Memphis punk rock singer-writer Jay Reatard found dead in his bed

Memphis punk artist Jay Reatard dies

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Frenetic Memphis punk rocker Jay Reatard has died. He was 29.

Memphis police said in a news release Reatard — whose given name was Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr. — was found dead in his bed early Wednesday. Police were investigating the death and hadn’t released a possible cause.

The Web site for his label, Matador Records, says Lindsey earned the attention of a Memphis independent record label after he began recording songs in his home at age 15.

He also gained a reputation for raucous, fast-paced live performances with bands the Reatards and the Lost Sounds, before recording and performing under the solo moniker Jay Reatard. Matador says a typical Reatard set could include 18 songs played in 25 minutes.

Positive reviews of his most recent release, “Watch Me Fall,” were helping him earn a wider audience.