Jeff Beck , Dead at 78.br Beck, who is considered by many to be one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time, has died.br A statement was issued br on his social media accounts.br On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing, Via @jeffbeckofficialInstagram.br After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss, Via @jeffbeckofficialInstagram.br Beck gained recognition in the '60s when he joined the Yardbirds, replacing Eric Clapton.br He started his own band a year later, br The Jeff Beck Group, which br included Rod Stewart and Ron Wood.br The eight-time Grammy winner was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, once with the Yardbirds and another time as a solo artist.br The eight-time Grammy winner was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, once with the Yardbirds and another time as a solo artist.br Recently, Beck toured and released an album with Johnny Depp called '18.'.