Waco: Popular musician’s death leaves family, friends mourning

A beloved Central Texas musician has passed away.

Bassist Tony Calhoun, 65, of Waco, died Friday at a hospital in Austin of complications from heart surgery.

After making it through surgery, sources close to the family said he passed away a short time later after suffering an aortic aneurysm.

Calhoun has played with a number of bands and musicians over the years including B.B. King and Billy Joe Shaver.

Shaver released this statement to KWTX Friday.

"Tony wasn't black or white, he was everybody's friend," said Shaver. "I'll never forget him."

Calhoun passed away less than a week after the release party for his new album "Black Knight" at the Waco Convention Center.

The Saturday night show was his final public performance.

Fellow musicians in the area are mourning the loss.

"Tony was a light to the world, I will miss his deep spirit and infectious bass playing, but mostly I will miss his smile and his kind heart," said fellow local musician Jeremy Lynn Woodall. "I'm beside myself with grief and love for his friends, family and his countless fans."