Warren Zevon, best known for his hit "Werewolves of London," died in Los Angeles on September 7 aged 56. He had been battling mesothelioma, an inoperable form of lung cancer, which had been diagnosed in August 2002.

His final months were devoted to spending time with family and writing and recording "The Wind", with assistance from Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, Billy Bob Thornton, Dwight Yoakam, Emmylou Harris and Ry Cooder.

With typical humor, he'd joked that he would like to be around to see the "Die Another Day" Bond film, which is due to be released later in the year.

While his career achievements hadn't surpassed a rich period in the 1970s, when he released "Warren Zevon", "Excitable Boy," and wrote for Linda Ronstadt, Zevon was widely regarded as a songwriter's songwriter. Close friends included Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, David Letterman and Hunter S. Thompson.

Websites:

Warren Zevon's Final Album

Warren Zevon , 1947 - 2003

Warren Zevon, Wry Singer and Songwriter, Dies at 56

The Unofficial Warren Zevon Home Page

Warren Zevon: Lessons in leaving

Please Get Warren Zevon Recognition From The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

Warren Zevon's final cut