Vale Legend And Pioneer Jimmy Little

National Treasure and pioneering Indigenous musician Jimmy Little has died, aged 75.

James 'Jimmy' Oswald, born on 1937, died during his sleep at his home in Dubbo this morning. He had survived many years of kidney and heart ailments and outlived his wife Marjorie Rose Little, who passed away July 2011.

The news was confirmed by the 'authorised' Jimmy Little Appreciation Group on Facebook.

He is survived by daughter Frances Claire Peters-Little and his grandson James Henry Little.

A pioneer for Indigenous musicians, his track Royal Telephone (1963) was the first song by an Indigenous performer to top the pop music charts.

For his contribution to music and Aboriginals, he received a number of accolades including National Living Treasure, Order Of Australia, ARIA Hall of Fame and APRA's Ted Albert award.

Despite a kidney transplant in 2004, Little only retired from the music industry last year. Even after that he endeavoured to improve the living conditions of Indigenous Australians living in rural areas through the Jimmy Little Foundation.

Today ARIA tweeted, “Everyone here at ARIA is so saddened to hear Jimmy Little has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. RIP.”

Listen to out Jimmy Little tribute playlist below:

Pictured: Jimmy Little.

Your Daily SPA was unable to get in contact with Little's family today to ask their wishes regarding publishing photos of Little in line with Indigenous beliefs. As a result, we've opted to use the picture the family-run Facebook is currently using.