He never became a big star, but his songs became huge hits, and thanks to other singers recording them, he became financially secure for life.

Musician J.J. Cale died Friday of a heart attack in La Jolla, California at the age of 74.

Some of his best-known songs like “After Midnight” and “Call Me The Breeze” became hits when recorded by the likes of Eric Clapton and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Cale was also a member of a Grand Ole Opry touring company.