Folk musician Wizz Jones dies aged 86

British folk singer-songwriter Wizz Jones has passed away.

The musician died on Sunday morning at Trinity Hospice, two days after his 86th birthday, as announced by his family in a social media statement.

"His loss has left a huge hole in the lives of our family and has robbed the music world of one of its precious treasures," wrote the artist's son, Simeon.

"Always a humble man, these were his closing words at the end of his last ever gig earlier this year, February 28th 2025: 'Thanks to all the people - all over the world in fact - that heard my songs and my guitar playing, and came to my gigs for all those years. Thank you very much.'"

Simeon also shared a link to one of Wizz's songs, 'See How The Time Is Flying', which was performed by the musician during his last gig.

"Wizz was worried about disappointing the audience with his now weak singing voice, but even more worried about letting them down by not showing up…" wrote Simeon.

"I hope his wonderful music will live on and continue to make the world a richer place," he added.

Born and raised in Surrey, England, Raymond Ronald Jones (Wizz Jones' real name) began his musical career at the age of 18, having taught himself guitar after being influenced by the skiffle movement.

Throughout the mid-'50s and the '60s, Jones played with a variety of musicians before releasing his solo, self-titled debut album in 1969.

An early influence to the likes of Eric Clapton and John Renbourn, Jones enjoyed considerable success in the '70s, touring Europe both as a soloist and as a part of folk-rock group Lazy Farmer alongside his wife Sandy.

The folk musician's career experienced a revival following the reissue of his albums in the '90s and his appearance in Jan Leman's 1992 documentary on Bert Jansch, Acoustic Routes.

He continued touring throughout the 21st century, with his last show taking place earlier this year.