Warren Zevon’s beginnings weren’t nearly as remarkable as his entire career as a musician. He was born to a Mormon mother and a Russian-Jewish father who earned a living through gambling. The music industry welcomed him in the 1960’s when he composed songs for the Everly Brothers and Linda Rondstadt. He is most celebrated for his 1978 song “Werewolves of London.” He worked together with diverse groups of artists like Jefferson Airplane, Pink Floyd and Little Feat. He also fostered friendships with authors such as Hunter S. Thompson, Carl Hiassen and Mitch Albom. He teamed up with a writer’s group who performed at different public events and book fairs known as Rock Bottom remainders. Members comprise of Dave Barry, Stephen King and Amy Tan.

Warren Zevron feared doctors and kept away from them until he could no longer put up with the pain and poor health he had. Mesothelioma was the reason for his discomfort but he declined medical care that he assumed would weaken him. He went on and finished “The Wind,” his Grammy winning album. He died on September 7, 2003 (today is the six year anniversary of his death), only two weeks short from the release of the said album. It hasn’t been established how he came into contact with asbestos. A lot of people were convinced it was due to heavy smoking but no connection has been established between smoking and mesothelioma.

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