A SINGER-SONGWRITER and member of alternative rock groups the The Black Keys and The Shins has died aged 41.

Richard Swift passed away this morning in Tacoma, Washington, according to a representative who spoke to Pitchfork.

Swift had released solo music, was a former member of indie rock band The Shins, and was a touring bassist for alternative rock group The Black Keys, reports The Sun.

He was a productive musician with seven albums in just four years.

Dan Auerbach, his Black Keys bandmate, wrote on Instagram: “Today the world lost one of the most talented musicians I know.

“He’s now with his Mom and Sister. I will miss you my friend.”

Nathan Followill from Kings of Leon, Okkervil River and Whitney all paid tribute to the late musician.

A post on Swift’s Facebook page read: “And all the angels sing ‘Que Sera Sera’. Richard Ochoa Swift March 16, 1977 — July 3, 2018.”

Last month it emerged he suffered from a “life-threatening condition”, though exact details of the illness were not revealed.

Friends and family then launched a GoFundMe page to help pay bills for his treatment. It gathered $US87,000 ($117,000) towards its $100,000 ($135,000) goal.

During his career he worked with a broad range of musicians, including Sean Lennon and producer Mark Ronson as well as Ryan Adams.

Swift also collaborated with and produced music for Ray LaMontagne, Guster, Tennis and Sharon Van Etten, among others.