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Date
Age
Name
Claim to Fame
Cause of Death
Location
12/31/201881Ray SawyerDr. Hook and the Medicine Show, singer Daytona Beach, Florida

Rest in Peace
Ray Sawyer

February 1, 1937 - December 31, 2018

Ray Sawyer, who sang on Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show's hits "Cover of the Rolling Stone" and "When You're in Love with a Beautiful Woman," has died in Florida at the age of 81.

Sawyer was a recognizable presence in the band due to his eyepatch (he lost his right eye in a 1967 automobile accident) and the cowboy hat he usually wore.

Billy Francis, another founding member of Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show, died in May 2010, at age 68.

12/31/201872Dean FordMarmalade, singerParkinson's DiseaseLog Angeles, California

Rest in Peace
Dean Ford

September 5, 1946 - December 31, 2018

Dean Ford, vocalist for the Scottish band Marmalade, remembered for their global hit "Reflections of My Life," died of complications of Parkinson's disease at age 72.

12/13/201881Nancy Wilsonjazz singer Pioneertown, California

Rest in Peace
Nancy Wilson

February 20, 1937 - December 13, 2018

Nancy Sue Wilson, a jazz singer and actress whose career lasted over 50 years and earned her three Grammy Awards, has died. She was 81.

Wilson was noted for her single "(You Don't Know) How Glad I Am" and her version of the standard "Guess Who I Saw Today". She recorded over 70 albums.

12/6/201863Pete ShelleyBuzzcocks, vocalistHeart FailureTallinn, Estonia

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Pete Shelley

April 17, 1955 - Decemeber 6, 2018

Pete Shelley, the lead singer of the British punk rock pioneers Buzzcocks, has died in Estonia. He was 63.

The Buzzcocks released their first EP, Spiral Scratch, in 1977. Their debut album, Another Music In a Different Kitchen (1978), reached the Top 20 on the British album charts.

11/18/201871Peter Simonphotographer

Rest in Peace
Peter Simon

1947 - November 18, 2018

Peter Simon, a noted photographer who famously photographed the Grateful Dead and was the brother of Carly Simon, has died at age 71.

Simon photographed celebrities, people and places near his home base on Martha's Vineyard island. He published several photography books and an annual calendar.

In 1977, Jerry Garcia handpicked Simon to photograph the Grateful Dead for a Rolling Stone cover story. Simon traveled with the band in the Northeast for a couple of shows. Backstage at the now demolished Boston Garden, he took a photo of the band. He arranged the band on a sofa and then found there was no room for Donna Jean Godchaux, so he had her lay across everyone in the band. The famous photo also appears in the Grateful Dead photography book Eyes of the World.

Simon's father was the founder of the publishing company Simon and Schuster, and was also was an amateur photographer who encouraged Peter's work.

11/16/201872Al JamesShowaddywaddy, bassistFallLeicester, England

Rest in Peace
Al James

January 13, 1946 - November 16, 2018

Al James, former bassist for British 1950s pop revival band Showaddywaddy, has died at age 72.

Showaddywaddy was a popular retro rock act in the style of Sha Na Na, best known for performing a mix of originals and covers of early rock hits by the likes of Eddie Cochran, Chubby Checker, Sam Cooke and Buddy Holly. James joined the band in 1973 and played with them until he retired in 2008. During this period, the band had over 20 hits on the UK pop charts.

James (born Geoffrey Betts) died after three weeks of hospitalization for injuries suffered in a fall at home. Showaddywaddy singer Buddy Gask died in 2011.

11/15/201885Roy Clarkcountry musician/TV starPneumoniaTulsa, Oklahoma

Rest in Peace
Roy Clark

April 15, 1933 - November 15, 2018

Roy Clark, country music legend and star of TV's 'Hee Haw' show, has passed at age 85.

His hits included "The Tips of My Fingers" (1963), "Yesterday When I Was Young" (1969), "Come Live With Me" (1973) and "Honeymoon Feeling" (1974). He was also known for his instrumental versions of "Malaguena," on 12-string guitar, and "Ghost Riders in the Sky."

Clark was with 'Hee Haw' for its entire 24-year run, with Buck Owens his best known co-host. Started in 1969, the show featured the top stars in country music, including Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Charley Pride, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, as well as other musical greats including Ray Charles, Chet Atkins and Boots Randolph. The country music and comedy show's last episode aired in 1993.

Clark was a member of the Grand Ole Opry and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2009. He published his autobiography, My Life in Spite of Myself, in 1994.

