Nashville Bassist Chris Kent Dies at 44

Chris Kent may not be a household name, but for almost two decades he's held down the bottom end of of recordings from artists like Lorrie Morgan and Stevie Wonder. The 44-year-old bassist died Wednesday morning after a long battle with cancer.

Throughout the last two months, Kent and his family kept fans, friends and family updated at the Friends of Chris Kent Facebook page. One can alternately read about his strongest and weakest moments during a number of the moving updates. Recently, his sister-in-law posted the updates, including yesterday's message: "Our sweet and loving husband, father, brother and friend Chris Kent is now in the arms of Jesus. He left this earth this morning at 9am with Lisa by his side."

Lorrie Morgan organized a benefit for Kent in 2009 that featured performances from Vince Gill, Joe Diffie and Tracy Lawrence. Some of his best known work, however, was on R&B and jazz fusion records by artists like Toni Braxton, Dizzy Gillespie and Michael McDonald. The Portland, Ore. native also worked with Wynonna Judd and Steve Winwood.

Kent is survived by his wife Lisa and their two children.