San Francisco bluesman Johnny Nitro was found dead in his apartment, Saturday at 7:30 p.m, says the Oakland Tribune.
Nitro played nearly every weekend for the past 25 years, at the Saloon on Grant Avenue in North Beach. He was a vocalist, guitarist and bandleader.
"One time I asked him why he didn't go on tour," recalls Bay Area blues singer-guitarist J.C. Smith. "He said, 'That way people have to come see me in North Beach.' He was the king of North Beach. He can never be replaced."
The Saloon announced his death through the SF Blues website stating it was the "saddest news we've ever had to deliver," and hosted an impromptu tribute Sunday night.
Fans can visit www.sfblues.net for information concerning funeral arrangements.
Nitro is survived by his wife, Silvia Cicardini, and daughter Kirsten Moore.
He was 59.