Clark died on November 15, 2018 at his Tulsa, Oklahoma home due to complications from pneumonia.

11/6/201865Hugh McDowellElectric Light Orchestra, cellist

Rest in Peace
Hugh McDowell

July 31, 1953 - November 6, 2018

Hugh McDowell, a British cello player best known as a member of the Electric Light Orchestra, has died at age 65 following a long illness.

Hugh joined Electric Light Orchestra in 1972 when he was just 19 years old. He left ELO with founding member Roy Wood and horn player/keyboardist Bill Hunt to perform with the group Wizzard but returned to ELO in 1973 to replace Colin Walker. McDowell is featured on several classic ELO albums, including 1974's Eldorado and 1977's Out of the Blue.

He continued with ELO in the 1980s, then performed for numerous pop, rock and jazz-fusion albums, as well as collaborating in dance, film, and theatre projects. For a short time, around 1982, he was a member of Radio Stars and recorded the single "My Mother Said" with the group.

McDowell was also computer programmer. He published a music composition program called Fractal Music Composer in 1992. He developed a suite of four programs: Mandelbrot Set Composer, Julia Set Composer, Mandelbrot Zoom and Play Midi.

11/2/201878Glenn SchwartzJames Gang, guitarist

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Glenn Schwartz

March 20, 1940 - November 2, 2018

Glenn Schwartz, the original guitar player of the James Gang, later with the band Pacific Gas and Electric, has died at 78 years of age.

Schwartz left the James Gang in December 1967 to join the Los Angeles based blues band Pacific Gas & Electric. He scored a top 20 hit with them - 1970's "Are You Ready?"

Schwartz converted to Christianity, left PG&E and joined the Gospel rock group All Saved Freak Band. He discovered Christianity on Hollywood's Sunset Strip after listening to street preacher Arthur Blessitt. A Rock 'n' Roll story: Schwartz had some round stickers that read 'Real Peace Is In Jesus' which he stuck all over his clothes. He apparently stuck some of these on Janis Joplin who apparently got very upset and took them off.

On the event of his 75th birthday, Schwartz had an impromptu jam at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival with Joe Walsh and The Arcs, featuring Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys.

Glenn Schwartz died of unknown causes on November 2, 2018 at age 78.

11/2/201839Joshua FauverDeerhunter, bassist Atlanta, Georgia

Joshua Fauver
December 4, 1978 - November 2, 2018

Joshua Donald Fauver was the longtime bassist for the Atlanta, Georgia band Deerhunter. Fauver replaced the original Deerhunter bassist Justin Bosworth, who died of a head injury sustained in a skateboarding accident. He played with the band until 2012.

Fauver also played with S.I.D.S. and Electrosleep International and ran the Atlanta-based label Army of Bad Luck, which released singles and albums by The Sunglasses, Hawks, Hollow Stars, Vera Fang and Battlecat. Fauver had his own solo project, Diet Cola.

Fauver died unexpectedly November 2, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia, aged 39. No cause of death was announced.

10/29/201867Jimmy FarrarMolly Hatchet, vocalistHeart FailureLa Grange, Georgia

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Jimmy Farrar

December 8, 1950 - October 29, 2018

James Edwin Farrar, the lead singer of the Southern Rock band Molly Hatchet from 1980 to 1982, has died at age 67.

Farrar replaced Molly Hatchet vocalist Danny Joe Brown after Brown left the band for health reasons. Farrar sang on the band's Beatin' the Odds and Take No Prisoners albums.

After leaving Molly Hatchet in 1982 Farrar continued performing. He was in a band called Predator for six years and then was the lead singer of the Section 8 band. He joined with other former Molly Hatchet members and spent several years as a member of the Southern Rock All-Stars. Eventually, he joined the band Gator Country which included guitarist Duane Roland, drummer Bruce Crump, guitarist Steve Holland and bassist Riff West of Molly Hatchet, as well as Paul Chapman, a former member of the band U.F.O. They took their name from the title of Hatchet's hit song, "Gator Country."

Farrar died on October 29, 2018, due to heart failure, at the age of 67.

10/27/201847Todd YouthMurphy's Law / Danzig, guitarist

Todd Youth
May 15, 1971 - October 27, 2018

Punk rock guitarist Todd Youth (born Todd Schofield) has died at age 47. An official cause of death has yet to be revealed.

He was best known for his work with New York area punk bands including Warzone, Murphy's Law and Danzig.

10/24/201875Tony Joe Whitesinger/songwriterHeart AttackLeiper's Fork, Tennessee

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Tony Joe White

July 23, 1943 - October 24, 2018

Tony Joe White, a singer-songwriter and guitarist best known for his 1969 hit "Polk Salad Annie", has died at age 75.

