Rock Star Death Notices - November 2008
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Merle Saunders in his younger days, RIP
photo by The Chronicle
Merl Saunders - Died October 24 at age 74 of a systemic infection. He was a keyboardist. He led Merl Saunders And Friends. He worked with Bonnie Raitt, Tom Fogerty, Sheila E., Bonnie Hayes, Bob Steeler, Phish, Blues Traveler, Harry Belafonte, Frank Sinatra, Lionel Hampton, Miles Davis, B. B. King, Paul Butterfield, Reconstruction, Bonnie Raitt, Widespread Panic, Jerry Garcia, Legion Of Mary and Bob Weir.
Nicole Lai - Died September 6 at age 36 of skin cancer. She was a singer. She did, “Freedom.” She worked with Aaron Kwok, Sammi Cheng and Jolin Tsai.
Caleb Talbert - Died September 8 at age 73. He was a singer and guitarist. He led Caleb And The Playboys. They did, “I’m Yours” and “See About Me.” He was a member of The Dukes (Caleb wrote their, “Ooh Bop She Bop”). He worked with The Sterling Quintet and Jimmy And His Houserockers.
George Davis (George Richard Davis, Jr.) - Died September 10 at age 70 in Lilburn, Georgia of heart failure. He played guitar, bass, saxophone and oboe and was a composer and label owner. He worked with Allen Toussaint, Aaron Neville, Larry Williams, Sarah Vaughan, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich, Wardell Quezergue, Earl King and Ernie K-Doe.
Ruedi Rymann - Died September 10 at age 75 in Giswil, Switzerland of liver cancer. He was a yodeller, singer and composer. He did, “Dr Schacher Seppli” and “Der Gemsjager.”
David Sibley (David C. Sibley) - Died September 17 at age 74 in Columbus, Ohio. He was a bassist. He worked with Paul Anka, Woody Herman, Billy Mays, Joe Williams, The Harold Mabern Trio, The Chuck Wayne Quartet, Lester Lanin, Peter Duchin, Jimmy McPartland, Buddy Rich, Elvin Jones, Philly Joe Jones, Teddy Wilson, Joe Zawinul, George Shearing, Paul Bley, Paul Desmond and Gil Melle.
Johnny Reid - Died September 17 at age 62 of heart failure. He was a guitarist and songwriter. He wrote, “The Cross Beside The Road.” He was a member of Heaven’s Echo.
Ron Urban (Ronald James Urban) - Died September 17 at age 60 of complications of heart disease. He was a singer, songwriter and played guitar, accordion, piano, synthesizer, harmonica and dulcimer. He did, “Sweet Nothin’s” and wrote Janis Hansen’s, “My Christmas Tree.” He worked with The Going Thing.
Hayward S. Blackledge III (aka Buzz) - Died September 18 at age 56 in Massachusetts from complications from diabetes. He was a drummer and a member of Soul Sounds. He worked with Patti LaBelle.
Henry Z. Steinway (Henry Ziegler Steinway) - Died September 18 and was born 1915 in Manhattan, NY. He was a CEO for piano manufacturer, Steinway & Sons. He was the great-grandson of Steinway & Sons founder Henry Engelhard Steinway.
Benny Thomas (aka Ben Thomas) - Died September 18 at age 64 in New York City of cancer. He was an actor and singer. He was a member of Toomorrow who backed up Olivia Newton-John. He portrayed Dr. Jack Garner on TV’s, The Doctors.
Mauricio Kagel - Died September 19 at age 76. He was a composer. He wrote orchestral music, chamber music and film scores.
Bob Jones (Robert Gooden Jones) - Died September 20 at age 72 in Los Angeles of a heart attack. He was a publicist. He worked with Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and Lionel Richie. He co-wrote the book, “The Man Behind The Mask.” He named Michael Jackson, The King Of Pop.
Steve Gray - Died September 20 at age 64. He was a keyboardist, arranger and composer. He was a member of Wasp. He worked with Sky, The NDR Big Band, Tom Jones, Quincy Jones, Olivia Newton-John, Henry Mancini, Michel Legrand, Lalo Schifrin, Peggy Lee, Petula Clark, Sammy Davis Jr., John Barry and Brian Eno.
