NEW YORK (AP) — Grammy-nominated musician John Ford, known for his work with The Runaways and Camp All Stars, among others, has died at age 50. He was found dead Monday afternoon at his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts, according to police.
Chilmark Police Chief Sean Slavin said in a statement that there were no signs of foul play or “an obvious cause of death.” Slavin said the state medical examiner’s office is investigating the case.
Born in New York City, Ford was a musical prodigy who in his early 20s contributed to the Fugees’ Grammy-winning “The Score” and Wyclef Jean’s Grammy-nominated “The Carnival.” A multi-instrumentalist and rapper, he also released solo albums such as “Poly Sci” and “I John,” with contributions from Carly Simon, whose son Ben Taylor is a close friend of Ford’s.
In 2000, he was arrested at Newark International Airport and charged with possession of liquid cocaine and drug trafficking. Ford was sentenced to 14 years in prison, but his sentence was commuted by President George W. Bush seven years later. Simon is one of many public figures advocating for his release.
Survivors include his wife, photographer Laura Fuller, and two children.
