Slayer Guitarist Jeff Hanneman Passes Away at 49; The Recording Academy Releases Statement

Guitarist and founding member of the heavy metal band Slayer Jeff Hanneman died May 2 of liver failure. He was 49. The Recording Academy's President and CEO Neil Portnow released the following statement:

"Two-time GRAMMY winner Jeff Hanneman was an intense and powerful guitarist and a force to be reckoned with on stage. A founding member of the legendary metal band Slayer, he was a key architect in their ferocious and uncompromising sound, which earned the band legions of loyal followers, tremendous respect among their peers, and a lasting impact on the genre. The music industry has lost a true trailblazer, and our deepest sympathies go out to his family, his bandmates and fans around the world who mourn his untimely passing."

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