His lifestyle killed him, no question. About success tho, he'd run away from it any time it got close. In the early years, (late 60's) he and I were playing the same club in San Antonio. He was very excited about a new album (vinyl of course) coming out the next week. Apparently, at that time success meant something to him. later he avoided it. He told his wife, something to the effect that, "after I'm gone you're gonna be busy". Well, he predicted that one with accuracy. He also predicted that he would die at the same age as his father did. He was correct on that one too. Throughout his musical career, I kept hearing alot about death, dying in his songs. Death wish? Not sure. Sorry for the ramble. Res