The Associated Press

TORONTO

Paul Quarrington, the Canadian author, filmmaker and musician who penned the critically acclaimed novel "Whale Music," has died of lung cancer , an associate said. He was 56.

Natalie Kertes, production coordinator for the Quarrington Arts Society, said he died peacefully at his home in Toronto early Thursday.

Quarrington won Canada's prestigious Governor General's Literary Award in 1989 for "Whale Music," which told the tale of Rock and Roll recluse. He also wrote several other books including "King Leary," "The Ravine" and "Galveston".

He had been working on his first solo CD release and another album with his band the Porkbelly Futures.

He was also working on his memoir, "Cigar Box Banjo" and a documentary film.

Quarrington leaves behind two children, Carson Lara and Flannery.