UO journalism professor Tom Wheeler died over the weekend at the age of 70.

Wheeler freelanced for Rolling Stone and served as editor-in-chief at Guitar Player magazine and founding editorial director of Bass Player. He interviewed music greats such as B.B. King, Keith Richards and Eric Clapton.

News of his passing has been reported by dozens of media outlets across the country, including Reverb, The Register-Guard, the Daily Emerald and Guitar Player.

"Tom was a bigger-than-life figure in the world of guitar journalism," Guitar Player/Music Group art director Paul Haggard wrote.

“Tom had been a mainstay of the SOJC for many years and inspired many students to excel in writing and covering the arts,” Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs Patricia Curtin said in a Register-Guard story.

Details on funeral arrangements and a memorial at the school will be announced by the School of Journalism and Communication. In the meantime, students are encouraged to share their memories on the Allen Hall whiteboards.