Alan Merrill Who Wrote 'I Love Rock 'n' Roll' Dies at 69 from Coronavirus

Alan Merrill, a former member of the band, "Arrows," has died at age 69 following a COVID-19 diagnosis. The tragic news was shared by his daughter, Laura Merrill.

Alan Merrill became a well-loved sensation after he co-wrote and sang the first released version of the song "I Love Rock' n' Roll" in 1975.

Unfortunately, fans of the singer woke up to the sad news of his death as confirmed by his daughter, Laura Merrill. According to The Hill, Laura had broken the devasting news of her father's passing on Facebook with the opening words:

"The Coronavirus took my father this morning. I was given 2 minutes to say my goodbyes before I was rushed out."

Laura noted that Alan looked peaceful as he lay in his deathbed. Reminiscing the sweet times she shared with her dad, Laura recounted that she had just been at his show, which occurred a few weeks ago, and had also taken pictures for his upcoming album.

While he [Alan] was in London in the '70s, the late singer formed his band with drummer Paul Varley and guitarist Jake Hooker.

She ended her message by urging people to stay safe and take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously as "it is very real."

Amid the words of love Laura has been receiving, Billboard recalled that Laura's father was born Allan Preston Sachs in New York, in February 1951.

During his 69 years on earth, the "Arrows" lead singer lived in Japan and the U.K. While he was in London in the '70s, the late singer formed his band with drummer Paul Varley and guitarist Jake Hooker.

Together, the band released hit singles including "My Last Night With You," "Let Me Love You," and "I Love Rock' N' Roll," which he wrote with Jake in 1975.

Even though the "Arrows" went their separate ways in the '70s, Alan released several albums as a solo artist, with his 2019 album, "Radio Zero" being the most recent.

While the world mourns his death, Wide Open Country revealed that singer and a member of the Grand Ole Opry for 49 years, Jan Howard, also died on Saturday, March 28.

The singer-songwriter, who was 91 at the time of her death, became a celebrated country singer with the 1959 single, "The One You Slip Around With."

to Wide Open Country, Jan's passing was

by The Grand Ole Opry who shared a tribute to the late country legend who was a valuable member of its family.