Artists that covered "Polk Salad Annie" include Elvis Presley and Tom Jones. He also wrote "Rainy Night in Georgia", first made popular by Brook Benton in 1970. Other songs he penned include "Steamy Windows" and "Undercover Agent for the Blues", both hits for Tina Turner in 1989.

White died of a heart attack on October 24, 2018.

10/24/201867Wah Wah WatsonFunk Brothers, guitarist Santa Monica, California

Rest in Peace
Wah Wah Watson

December 8, 1950 - October 2, 2018

Melvin Ragin, better known as "Wah Wah Watson," a member of Motown's famed group of studio session musicians known as the Funk Brothers, has died at age 67.

Wah Wah Watson joined the Funk Brothers in 1968 and played on many Motown hits by notable groups such as The Temptations, The Jackson 5, Gladys Knight and the Pips and The Supremes. He was known for his skills with a wah-wah guitar pedal. His guitar work on the Temptations hit "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" is particularly notable.

Ragin worked on Marvin Gaye's sensual masterpiece, "Let's Get It On", Gloria Gaynor's breakout single "I Will Survive," Quincy Jones' most successful solo LP, "Body Heat," and Rose Royce's breakout album, "Car Wash." He also played on albums with Blondie, Herbie Hancock, The Beach Boys, Pointer Sisters, Cher and many others.

In 1977, Watson released his first solo album, Elementary, on Columbia Records. The album was co-produced by Watson and David Rubinson.

Watson died on October 24, 2018 at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California. A cause of death was not immediately revealed.

10/2/201872Geoffrey EmerickAudio EngineerHeart FailureLos Angeles, California

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Geoffrey Emerick

December 4, 1946 - October 2, 2018

Geoffrey Emerick, the English recording studio audio engineer known for his innovative work with the Beatles, has died at his home at age 72.

Emerick joined EMI's Abbey Road studios when he was just 15, starting as an assistant tape operator on the Beatles' sessions for "Please Please Me," "She Loves You," "This Boy" and "I Want To Hold Your Hand." When the Beatles were recording their 1965 album Rubber Soul, the engineer for the sessions, Norman "Normal" Smith, found this music was too far out for him and the job was offered to Emerick.

Emerick went on to work with the Beatles on their classic albums Revolver, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, The "White Album" and Abbey Road.

He engineered the Zombies' 1967 LP Odessey and Oracle, including "Time of the Season." He worked on hits like Stealers Wheel's "Stuck in the Middle With You" and Manfred Mann's "Pretty Flamingo" (1966).

Later work included production of Elvis Costello's Imperial Bedroom (1982). He worked on several of Paul McCartney's post-Beatles records, including 1973's Band on the Run and 1997's Flaming Pie. He also worked with acts like Badfinger, Supertramp, Cheap Trick and America, among many others.

In 2006, he released his book Here, There and Everywhere: My Life Recording the Music of the Beatles.

Emerick won four Grammy Awards for his work in the music recording field. Two for his work with The Beatles (on Abbey Road and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band), one for Paul McCartney & Wings' Band On the Run, as well as a technical award, given to those who have "dramatically pushed boundaries" in the field of recording.

9/29/201884Otis Rushblues guitarist Chicago, Illinois

Rest in Peace
Otis Rush

April 29, 1934 - September 29, 2018

9/27/201876Marty BalinJefferson Airplane Tampa, Florida

Photo (c) 2002 Steve Covault
Marty Balin

January 30, 1942 - September 27, 2018

Marty Balin, co-founder and singer with the 1960s psychedelic rock band Jefferson Airplane, has died at age 76.

Born Martyn Jerel Buchwald in Cincinnati, Ohio, he changed his name to Marty Balin in 1962. He began recording with Challenge Records, releasing the singles "Nobody But You" and "I Specialize in Love". By 1964, Balin was leading a folk music quartet called The Town Criers.

Balin, along with the late guitarist Paul Kantner, co-founded Jefferson Airplane in 1965, recruiting vocalist Signe Anderson. Balin stayed with the band, singing and writing songs, until 1971. Balin's songwriting credits for Jefferson Airplane include "It's No Secret," "Today," "Comin' Back To Me," "Plastic Fantastic Lover," "She Has Funny Cars", "Share a Little Joke," and "Volunteers".