Connie Haines (Yvonne Marie Antoinette JaMai) (aka Baby Yvonne Marie and Little Princess of the air) Died September 22 at age 87 of myasthenia gravis. She was a singer. She did, “Snootie Little Cutie” and “Oh! Look at Me Now.” She worked with Harry James, Tommy Dorsey and Frank Sinatra.
Roberto Galarza (aka Zorzal de Corrientes) - Died September 23 at age 76 in Corrientes, Argentina. He was a singer, guitarist and composer. He did, “Kilometro 11” and “La Calandria.” He worked with his brother singer, Rogelio Galarza.
Many Sievers - Died September 23 at age 62 of illness. He led Many & The Teddyshakers.
Ramon Calduch – Died September 24 at age 79 in Barcelona, Spain of illness. He was a singer. He did, “Beguin The Beguine” and “Et maintenant.” He worked with Sara Montiel and Carmen Sevilla.
Vice Vukov - Died September 24 at age 72 in Zagreb. He was a singer and politician. He did, “Brodovi” and “Ceznja.” He won a seat in the Croatian Parliament.
Ermine Dempsey-Barker (Ermine Ortense Bramwell) (aka Cherry Green and Cherry Smith) - Died September 24 at age 65 Palm Beach County. She was a singer. She was one of the original members of The Wailers. They did, “Maga Dog” and “Simmer Down.”
Nydia Viola - Died September 25 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She was born in Laboulaye, Cordoba, Argentina. She was a dancer and pianist. She was a member of El Munay Trío and sister of dancer and musician, Norma Viola.
Michael P. Smith - Died September 26 at age 71. He was a photographer. His many photos document the careers of New Orleans musicians and chronicled New Orleans’ musical and folk traditions and festivals.
Marc Moulin - Died September 26 at age 66 of cancer. He was a musician and composer. He was a member of Telex. He produced Alain Chamfort, Philip Catherine, Lio and Sparks.
Mahendra Kapoor - Died September 27 at age 74 in Mumbai, India of a heart attack. He was a singer. He did, “Ab ke Baras” and “Chalo Ek Baar.”
Necdet Tokatlioglu - Died September 27 at age 75 in Istanbul of illness. He was a singer, songwriter and oud player. He did, “Sebepsiz Ayrilik (Separation Without A Cause)” and “Bir Sevgi Istiyorum (I Want Such A Love).” He worked with The Izmir Turkish Music Society.
George Jones (George Wydell Jones Jr.) - Died September 27 at age 71 in Youngstown, OH. He was a singer and songwriter. He was a member of The Essos who became The Edsels (They did, “Rama Lama Ding Dong” and “Bone Shaker Joe”) He worked with Ray Charles (“I’m Gonna Cut You Loose” and “Do The Walk”), The Winston Wall Trio and New Affair. He also managed The Jones Gospel Singers.
Bryan Morrison (Bryan Anthony Morrison) - Died September 27 at age 66 after contracting an infection and spending over two years in a coma. He managed Pink Floyd and The Pretty Things, was the owner of Lupus Music and was a music publisher for Syd Barrett, Robin Gibb, The Jam, T-Rex and Wham!.
Sarah Lynn Edwards - Died September 27 at age 78. She was singer and co-founded The Bright Star Quartet. She was a member of The Edwards Sisters.
John Fisher - Died September 27 at age 47 in Canterbury, UK of pancreatic cancer. He played keyboards, trombone and drums. He worked with Audience, Wishbone Ash, The Blue Bishops, The Simon Hopper Band, Blues Academy and Dover Soul.
Dennis Shaw - Died September 27 at age 65 in Spain of an asthma attack. He was a singer and guitarist. He worked with his wife Jane and with Denny Marshall.
Jemene Miller (Lydia Janene Miller) - Died September 27 at age 55 in Miramar. She was a singer and a member of Fantasy. She worked with Foxy, Power, Eric Clapton and Jerry Garcia.
Sharon Rawles McManus - Died September 28 at age 47 of liver disease. Was a club promoter booking acts such as Big Head Todd And The Monsters, The Subdudes, Opie Gone Bad, Chris Daniels, The Kings and Hazel Miller.
