Guitarist Bert Weedon dies at 91

(CBS News) Guitarist Bert Weedon, who inspired millions - including some of the biggest names in rock - to learn the guitar with his "Play in a Day" manual, has died at the age of 91.

Weedon died Friday morning at his home in Beaconsfield, southern England, after a long illness, his agent and longtime friend Johnny Mans told Reuters.

Released in 1957, "Play in a Day" has sold more than two million copies, Reuters added. According to the BBC, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton and Brian May of Queen are among those who learned to play guitar from Weedon's guide.

Born in 1920 in London, Weedon became an accomplished guitarist in his own right, accompanying artists like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney and Judy Garland during his career.

According to the biography on his official website, he got his first guitar at age 12, when he convinced his father to purchase one from a stall at London's Petticoat Lane Street Market for 75 pence.

Weedon was awarded an OBE in the 2001 Queen's Birthday Honors List for his services to music, the BBC notes. He is survived by his wife and two sons.