Alan Merrill, 'I Love Rock 'N' Roll' songwriter dies of coronavirus

The co-writer and original singer of 'I Love Rock 'N' Roll', Alan Merrill, has died at age 69 after contracting coronavirus, Ultimate Classic Rock reports. 'Love Rock 'N' Roll' became a global hit for Joan Jett in 1982 and has been covered by artists ranging from Britney Spears to Weird Al Yankovic. The song was written by Merrill and guitarist Jake Hooker as "a knee-jerk response" to the Rolling Stones' 'It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)' in 1975. Merrill was well just a few weeks ago when he played several shows a few weeks ago. Coronavirus also claimed the life of country singer Joe Diffie over the weekend, while the family of Nashville legend John Prine said he was critically ill on a ventilator and being treated for Covid-19 symptoms.