Jim Stewart, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer who co-founded the label Stax, died. He was 92.
Stewart's death was confirmed by songwriter David Porter, who has been working for Stax for a long time. He shared a photo of the Stax Museum bus on Facebook and wrote a heartfelt caption to honor the co-founder.
"No way a poor kid from a housing project's picture in Memphis would be on a bus rolling through Memphis if it were not for this man, JIM STEWART the ST of the word Stax," he wrote.
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music also released a press statement, per NPR, confirming that Stax died peacefully on Monday with his family surrounding him.
Both announcements, however, did not disclose Jim Stewart's exact cause of death. Funeral plans are also yet to be disclosed to the public.
Following his death, his loved ones and supporters shared heartwarming messages to honor him and his legacy.
Without you, Jim STewart (& Estelle AXton), I may never have heard Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T or The Staple Singers. And for that I cannot thank you enough. RIP https://t.co/raATSPSy4J
— The Acoustic Egg Box #MDANT (@IanPople1) December 6, 2022
Jim Stewart's Career Explored
The Middletown native relocated to Memphis before serving the armed forces for two years. He found his passion for music little by little since then.
Stewart started his journey in the industry when he founded Satellite, now Stax Records, in 1957 with Estelle Axton. From there, they created the movement "Soul Explosion."
He went on to establish his empire as a producer, studio engineer, and record label executive for decades.
Among the best works that he contributed as a producer include "Gee Whiz," "Walking the Dog," and "Hold On, I'm Comin'." He also took a huge part in albums like "Born Under a Bad Sign" by Albert King, "Pain in My Heart" by Redding, and "Green Onions" by Booker T. & M.G.
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Despite his and his company's success, Stewart hit rock bottom when Stax filed an involuntary bankruptcy in 1975. Still, Stax managed to leave a lasting effect and impression on the public that it ultimately became "one of the most popular soul music record labels of all time - second only to Motown in sales and influence, but first in gritty, raw, stripped-down soul music."
Stax's 15 years of service led the company to push more than 167 songs on the Billboard Hot 100. It also released 243 hits on the R&B chart.
Before Stewart's death, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognized his contributions with the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
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