes Benz just before the singer’s death in 1970.

Neuwirth is also credited with introducing Joplin to her signature song, Me and Bobby McGee, written by Kris Kristofferson.

At the time of his death, he resided in Santa Monica. He is survived by Batson, his niece Cassie Dubicki and her family.