The multi-instrumentalist died in his Illinois home on Saturday night (May 23), although the cause of death has not been revealed. A message on the website of his record label Undertow Music, Undertowmusic.com, explained that he died "in his sleep."
Bennett played with Wilco from 1994 to 2001, leaving the Americana band because of a fall-out with band leader Jeff Tweedy.
Earlier this month he sued the band for $50,000, claiming he was owed royalties for albums he worked on while in the band.
As well as his work with Wilco, Bennett was a session musician, playing with artists including Sheryl Crow.
For more on Wilco, check out their NME.com page.
Jan 4, 2010 3:00 pm PST
Wilco, the celebrated Chicago-based roots-rock band whose latest album is nominated for a Grammy award, announced Monday a 16-date East Coast tour kicking off March 22. During "An Evening with Wilco," the band will revisit songs from each...
Wilco offers no pyrotechnics but plenty of sparks
Jul 14, 2009 9:00 pm PDT
Wilco doesn't need special effects or a theatrical set for its live show. What other bands aim for with those high-budget concert accessories, this one offers in the stage charisma of its frontman, Jeff Tweedy. Of course, special gues...
Wilco (the article): Chicago band revels in rock
Jul 1, 2009 3:00 pm PDT
When it's remarked to Jeff Tweedy while walking backstage at the recent Bonnaroo Music Festival that it's a shame he won't have time to catch most of the festival's other acts, he turns and smiles. "Yeah, well, I don't really like music....
Review: Wilco delivers solid new CD
Jul 1, 2009 12:00 pm PDT
Wilco, "Wilco (The Album)" (Nonesuch) "Wilco will love ya, baby," the band sings on the rollicking opening track of its seventh studio release, "Wilco (The Album)." It's tough not to crack a smile, along with a toe tap. Too bad most of ...
Coroner: Pain killer killed ex-Wilco member
Jun 24, 2009 1:00 am PDT
Former Wilco guitarist Jay Bennett died of an overdose of a pain killer, a coroner said Tuesday, and authorities are viewing his death as accidental. Toxicology tests showed the 45-year-old musician died from an overdose of fentanyl, Cham...