Recording Academy Issues Statement on Passing of Isaiah 'Ikey' Owens

Yesterday, it was announced that musician Isaiah "Ikey" Owens had passed away. Owens served as the keyboard player in Jack White's backing band and also played with Mars Volta, Free Moral Agents, and many other projects.

Owens (third from the right) and the Mars Volta won a Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance at the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2009.

Today, the Recording Academy issued the following statement on the passing of the great musician:

GRAMMY Award winner, as a member of the Mars Volta, Isaiah "Ikey" Owens was a multitalented organist, keyboardist and producer. Known for creating and experimenting with new and distinctive tones, he began his career in Long Beach, California, playing with bands including the Long Beach Dub Allstars and Crystal Antlers, along with his own band, Free Moral Agents.

More recently, Ikey joined Jack White's backing band, the Buzzards, in 2012, appearing on both of White's solo albums, as well as performing with him on tour. Our music community has lost a gifted and creative artist all too soon, and our thoughts go out to his family, his friends and the many musicians with whom he collaborated.

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy

Photo Courtesy of The Recording Academy®/Wireimage.com ©2004. Photographed by: Michael Buckner.

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