Norman Hedman - Died September 29 at age 63 in New York of acute myeloid leukemia and pneumonia. He was a percussionist, producer and composer. He led Norman Hedman’s Tropique. They did, “Healing Hands” and “Wait & See.” He worked with Alicia Keys, The Main Ingredient, Daryl Hall and New Kids On The Block.
Stan Kann - Died September 29 at age 83. He was an organist. He played organ at a restaurant owned by Stan Musial and was the house organist for The St. Louis Fox Theatre. He was a musical director and co-host for TV’s, The Charlotte Peters Show. He appeared 77 times on TV’s, The Tonight Show showing off his vacuum cleaner collection.
Glyn Davies - Died September 29 at age 60 of cancer. He was a bassist and singer. He was a member of The Nerves (They did, “Presence of Mind” and “Come See The Show (Or I’ll Drop Yer)”) and Badja.
Aaron Fuller - Died September 30 at age 35 in Oakland, California of a motorcycle accident. He was a singer and a member of Plan 9. They did, “Heart Of Darkness” and “War Of The Worlds.”
Henry Adler - Died September 30 at age 93. He was a drummer, music retailer, author and teacher. He worked with The Larry Clinton Orchestra. As a teacher his students were Dave Tough, Roy Burns, Alvin Stoller, Louie Bellson, Sandy Feldstein and Buddy Rich. He and Buddy Rich co-wrote the book, “Buddy Rich’s Modern Interpretation of Snare Drum Rudiments”.
Nick Reynolds ( Nicholas Wells Reynolds) - Died October 1 at age 75 in San Diego, CA of illness. He sang and played ukulele, bongos, conga drum and guitar. He was a member of Dave Guard & The Calypsonians and a co-founder of The Kingston Trio (They did, “Tom Dooley”, “M.T.A.” and “Where Have All The Flowers Gone”).
Allen Kelly - Died October 1 at age 105. He sang and played harmonica. He performed at The Miramichi Folksong Festival for 51 years.
Rob Guest (Robert John Guest) - Died October 2 at age 58 in Melbourne after a stroke. He was a singer and actor. He played the lead for a record of 2,289 performances in productions of The Phantom Of The Opera.
Billy Ledbetter - Died October 2 and was born 1944. He was a singer and guitarist. He wrote, “Stealing Hubcaps.” He led Billy Ledbetter And The A Team.
Johnny J (Johnny Jackson) - Died October 3 in Los Angeles by committing suicide by jumping off a tier in jail. He was born in 1969 in Juarez, Mexico. He was a singer, producer and songwriter. He did, “Get Away From Me” and “Dig Um’ Out.” He produced Tupac Shakur and Candyman. He worked with Bizzy Bone, Tatyana Ali and Imaan Faith.
Levi Kereama - Died October 4 at age 27 in Brisbane, Australia. He fell from a hotel balcony. He was a singer and a member of Lethbridge (They did, “Handcuffs Off” and “In My Room”).
Al Gallodoro (Alfred J. Gallodoro) (Fortunato Gallodoro) - Died October 4 at age 95 in Oneonta, New York of illness. He played clarinet and saxophone. He worked with George Evans, Paul Whiteman, Bing Crosby and The NBC Symphony. He can be heard on the soundtrack for the film, “Rhapsody In Blue”.
Mike Stone - Died October 4 at age 66 in Ormond Beach of cancer. He was a manager and recording engineer. He managed The Nightcrawlers and worked with Little Richard and Joe Cocker.
Eddie Berger - Died October 4 at age 76 of lung disease in Minneapolis, MN. He played saxophone and clarinet and worked with Phil Hey.
Lloyd Thaxton - Died October 5 at age 81 in Studio City, CA of multiple myeloma. He was a writer, producer and television host. He did, “Image Of A Surfer.” He hosted TV’s, The Lloyd Thaxton Show, a dance show that featured artists such as The Byrds, Sonny & Cher, Jan And Dean, The Righteous Brothers, The Turtles, The Kinks and The Bobby Fuller Four.
