Spencer Davis, Founder of the Spencer Davis Group, Dead at 81

Spencer Davis, guitarist and founder of the Spencer Davis Group, has died. He was 81.

Davis' death was confirmed by his agent, Bob Birk, to BBC News. Birk said Davis died in a hospital and was being treated for pneumonia. In a statement, Birk said, "He was a very good friend. He was a highly ethical, very talented, good-hearted, extremely intelligent, generous man. He will be missed."

Spencer Davis founded the Spencer Davis Group in 1963 with vocalist/keyboardist/guitarist Steve Winwood and his brother, bassist Muff Winwood. Drummer Pete York would soon join the band.

The band had a handful of hits, most notably 1966's "Gimme Some Lovin'" and 1967's "I'm a Man."

Other notable tracks for Spencer Davis Group include 1965's "Keep On Running" and 1966's "Somebody Help Me."

Steve Winwood would exit the Spencer Davis Group in 1967 and went on to form Traffic. The Spencer Davis Group would disband in 1969 and would reform on two different occasions in 1973 and in 2006.