Bob Welch [left], who helped Fleetwood Mac change from a blues band to the pop-rock ensemble that released mega-hit albums for over a decade, has died in a suburb of Nashville, TN. He was 65.

Welch was a member of Fleetwood Mac from 1971 to 1974. He was credited with encouraging the band to leave England for Los Angeles, and to change their sound to appeal to a larger audience. Welch left the band just before they became major stars, going on to a solo career.

Here's a report from Clevver Music:

[Clevver Music/YouTube]

One of his biggest hits from the solo era was "Sentimental Lady":

[videanthropology/YouTube]

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