Greg Inverso (Gregory J. Inverso) - Died October 5 in Ewing. He was hit by a car. He was a drummer and producer. He worked with ZoZo Afrobeat .
Jack Oatts - Died October 5. He was a bandleader, saxophonist and music educator. He was a president of The National Association of Jazz Educators. He was father of trumpeter, Jim Oatts, saxophonist, Dick Oatts and singer, Sue Oatts-Tucker. He was an Iowa Bandmasters Hall Of Fame Inductee and Community Jazz Center Of Greater Des Moines’ Jazz Hall Of Fame Inductee.
Sergio “Piupa” Motta Filho - Died October 5 at age 39 in Curitiba, Brazil from injuries he received from a car accident a week earlier. He was a drummer and worked with Paincult, Circle and Necropsya.
Gidget Gein (Bradley Anne Stewart) - Died October 9 at age 39 in Burbank, California of a heroin overdose. He was a guitarist and bassist. He was a member of The Dali Gaggers (They did, “Pickled Punk” and “Incoherant”), Marilyn Manson And The Spooky Kids and Marilyn Manson (They did, “Dope Hat” and “Lunchbox”).
Bob Rashid - Died October 9 at age 59 of a split aorta. He was a drummer and photographer. He was a member of Dollar Bill And The Bucks.
Alton Ellis (Alton Nehemiah Ellis) - The Godfather of rocksteady - Died October 10 at age 68 in London, England. He was a singer. He did, “I’m Still In Love and I’m Just A Guy.” He was half of the duo, Alton & Eddy (They did, “Muriel” and “My Heaven”). He was a member of The Flames. He was brother of musician, Hortense Ellis and father of singers, Noel Ellis and Christopher Ellis. He is an International Reggae And World Music Awards Hall Of Fame Inductee.
Joe O’Neil - Died October 10 of a heart attack. He was a music publicist and worked with Queen, Pink Floyd, Paul McCartney, Katherine Jenkins, Bryn Terfel and Aled Jones.
Dave Wright (David Frederick Wright) - Died October 10 at age 64 in Winchester, Hampshire. He was a singer and guitarist. He was an original member of The Troglodytes who became The Troggs but never recorded with them. He was also was a member of The Loot.
Richard Mix (Richard Williams Mix) - Died October 10 of colon cancer. He was born in 1922 in St. Paul, MN. He played trombone, the English horn and oboe. He worked with Sammy Kaye, Frank Sinatra, Vikki Carr, Robert Goulet, Liberace and The Sacramento Symphony.
Margaret Monroe (aka Rusty) - Queen of Toledo Jazz - Died October 11 at age 89 from complications from a fall. Owner and operator of Rusty’s Jazz Cafe for over 40 years showcasing artists such as Maynard Ferguson, Ron Oswanski, Larry Fuller, Jacob Sacks, Jon Hendricks, Johnny Griffin and Red Rodney. Was a Lake Erie West Hall Of Fame For The Performing Arts Inductee.
Austin Niles (Austin D. Niles) - Died October 11 at age 20 in Busti in a car accident. He was a singer, drummer and guitarist and a member of Tin Pan Alley and The Bruce Peterson Blues Project.
William Claxton (Billy James Claxton) - Died October 11 at age 80 in Los Angeles, CA due to complications from congestive heart failure. He was a photographer and author. He is known for his photographs of jazz artists Chet Baker, Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Dizzie Gillespie and Frank Sinatra and also of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Tom Jones. His photos appear on numerous albums covers.
Neal Hefti (Neal Paul Hefti) - Died October 11 at age 85 in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, CA, of a heart attack. He was a trumpeter, composer and arranger. He wrote music for the films, Oh Dad Poor Dad Mama’s Hung You In The Closet And I’m Feelin’ So Sad and Barefoot In The Park and wrote the themes for TV’s, Batman and The Odd Couple. He worked with Charlie Barnet, The Dick Barry Band, Frank Sinatra, Bob Astor’s Band, Horace Heidt, Count Basie (“Li’l Darlin”), Bobby Byrne, Charlie Spivak and Woody Herman (“Wild Root” and “The Good Earth”). He was married to singer Frances Wayne.
