Paul Kossoff

Paul Kossoff, born 14 September 1950 in Hampstead, London, was the co-founder and lead guitarist of the rock band Free. With a deeply soulful blues style and a distinctive vibrato, he left a mark on rock music that belied his short life. He died at the age of 25 on a flight from Los Angeles to New York, with the official cause listed as a pulmonary embolism – a blood clot that moved to his lung – though years of severe drug addiction had devastated his health.

Kossoff’s playing on classics such as “All Right Now” and “Wishing Well” made him a touchstone for generations of blues-rock guitarists. His father was the well-known actor David Kossoff, and the family’s connection to the entertainment world added a layer of public interest to his story. Despite his brief career, Kossoff remains one of rock’s most emotive and influential guitarists.

His life and death raise complex questions about fame, addiction, and musical legacy. This article examines his family background, the circumstances of his death, and the guitar that became his signature.

Who Were Paul Kossoff’s Parents and Family?

Key Insights

• Paul Kossoff was one of rock’s most emotive guitarists despite a tragically short career.
• His cause of death (cerebral and pulmonary oedema) is often mischaracterised as a drug overdose, though he had a long history of substance abuse.
• Kossoff’s Les Paul tone and vibrato technique remain highly influential in blues-rock.
• His father was actor David Kossoff, adding a Hollywood connection often overlooked.
• He studied classical guitar for six years before switching to electric blues.
• Kossoff’s use of heavy strings and picks contributed to his aggressive yet soulful sound.

What Caused Paul Kossoff’s Death?

How Did Paul Kossoff Die?

On 19 March 1976, while flying from Los Angeles to New York City, Kossoff suffered a pulmonary embolism – a blood clot in his leg moved to his lung. The coroner also noted cerebral and pulmonary oedema, or fluid on the brain and lungs, as contributing factors. He was 25 years old. His body was returned to England and cremated at Golders Green Crematorium in North West London.

Was Paul Kossoff’s Death an Overdose?

Contrary to persistent rumors, there was no evidence of acute drug intoxication at the time of death. The coroner found no acute overdose. However, Kossoff’s years of heavy use of barbiturates, Mandrax (quaaludes), and heroin had severely weakened his health. The pulmonary embolism and oedema were linked to this long-term damage. As Louder Sound reported, “Contrary to rumour, Kossoff hadn’t overdosed. The cause of death was given as ‘cerebral and pulmonary oedema’; a legacy of the previous year’s health problems.”

When Did Paul Kossoff Die?

He died on 19 March 1976, while mid-flight. The date marks the end of a career that had already been severely impacted by addiction.

Why Is Paul Kossoff Associated with the Les Paul Guitar?

Did Paul Kossoff Play a Les Paul?

Yes, almost exclusively. Kossoff is famously linked to the Gibson Les Paul. After seeing Eric Clapton perform in 1965, he switched to electric blues and bought a 1954 Gibson Les Paul Custom. His most iconic instrument was a late-1950s flametop Les Paul Standard – a sunburst model – which he played through a block-logo Marshall amplifier.

What Guitar Did Paul Kossoff Use?

He also used a three-pickup black mid-1950s Les Paul Custom. According to Vintage Guitar magazine, “To facilitate his aggressive attack, Kossoff utilized heavy picks and heavy strings, and developed the slow and quick vibrato that would one day become his trademark.”

What Made Paul Kossoff’s Les Paul Sound Unique?

Beyond the guitar itself, his technique – a wide, slow vibrato combined with a high gain setting on a non-master-volume Marshall – created a singing, sustained tone. He favored heavy strings (typically .010–.052 or heavier) and thick picks, which gave his playing a powerful yet fluid quality. This setup, along with his deep blues sensibility, defined the sound of Free.

Timeline of Paul Kossoff’s Life and Career

1. 14 Sep 1950 – Born in London, England
2. 1968 – Co-founds Free with Andy Fraser, Simon Kirke, Paul Rodgers
3. 1970 – Free releases ‘All Right Now’ – worldwide hit
4. 1971 – Free disbands temporarily; Kossoff struggles with drug addiction
5. 1972 – Free reunites for ‘Free at Last’ album
6. 1973 – Final Free album ‘Heartbreaker’; band splits permanently
7. 1973 – Marries Miyako (later divorced 1975)
8. 1974 – Son Simon Kossoff born
9. 1975 – Solo album ‘Back Street Crawler’ released; suffers near-fatal overdose
10. 19 Mar 1976 – Dies on a flight from Los Angeles to New York

Clarifying the Cause of Paul Kossoff’s Death

Musical Legacy and Influence

Paul Kossoff’s playing style – slow, passionate vibrato, heavy strings, and a cranked Les Paul – defined the Free sound. Despite his short life, his work on tracks like ‘All Right Now’, ‘Wishing Well’, and ‘Mr. Big’ influenced generations of blues-rock guitarists. His tragic death at 25 cemented his status as a cautionary tale of fame and addiction. In 2010, Rolling Stone ranked him number 51 on its list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.”

Notable Sources and Quotations

“Contrary to rumour, Kossoff hadn’t overdosed. The cause of death was given as ‘cerebral and pulmonary oedema’; a legacy of the previous year’s health problems.”

— Louder Sound (18 Mar 2024)

“To facilitate his aggressive attack, Kossoff utilized heavy picks and heavy strings, and developed the slow and quick vibrato that would one day become his trademark.”

— Vintage Guitar magazine

Further Reading and Updates

The year 2026 marks 50 years since Kossoff’s death, and tributes or reissues may appear. The newly remastered ‘Free – Live at the BBC’ offers rare performances. The Kossoff estate, including his son Simon, continues to manage his music rights and legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions