The Corpus Christi Caller Times is reporting that Rocky Benton, a blind musician who was a leader of the local blues scene, died Wednesday.

Benton was 57 years old when he died of heart failure. Friends report that doctors were preparing to put in a pacemaker when he died.

Known for his harmonicas, which he kept strapped to his belt, Benton was an honoree of the South Texas Music Walk of Fame. Lately, Benton had been performing with Phive, a blues, soul, funk and Latin Rock band in Corpus Christi.

Funeral arrangements for Benton are pending at Seaside Memorial Park.