Paul Quarrington, author of 'Whale Music,' dies at age 56

Canadian author Paul Quarrington, known for writing well-received rock ‘n’ roll novel Whale Music, which was loosely based on the life of reclusive Beach Boys bandmember Brian Wilson, died yesterday at his Toronto home from lung cancer, according to a post on his personal website. He was 56 years old. In addition to his skills in writing, Quarrington was also an accomplished guitiarist and screenwriter. His memoir, Cigar Box Banjo, is due out in May, and Quarrington spent the last years of his life working on his first solo CD and a third album with his band, Porkbelly Futures.