Dante DiThomas (Dante N. DiThomas) - Died October 11 at age 93. He was a film studio musician. He led The Dante DiThomas Orchestra. He worked on more than 200 films including, Dances With Wolves, E.T. and The Little Mermaid. He was a founding member of The Legion Of Mary.
Russ Hamilton (Ronald Hulme) - Died October 11 at age 76 in Buckley, North Wales. He was a singer. He did, “We Will Make Love” and “Rainbow.”
Nelson Symonds (Nelson Fredrick Symonds) - Died October 11 at age 75 in Montreal, PQ of a heart attack. He was a guitarist. He worked with Alfie Wades’s sextet, Art Farmer, John Coltrane, Stanley Turrentine, Ray Charles, Sarah Vaughan and Charlie Biddle.
Cookie Gabriel (Evelyn Francis Gabriel) - Died October 12 at age 73 of cancer. She was a singer. She did, “I Just Can’t Take It No More” and “No Love Sweeter Than Mine.” She worked with “Sugar Boy” Crawford and Sweeties. She was mother of guitarist, Edward Gabriel Jr. and sister of saxophonist, Reuben Francis.
Gus Chambers - Died October 13 by committing suicide. He was born in 1956. He was a singer. He worked with The Squad (They did, “Red Alert”), Grip Inc., Squad 21 and Squealer A.D..
Eduardo Serrano (Eduardo Valentín Serrano Torres) - Died October 13 at age 97 in Caracas, Venezuela. He was a drummer, violinist, conductor and composer. He wrote, “Barlovento” and “Campesina.”
Bob Fields (Robert E. Fields Sr.) - Died October 13 at age 80 in Hamilton, MD of bladder cancer. He was a pianist and composer. He did, “Split.” He led The Bob Fields Jazz Ensemble. He worked with The Hank Levy Band, Sammy Davis Jr., The Doc Severinsen Orchestra and Engelbert Humperdinck.
Ray Lowry – Died October 14 in Waterfoot, Lancashire. He was born in 1944. He was an illustrator and rock cartoonist. He contributed illustrations for NME, Punch, Private Eye and The Guardian. He designed the artwork for The Clash’s, London Calling album.
Ronald J. Buonauro - Died October 14 at age 67 of cancer. He was a singer and a member of The Deltones (They did, “A Lover’s Prayer”) He worked with The Knickknacks and Five Star Edition.
Frank Kerr (aka Frankie Venom) - Died October 15 at age 55 of throat cancer. He was a singer. He was a member of Teenage Head (They did, “Picture My Face” and “Top Down”).
Edie Adams (Elizabeth Edith Enke) (aka Edith Adams) - Died October 15 at age 81 in the West Hills section of Los Angeles, CA of pneumonia and cancer. She was a singer and actress. She starred in the Broadway musical, Wonderful Town. She did a series of commercials for Muriel cigars. She was married to comedian Ernie Kovacs and trumpeter Pete Candoli.
Neil Hardy (aka Nedder) - Died October 15 at age 30 when he was hit by a truck. He was a bassist and a member of The Shoks (They did, “Who R Ya” and “Dive Bomb”).
Frank Wolking - Died October 15 in Westcliffe of brain cancer. He was a musician and a member of Sons And Brothers.
George Smith - Died October 16 at age 67 of illness. He sang and played maracas, congo drums and guitar. He was a member of Xanadu and worked with his father musician, Hubert Smith.
Levi Stubbs (Levi Stubbles Jr.) - Died October 17 at age 72 in Detroit, Mich. of an illness. He was a singer. He was a member of The Four Aims who became The Four Tops (They did, “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There”) He was brother of The Falcons’, Joe Stubbs and cousin of singer, Jackie Wilson. He was a Vocal Group Foundation Hall Of Fame Inductee and Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee.
Richard Mignona (Richard J. Mignona) - Died October 17 at age 62 in Roxborough, PA of muscular dystrophy. He was a singer. He was a member of Jimmy & The Towers (They did, “Meaning Of Love” and “One More Chance”) and The Intentions (They did, “Summertime Angel” and “Mr. Misery”).
