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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Jessica Gibb & Scarlett O'Toole

Spike Lee announces the death of his jazz bassist father who scored his early films

Spike Lee has announced the death of his father Bill Lee.

Bill was a jazz bassist and composer and died at the age of 94 at his home in Brooklyn, New York.

Spike announced his father's death on Instagram, sharing pictures of Bill in the recording studio with Bob Dylan.

Spike wrote: "My Father, BILL LEE Played Bass On BOB DYLAN’S Classic Song IT’S ALL OVER NOW, BABY BLUE On His Album BRINGING IT ALL HOME.

"This Morning May 24th My Father Made His Transition.

"Today Is Also The Birthdate Of BOB DYLAN. Today Is Also The Birthdate Of Jackson Lewis Lee Who Is The Son Of Tonya Lewis Lee And Me, Brother Of Satchel Lee, And The Grandson Of Daddy."

Spike Lee paid tribute to his father Bill Lee (Corbis via Getty Images)

Spike also paid tribute to the late Tina Turner, who died on Wednesday at the age of 83.

Spike finished: "WHEW LAWD. What A Day. Da Lee Family Appreciations All Da,Your Heartfelt Condolences."

Tributes have been pouring in for Bill, with actor Robert Townsend writing: "Sorry to hear about the passing of your father, my prayers are with you at this time my brother. Keep your head up."

Singer-songwriter Lenny Kravitz left a single red heart emoji underneath Spike's post.

Tributes have started pouring in from Bill's famous friends (2014 Noam Galai)

During his career, Bill had performed with a number of iconic musicians, including Aretha Franklin and Duke Ellington.

He was well-known for his composition work and for the tones he could produce from his bass guitar.

Spike and Lee teamed up to work on a number of Spike's early films.

The filmmaker's father scored the movies; She's Gotta Have It (1986), School Daze (1988), Do The Right Thing (1989) and Mo' Better Blues (1990).

In addition to Spike, Bill is survived by his wife Susan Kaplan, his sons David, Cinque and Arnold, daughter Joie, brother A. Clifton and two grandchildren.

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