Willie Nelsons Former Guitarist Passes Away Recently, music icon Willie Nelson announced that his former guitarist Jackie King passed away after suffering a heart attack. He was 71-years-old. The pair had performed together on the road for years, with King appearing in many of Nelsons albums including The Gypsy, Angel Eyes, and The Great Divide. Nelson also appeared on Kings album Knight Bird in 1986. I think of myself more now as a songwriter than I do a guitar player because of guys like Jackie King, Nelson once commented in an interview. Its humbling to be in the presence of that kind of talent. In what is likely a tribute to King, Nelson recorded the song Someone To Watch Over Me. Nelson could really use our prayers right now. Losing a loved one is never easy, especially when they have had a profound impact on your life and helped you on your road to success. 