Bobby Keys, a classic rock saxophonist, died at the age of 70 on Tuesday. His family reported that he was battling with cirrhosis.

The artist played rock 'n' roll since he was 15 years old and played with The Rolling Stones for over 40 years, The Guardian reports. He also played with The Who, Buddy Holly, John Lennon and Eric Clapton over the course of his career. Keys is also known for playing with George Harrison and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

"If you believe in the magic of rock 'n' roll, which I devoutly do, it isn't in the individual," Keys told Rolling Stone in 2012. "I've played in bands with A-team players around, but unless they can play together, it doesn't do any good."

Throughout his career, Keys frequently collaborated with The Rolling Stones and contributed to plenty of their studio albums. He also traveled with the band on numerous supporting tours. The Texas native is best known for his solo on "Brown Sugar."

In 2013, Keys played with The Rolling Stones at Glastonbury on their "14 on Fire" tour and left just before they headed for their Australian tour in October.

"The Rolling Stones are devastated by the loss of their very dear friend and legendary saxophone player, Bobby Keys," the band said in a statement. "Bobby made a unique musical contribution to the band since the 1960s. He will be greatly missed."

A lot of Keys' inspiration came from bandleader King Curtis.

"He approached his [sax] solos differently than your jazz cats -- most of 'em were pretty snooty jazzberries who thought rock 'n' roll was just a waste of time," Keys once said of his role model. "But King Curtis, he played sax the way a guitar plays, like James Burton would play a lead on a song. It was how he played and how he attacked the notes and his phrasing that was different than the normal."

In 1974, the saxophonist took part in the last known recording session between Paul McCartney and John Lennon.

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