His wife, Judie Worrell,confirmed the newsto the Associated Press.

She had announced earlier this year that her husband had been diagnosed withstage-four lung cancer.

A statement posted toWorrells Facebook pageFriday said, Bernie transitioned Home to The Great Spirit.

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Credit: Erika Goldring/Getty Images

Rest in peace, my love you definitely made the world a better place.

Till we meet again, vaya con Dios.

He gave the freewheeling group a structural foundation while also exploring his own musical ideas.

People say they can hear the classical influences in my music, Worrelltold theStar-Ledgerof New Jersey in 2010.

Bernie can take the music to a very cosmic place.