Bobby Keys, the iconic saxophonist best remembered for working with the Rolling Stones for nearly a decade and for performing classics like "Brown Sugar" and "Live With Me," has died, Rolling Stones revealed.

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He was 70.

A saddened Rolling Stones issued a statement upon his passing:

"The Rolling Stones are devastated by the loss of their very dear friend and legendary saxophone player, Bobby Keys," the band said in a statement.

"Bobby made a unique musical contribution to the band since the 1960s. He will be greatly missed."

Stones guitarist Keith Richards said in a statement that he "lost the largest pal in the world ... my condolences to all that knew him and his love of music."

Keys was born in Slaton, Texas, on December 18, 1943, where he got mesmerized by saxophone virtuoso King Curtis.

Keys started playing saxophone at a young age, joining Bobby Vee and Buddy Holly on tour. Of fellow Texan Buddy Holly, he recalled: "I kind of weaseled my way into the perimeter of the garage," recalled Keys. "He was the first guy I heard play electric guitar and it impressed the hell out of me."

In 1964, Keys met the Rolling Stones at the San Antonio Teen Fair in 1964. He was initially skeptical of the English rockers but as he watched them performed, he believed "there was some actual rock & roll going on there, in my humble opinion."

Keys started working for the Rolling Stones after meeting with Mick Jagger at a Delaney and Bonnie session in the late Sixties. This was the time when he started backing up for them as they record some of their most unforgettable work, including Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main Street.

Keys also had his share under the spotlight after "Brown Sugar" was recorded in 1971. Initially planned as a guitar solo, Jagger and producer Jimmy Miller decided at a spur of the moment to include saxophone.

Keys is also remembered for his friendship and collaboration with fellow band member Keith Richards. Born on the same day, the two became partner on their late night antics, which included a 1972 incident when the two threw a TV set out their hotel balcony.

Keys eventually toured with the band on a semi-regular state and opted instead to perform on clubs, as "Mr. Brown Sugar." He later collaborated with John Lennon on his "lost weekend" gigs.

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