Michael Brown, keyboardist/songwriter for The Left Banke, RIP

Brown, center top, with The Left Banke

Michael Brown, keyboardist for ’60s-era baroque pop band The Left Banke, died Thursday morning (3/19) at age 65 — the news was posted by bassist Tom Finn on The Left Banke’s official Facebook fan page. Cause of death has not been shared. Born Michael Lookofsky, he was one of The Left Banke’s founding members and wrote or co-wrote most of their best-known songs, including “Walk Away Renee,” “Pretty Ballerina,” “She May Call You Up Tonight,” and “There’s Something on My Mind” (which Jens Lekman sampled for “Black Cab“). His use of harpsichord and clavinet was also key to the band’s signature sound.

Rest in peace, Michael. Your music lives on. Stream some of The Left Banke’s songs below.

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