Andy Paley, a prolific songwriter, producer and musician who collaborated with such artists as Brian Wilson, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Ramones, Madonna, Elton John, Patti Smith and Deborah Harry, and who composed the scores for SpongeBob SquarePants and other TV shows, died Wednesday, November 20, of cancer. He was 72.

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Brian’s friend and collaborator, Andy Paley,” a post on Brian Wilson’s official Facebook page reads. “Andy was literally instrumental in Brian starting his solo career with his critically acclaimed 1988 album, Brian Wilson. Andy played electric and acoustic guitars, bass, drums, percussion, keyboards, harmonica, and provided backing vocals. He co-wrote three of the songs, including “Rio Grande.” Andy collaborated again with Brian on the legendary, unreleased Wilson-Paley Sessions, counting more than twenty songs. Brian always called him ‘The Genius Andy Paley.’ Love and mercy goes out to Andy’s family and friends.