Music Legend Walter 'Wolfman' Washington Cause Of Death: Blues Guitarist Dead At 79

Walter "Wolfman" Washington, a renowned New Orleans blues guitarist and singer, has passed away. He was 79.

The musician died at Passages Hospice on Dec. 22, The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate reported Friday.

Washington died of cancer, just days after celebrating his 79th birthday on Dec. 20, according to the publication.

He was diagnosed with tonsil cancer in March.

While undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, Washington performed at several events, including the French Quarter Festival and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival earlier this year.

He reportedly last performed at the Bogalusa Blues Festival on Sept. 29.

Fans can pay tribute to the music legend during the scheduled funeral services on Jan. 4 at 2 p.m. at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home.

Meanwhile, Washington's colleagues arranged a benefit concert to help his family with his medical and funeral expenses. The event will be held on Jan. 8 at the Tipitina's music venue.

Following the revelation of Washington's death, his fans took to Twitter to express their heartbreak after losing another music legend.

One fan said, "RIP Walter Washington who during my teens and 20s simultaneously played lead guitar with Johnny Adams and, out on his own, led the best band in New Orleans (which is no small thing)."

"I grew up listening to blues records," another wrote. "You'd hear blues records just walking up and down the street in my neighborhood. But I didn't really begin to understand blues until I saw Walter Washington sing and play his guitar at Dorothy's Medallion Lounge. #RIP."

The New Orleans native began showing his passion for music when he was a teenager. He started by playing in Lee Dorsey's band before forming his own group, All Fools Band, in the mid-1960s.

After performing in New Orleans clubs for years, he joined Johnny Adams' band and played with him for the next 20 years.

In 1981, Washington officially started his solo career when he released his first solo album, "Rainin' In My Life." He released three albums under Rounder Records and one under Point Blank Records.

The blues guitarist released more albums in the years thereafter under different labels, including "Funk Is in the House," "Blue Moon Risin'," "On the Prowl," "Doin' the Funky Thing," "Howlin's LIVE at DBA New Orleans" and "My Future Is My Past."

Before his death, he was able to finish the eight songs that were produced by Galactic saxophonist Ben Ellman. As of press time, Washington's manager, Adam Shipley, is shopping the finished album to record labels.

Washington is survived by his wife, daughters Sada and Mamadou, and son Brian.