Willie P. Bennett (1951-2008)

Canadian folk legend Willie P. Bennett was found dead in his Peterborough home Friday night it was announced on his official website Sunday.

"It is with pain in our hearts and deep sadness that we formally inform the music community that our friend, lover, troubadour, mentor, and musical artist Willie P. Bennett passed away suddenly at his home in Peterborough Ontario, Friday, February 15th 2008," wrote his agent, Sault Ste. Marie resident Robin MacIntyre.

"More information will be available soon at the discretion of Willie's partner Linda and the Bennett family. Thank you for your compassionate words and positive thoughts. Willie always expected the best from us, especially in our kindnesses to each other, and I am sure he is still proud to call us his friends."

After suffering a heart attack last year, Bennett was expected to record new material and embark on a solo tour in 2008.

Although a proficient singer, songwriter and musician, Bennett played a supporting role in Fred Eaglesmith's band, The Flying Squirrels, for more than a decade.

This simple message was posted on Eaglesmith's website: "This weekend, our bandmate and our brother, Willie P. Bennett passed away. There are no words to express how we feel."

His music inspired Tom Wilson, Colin Linden and Stephen Fearing to form Blackie and the Rodeo Kings in 1996 as a tribute.

Bennett was 56 years old.

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