Warren Zevon: Singer of Werewolves of London Dies at 56

Warren Zevon was an American singer-songwriter known for dark humor and sharp storytelling. Born on January 24, 1947, in Chicago, he became a cult figure of rock and a favorite of David Letterman.

His 1978 album Excitable Boy included "Werewolves of London," "Lawyers, Guns and Money" and "Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner." Linda Ronstadt recorded his songs "Poor Poor Pitiful Me" and "Hasten Down the Wind." He often filled in as bandleader on Letterman's show.

Zevon was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2002 and recorded the album The Wind (2003), which won two posthumous Grammys. On his final Letterman appearance he advised, "Enjoy every sandwich." He died at his home in Los Angeles on September 7, 2003, at age 56, of mesothelioma.

Achievements: Excitable Boy (1978), "Werewolves of London," two posthumous Grammys for The Wind.

Birth: January 24, 1947 - Chicago, Illinois.

Profession: Singer-songwriter.

Interesting Facts: He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2025 for musical influence.