Joan Jett & the Blackhearts scored a #1 hit with Merrill’s song in 1982.
Merrill was best known for writing the track “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.”
That was my interpretation as a young man: Okay, I love rock and roll."
Merrill also played with Rick Derringer and Meatloaf as well as pursuing a solo career.
The musician’s death was announced by his daughter Laura on Facebook.
“The Coronavirus took my father this morning,” shewrote on Sunday.
“I was given 2 minutes to say my goodbyes before I was rushed out.
I walked 50 blocks home still with hope in my heart.
The city that I knew was empty.
I felt I was the only person here and perhaps in many ways I was.
Joan Jett has paid tribute to Merrill on Twitter.
“I’ve just learned of the awful news that Alan Merrill has passed,“she wrote.
“My thoughts and love go to his family, friends and music community as a whole.
With deep gratitude and sadness, wishing him a safe journey to the other side.”
