Spencer Davis, one of the figures of the 1960s beat scene, dies aged 81

The Welsh guitarist was the driving force behind The Spencer Davis Group, who scored transatlantic hits with 'Keep On Running' and 'Somebody Help Me'. Inspired by blues and skiffle, Spencer Davis formed a band called The Saints with Bill Wyman, later a member of the Rolling Stones; and performed folk music with Christine Perfect - who, as Christine McVie, became a core member of Fleetwood Mac's classic line-up. After line-up changes, the band changed their name to The Spencer Davis Group, featuring also a teenage Stevie Winwood. Along with a number of other early British pop groups, they helped popularise the sound of US blues and R&B in the UK. The band toured with The Who and The Rolling Stones in the 60s. Guardian reflects on his career.