Earl Gibson - Died October 17 in Fairview Heights of illness. He was born in 1921 in Columbus, Miss. He was a singer and guitarist. He was a member of The Twentieth Century Trio. He worked with The Sensational Ink Spots.
Dave McKenna (David J. McKenna) - Died October 18 at age 78 in State College, PA of lung cancer. He was a pianist and worked with Stan Getz, Dick Johnson, Gene Krupa, Zoot Sims and Al Cohn.
Dee Dee Warwick (Delia J. Warrick or Delia Mae Warrick) - Died October 18 at age 66 in Essex County. She was a singer. She did, “Foolish Fool” and “She Didn’t Know (She Kept On Talking)” She was a member of The Gospelaires. She worked with The Drinkard Singers, Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett. She was the niece of gospel singer, Cissy Houston, cousin of singer, Whitney Houston and sister of singer, Dionne Warwick.
Douglas Raeburn - Died October 18 at age 45. He was a musician. He was a founder member of The Strathbogie Fiddlers.
Pio Macheka (Pio Farai Macheka) - Died October 19 at age 41 by committing suicide. He did, “Karinga Wangu.” He led he Black Ites.
Rudy Ray Moore ( Rudolph Frank Moore) - King of the party records and Godfather of Rap - Died October 19 in Toledo, Ohio, U.S. - Complications from diabetes ( R&B - Humor ) Born 3-17-1927 in Ft. Smith, Ark., U.S. - Singer, comedian, actor and film producer - (He did, “Hully Gully Papa”) - Worked with 2 Live Crew, Big Daddy Kane, Snoop Dogg, Blowfly and Daniel Jordan - He appeared in the films, “Disco Godfather” and “Dolemite”.
Howard White - Died October 19 at age 82. He was a steel guitarist. He worked with Hank Snow’s Rainbow Ranch Boys, Cowboy Copas’ band, Jean Shepard, Minnie Pearl, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Wilma Lee, Stoney Cooper and Don Gibson.
B.B. Major (Image Helaire Jr.) (aka The Blues Boy) - Died October 19 at age 71 in Natchitoches, LA. He was a singer and guitarist. He worked with Stevie Ray Vaughn, The Nighthawks, Curly Davis & The Uniques and The Natchitoches Bluesmen. He was a Louisiana Hall Of Fame Inductee.
Hal Kant - Died October 19 at age 77 in Reno, Nev. of pancreatic cancer - He was a lawyer and general counsel for The Grateful Dead for over 35 years. He also worked for Captain Beefheart, Sonny & Cher, The Association, Hot Tuna , Stevie Ray Vaughn, Janis Joplin and The New Riders Of The Purple Sage.
Boris Anastasoff (Boris Peter Anastasoff) - Died October 19 in Redlands of cancer. He was born in 1927 in St. Louis, MO. He was a bass player. He worked with Jimmy Palmer, The Kicks Jazz Band, The Plymouth Village Jazz Quartet, The Main Street Community Band, Miles Davis and Charlie Parker.
Jimmy McGowan (James A. McGowan) - Died in October at age 76. He was a singer. He was a member of The Starlight Toppers, The Four Fellows (They did, “Soldier Boy” and “Angels Say”) and The Schemers. He was a United In Group Harmony Association Hall Of Fame Inductee.
Albert Roberts - Died in October at age 76. He was a singer. He was a member of The Roberts Brothers. He worked with Dudley Moore and The Worthing Musical Comedy Society.
Tommy Sampson - Died October 20 at age 90. He played cornet and trumpet and was a band leader, choral arranger and singer. He worked with George Watson, George Mitchell, Johnny Keating and Joe Temperley.
Frances Burns - Died October 20 at age 76 of heart and respiratory failure. She was a singer. She performed on TV’s, Western Five and appeared at Full House for over 15 years. She was the mother of composer and screenwriter, Tim Burns.
Emile Charlier – Died in October in Torquay. She was born in 1921 in London, England. She was an accordionist. She worked with The Mantovani Orchestra. They did, “Under Paris Skies” and “Red Sails In The Sunset.”