In 1975, he rejoined his former bandmates in their new incarnation, Jefferson Starship, and helped write or co-write several hits including "Caroline", "Miracles" and "With Your Love." He abruptly left Jefferson Starship in October 1978 shortly after Grace Slick's departure from the band.

In 1981, he released his first solo album, Balin, and in 1983 a second solo album, Lucky, along with a Japanese-only EP produced by EMI called There's No Shoulder.

In 1989, he participated in a short-lived Jefferson Airplane reunion tour and returned four years later to Jefferson Starship, finally leaving for good in 2008.

Jefferson Airplane was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 and was presented with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

In 2016, Balin had open heart surgery, including a triple bypass and a valve replacement, at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital in Manhattan. After recovering, Balin sued the hospital for malpractice, claiming his surgery was botched and caused him damage including a paralyzed vocal cord, loss of half of his tongue and his left thumb.

9/16/201861Maartin AllcockFairport Convention / Jethro TullLiver CancerBangor, Wales, United Kingdom

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Maartin Allcock

January 5, 1957 - September 16, 2018

Maartin Allcock, a member of British folk rock outfit Fairport Convention and also rock band Jethro Tull, has died in a Welsh hospital. He was 61 and suffering from liver cancer.

Maartin Allcock joined Fairport Convention in 1985 and worked with them until December 1996. Concurrently, he played keyboards with Jethro Tull from January 1988 to December 1991. In summer 1991 he also played keyboards for The Mission (known as Mission UK in the USA).

Allcock later released several solo albums and worked as a multi-instrumentalist, session man and record producer on over 200 recordings by artists including Robert Plant, Beverley Craven, Judith Durham, Breton guitarist Dan Ar Braz (six albums), Ralph McTell, Dave Swarbrick, Cat Stevens, and Dafydd Iwan.

9/16/201891Big Jay McNeelytenor saxophonist

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Big Jay McNeely

April 29, 1927 - September 16, 2018

Cecil James McNeely, a rhythm and blues saxophonist better known as Big Jay McNeely, has died at age 91.

McNeely made his first recordings with drummer Johnny Otis and had a hit in 1949 with the instrumental "The Deacon's Hop." McNeely remained popular through the 1950s and into the early 1960s, recording for the Exclusive, Aladdin, Imperial, Federal, Vee-Jay, and Swingin' labels.

9/7/201826Mac MillerRap artistDrug OverdoseLos Angeles, California

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Mac Miller

January 19, 1992 - September 7, 2018

Malcolm James McCormick, known as Mac Miller, a rap music artist and producer, has died of an apparent drug overdose. He was just 26.

Miller first rose to prominence as a teenager in Pittsburgh music scene. He released his first record, Blue Slide Park, in 2011 on Pittsburgh record label Rostrum Records.

Miller's struggles with substance abuse were well known and a frequent topic of his music, which often explored dark and serious themes.

Tabloid newspapers frequently reported on his relationship with singer Ariana Grande, which lasted from August 2016 to May 2018.

Mac Miller also became a noted record producer under the name "Larry Fisherman." He produced music for SZA, Vince Staples, Lil B, Ab-Soul, Riff Raff, Smoke DZA and himself.

Miller died of an apparent drug overdose in his Studio City home on September 7, 2018.

9/2/201858Conway SavageNick Cave and the Bad Seeds, keyboardistBrain TumorMelbourne, Victoria, Australia

Rest in Peace
Conway Savage

July 27, 1960 - September 2, 2018

Conway Victor Savage, keyboardist for the Australian rock band Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, has died after suffering from a brain tumor. He was 58.

Savage played piano, keyboards and provided backing vocals for the band. He joined Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds in 1990 and appears on several of their studio albums including: Henry's Dream (April 1992), Let Love In (April 1994), Murder Ballads (February 1996), The Boatman's Call (March 1997), No More Shall We Part (April 2001) and Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus (September 2004).

8/31/201859Mike KennedyGeorge Strait, drummerCar CrashLebanon, Tennessee

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Mike Kennedy

August 31, 2018

Mike Kennedy, long-time drummer for George Strait, is dead at age 59.

Kennedy was driving an SUV on Interstate 40 outside of Lebanon, Tennessee (near Nashville) when it collided with a tractor-trailer as the two vehicles merged into the same lane.

Kennedy drummed for Strait's Ace in the Hole Band for nearly 30 years. He first appeared on Strait's 1992 album, Holding My Own. Kennedy played with Barbara Fairchild and Ricky Skaggs before backing Strait. He also worked with Jamey Johnson and Freddie King.

