Local and Texas blues and guitar legend Bugs Henderson lost his battle with cancer and passed away Thursday night. He was 69.

According to a report in the Dallas Observer, Henderson died at his home after being diagnosed with  liver cancer four months ago

A series of benefit concerts were held to help offset medical expenses, and the most recent was held Sunday at the Palladium Ballroom in Dallas. Henderson was unable to attend.

Henderson, who grew up in Tyler and later moved to Dallas, had fans worldwide. Many of the great guitarists, including Eric Clapton, would go see Bugs when in town.

Henderson was an original member of Tyler band Mouse and the Traps, and he was the lead guitarist on the band’s most popular song, “A Public Execution.” While not necessarily a household name outside of Texas, Henderson was regarded as a master of the six-string guitar and was enormously popular in this region.

“He was the baddest guitar player I’d ever seen — so fast and fluid and he made it look so easy,” guitarist Anson Funderburgh told the Dallas Morning News. “I can’t describe his playing, just like I don’t have words to describe how I feel that Bugs can’t be here tonight. He’s a wonderfully gracious guy, and we all love him.”

Funeral services are pending.

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