Peter J. Levinson (Peter James Levinson) - Died October 21 at age 74 in Malibu, CA due to head injuries from a fall. He was a music PR executive and author. He worked for Count Basie and Mel Torme. He represented Charlie Byrd, Rosemary Clooney, Chick Corea, Johnny Mathis, Dave Brubeck, Art Garfunkel, Stan Getz, Woody Herman, Earl “Fatha” Hines and Peggy Lee. He wrote the books, “Trumpet Blues - The Life Of Harry James” and “September In The Rain: The Life Of Nelson Riddle”.
Jeremy Sisk (Jeremy Ryan Sisk) - Died October 21 at age 24 in Weatherford, TX. He was shot. He was a guitarist. He was a member of Skard Soul. They did, “Don’t Know” and “Realize.”
Maynard Loehrke (Maynard T. Loehrke) – Died October 22 at age 70 in Fond du Lac, WI. Musician who led Maynard And The Playboys.
Aubrey Price (Aubrey Lee Price) - Died October 22 at age 88 of congestive heart failure. He was a musician. He led Aubrey Price And His Southern Serenaders who were featured on The Louisiana Hayride.
Eugene Selesner - Died October 23 at age 83 of a heart attack. He was a pianist and backed Barbra Streisand.
Danny Dill ( Horace Eldred Dill) - Died October 23 in Davidson County, TN. He was born 9-19-1924 or 1925 in Huntingdon or Clarksburg, TN. He was a singer and songwriter - (Co-wrote, “Long Black Veil” and “Detroit City”). He was half of the duo, Annie Lou And Danny with his first wife, Annie Lou Stockard. His songs have been recorded by Willie Nelson, Ray Price, Bobby Bare, Lefty Frizzell, Johnny Cash, Eddy Arnold, Faron Young and Jerry Garcia. He was a Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.
Premasiri Kemadasa (aka Khemadasa Master) - Died October 24 at age 71 in Colombo. He was a musician and composer. He wrote, “Sanda Horen Horen” and “Mala Pabalu Wal.” He composed music for hundreds of films.
Brion Ford (Brion Leonard Ford) - Died October 24 at age 56 in White House, TN of lung cancer. He was a singer. He was half of a duo with his brother-in-law, Don Gay and was a cast member at Opryland USA. He was son of singer, Tennessee Ernie Ford.
Muslim Magomayev (Muslim Mahammad oglu Magomayev) - Died October 25 at age 66 in Moscow, Russia. Pianist, composer and singer.
Fortune Muparutsa - Died October 25 at age 40 in Northampton, UK of cancer. He was a singer and guitarist. He did, “Tha Way I Look At You” and “Dreamgal.” He worked with Stanlic Mutemererwa, llanga and The Runn Family (They did, “Nhapitapi” and “Muchongoyo”).
Estelle Reiner (Estelle Lebost) - Died October 25 at age 94 in Beverly Hills, CA. She was a singer and actress. She worked with Tom Garvin, Don Shelton, Jack Trott, Bill Watrous and John Leitham. She appeared in the film, When Harry Met Sally, with the memorable line, “I’ll have what she’s having.” She was wife of actor and director, Carl Reiner and mother of actor and director, Rob Reiner.
Judge Carl Lewis - Died October 25 - Complications of respiratory distress ( Blues ) He was 56 years old - Played harmonica - Led Carl Lewis And The Deadbeats.
Brent Wilson (Claude Brenton Wilson Jr.) - Died October 25 - Illness ( Jazz ) Born 1926 - Entertainment executive and band leader - Managed The King Sisters - An original member of The National Academy Of Recording Arts And Sciences (NARAS).
Norman Jack Apperly - Died in October at age 94. He played saxophone and worked with The Trevor Brookes Dance Band.
Columb Farrelly - Died October 27 in Tralee of illness. He was a producer, composer and scriptwriter. He worked with Sinead O’Connor and Ton Ton Macoute. He started Underscore Multimedia. He produced The Pale. He wrote music for TV’s, Fair City and for short films and TV documentaries.
