Tony Joe White, R.I.P.

Tony Joe White, singer, songwriter, guitarist and pioneer of swamp, died suddenly of a heart attack today at the age of 75.

White is best remembered for his "Polk Salad Annie". Inspired by his life in the Louisiana Bayou and Bobbie Gentry's "Ode to Billie Joe", "Polk Salad Annie" became an unexpected hit in the summer of 1969 and would later be covered by Elvis Presley.

White also wrote "Rainy Night in Georgia" which was hit for Brook Benton. After a long dry spell, White's career was revived in the 1990's following a collaboration with Tina Turner.

But "Polk Salad Annie" has endured for nearly half a century. It's not everyone who can say they performed their signature song with both Johnny Cash and The Foo Fighters. R.I.P.