Ray Ellis - Died October 27 at age 85 in Encino, CA. He was an arranger, producer and composer. He arranged Johnny Mathis’, “Chances Are”, Bobby Darin’s, “Splish Splash” and The Four Lads’, “Standing On The Corner.” He worked with Billie Holiday, Maurice Chevalier, Lena Horne, Anthony Newley, Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand and Liza Minnelli. He composed music for the cartoons The Archie Show and Sabrina The Teenage Witch.
Frank Nagai (Kiyoto Nagai) - Died October 27 at age 76 of pneumonia. He was a singer. He did, “Yurakucho de Aimasho” and “Kimi Koishi.” He worked with Kazuko Matsuo (“Tokyo Night Club”).
Terrin Durfey (Terrin James Durfey) - Died October 28 in San Diego, CA of cancer. He was born in 1974. He was a bassist. He was a member of Boilermaker (They did, “Norman” and “Last Stop On The Way To Vegas”), The Jade Shader (They did, “Master Of The Harpies” and “Eraser 6-4”). He worked with Pinback.
Blair MacLean - Died October 29 after a heart attack a week earlier. Was a musician and singer and half of the musical comedy duo, MacLean & MacLean.
Dalton Brill - Died October 29 at age 73 in Woodstock. He was a banjo player and a member of The Wildcats. He ran Brill’s Musicians And Barber Shop and was one of the founders of The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Bluegrass Festival.
Mike Baker (Michael A. Baker) - Died October 29 of a heart attack. He was born in 1963. He was a singer and bassist. He was a member of Sorcerer who became Shadow Gallery (They did, “Questions At Hand” and “Don’t Ever Cry, Just Remember “).
Didier Sinclair - Died October 30 at age 43 of lung cancer ( Techno ) He was a DJ, musician and producer . He did, “Lovely Night” and “Feel The Wave.”
John Pearse - (John Melville Pearse) - Died October 31 in Germany of illness. He was born in 1939. He was a guitarist, singer and author. He co-founded Breezy Ridge Instruments marketing his line of guitar strings and accessories.
Frank Navetta - Died October 31 of an illness. He was a guitarist and singer. He was a member of The Descendents (They did, “Silly Girl” and “Rockstar”).
Shakir Stewart - Died November 1 in Atlanta, GA. He shot himself. He worked as a promoter for Luke, Scarface, Nas and Too Short and was a vice-president of Def Jam Music Group. He signed Rick Ross, Karina Pasian, Ciara and Young Jeezy.
Jimmy Carl Black (James Inkanish Jr.) - Died November 1 at age 70. He was a drummer and singer. He was a member of The Keys, The Soul Giants, The Mothers Of Invention (They did, “Who Are The Brain Police” and “Trouble Every Day”), Geronimo Black, The Valley Loboys, Big Sonny And The Loboys and Jimmy Carl Black And The Mannish Boys - Worked with Jimmy Hendrix, Janis Joplin, B.B. King, The Doors, Joe Cocker, Arthur Brown, The Greatful Dead, Blood, Sweat And Tears, The Jefferson Airplane, Cream, Albert King, Otis Rush, Chuck Berry, John Mayhal, The Turtles, Chicago, The Moody Blues, John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf and Capt. Beafheart.
Nathaniel Mayer (aka Nay Dog) - Died November 1 at age 64 due to complications of a stroke. He was a singer. He led Nathaniel Mayer And The Fabulous Twilights (They did, “Village Of Love” and “I Want Love And Affection (Not The House Of Correction)”).
Yma Sumac (aka Imma Sumack) (Zoila Augusta Emperatriz Chavarri del Castillo) - The Nightingale of the Andes and The Peruvian Songbird - Died November 1 at age 86 in Silver Lake of colon cancer. She was a singer. She was a member of The Inca Taky Trio - Appeared in the Broadway musical, “Flahooley” and in the film, “Secret Of The Incas.” She even recorded a psychedelic rock album. She was married to composer and arranger, Moises Vivanco.
Zachary Morley - Died November 1 at age 18 in a car accident. He played banjo and piano and was a member of Fire At Will.
Fernando Gomez (aka Nando) - Died November 2 at age 35 in London, England after contracting anthrax from animal hides he used to make Bongos with. He was a musician and worked with Alasvals.