8/22/201885Lazy LesterBluesmanCancerParadise, California

Photo (c) 2018 Steve Covault
Lazy Lester

June 20, 1933 - August 22, 2018

Leslie Johnson, better known as Lazy Lester, a bluesman who sang and played guitar and harmonica, has died at age 85.

Lester recorded with Nashville-based Excello Records. He made contributions to the recorded music of his label mates including Slim Harpo, Lightnin' Slim, and Katie Webster. Cover versions of his songs have been recorded by a diverse group of artists including the Kinks, the Flamin' Groovies, Freddy Fender, Dwight Yoakam, Dave Edmunds, Raful Neal, Anson Funderburgh, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds.

8/22/201868Ed KingLynyrd Skynyrd, guitarist Nashville, Tennessee

Rest in Peace
Ed King

September 14, 1949 - August 22, 2018

Ed King, a guitarist who played with Lynyrd Skynyrd and Strawberry Alarm Clock, has died at his Nashville home.

King was a founding member of the Los Angeles band Strawberry Alarm Clock, remembered for their 1967 #1 single "Incense and Peppermints."

King met future members of Lynyrd Skynyrd when they were opening for Strawberry Alarm Clock in early 1968. He became an official member of the band in 1972, replacing Leon Wilkeson on bass when Leon had left the band briefly. When Wilkeson rejoined the band King switched to lead guitar.

He helped write "Sweet Home Alabama" in 1974; the song became one of Skynyrd's strongest hits and a staple of rock guitarists everywhere. It is King's voice heard counting off 1-2-3 at the beginning of "Sweet Home Alabama." Other songs that King wrote or co-wrote include "Poison Whiskey", "Saturday Night Special", "Whiskey Rock-a-Roller" and "Workin' For MCA". He appeared on the band's first three albums, Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd, Second Helping, and Nuthin' Fancy.

King left the band before the tragic 1977 plane crash that killed several members of the band and their entourage.

King rejoined Lynyrd Skynyrd in the 1987 and worked with them until 1996 when he retired due to congestive heart failure.

In 2006, King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

8/16/201882Eddie WillisFunk Brothers, guitaristpolio complicationsGore Springs, Mississippi

Rest in Peace
Eddie Willis

June 3, 1936 - August 20, 2018

Eddie Willis, one of the last surviving members of Motown's Funk Brothers, has died at age 82.

Willis' guitar work appears on numerous recordings including: "Please Mr. Postman" by The Marvelettes, "The Way You Do the Things You Do" by The Temptations, "You Keep Me Hanging On" by The Supremes, and "I Was Made to Love Her" by Stevie Wonder. He was known for his signature muted guitar riffs which added a distinctive tone to the beat, often timed with the snare drum. Willis also worked as a touring guitarist for Eddie Kendricks and spent about two decades with the Four Tops.

Willis died of complications of polio on August 20, 2018, aged 82 years, at his home in Gore Springs, Mississippi.

8/16/201876Aretha FranklinSoul SingerPancreatic CancerDetroit, Michigan

Rest in Peace
Aretha Franklin

"Queen of Soul"
March 25, 1942 - August 16, 2018

Aretha Franklin, the "Queen of Soul" died August 16th, the same day that Elvis Presley "The King of Rock 'n' Roll" died.

8/14/201842Jill JanusHuntress, vocalistSuicidePortland, Oregon

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Jill Janus

September 2, 1975 - August 14, 2018

Jill Janus, lead vocalist for heavy metal band Huntress, died on August 14, 2018 of an apparent suicide. She was 42.

8/4/201876Lorrie CollinsCollins Kids, singercomplications from a fallReno, Nevada

Rest in Peace
Lorrie Collins

Born: Lawrencine May Collins, May 7, 1942 Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Died: August 4, 2018 Reno Nevada

Lorrie Collins, rockabilly singer who, with her brother Larry, formed the Collins Kids, has passed at age 76.

Singer Lorrie Collins was 14, her brother Larry just 12 when they first scored significant public attention with their supercharged rockabilly sound in 1957 with the hit "Hop, Skip and Jump." The Collins Kids appeared on many music variety programs in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including guest spots on national TV programs "The Jackie Gleason Show," "Hollywood Palace," "The Steve Allen Plymouth Show" and "The Grand Ole Opry."

Collins dated teen idol and television star Ricky Nelson. She appeared as his girlfriend on a January 22, 1958 episode of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, with the two performing a duet of "Just Because", which had been one of the Collins Kids' signature songs.

In 1959, when Collins was 17, she married Stewart Carnall, 35, who was Johnny Cash's manager.

With her brother, Collins is a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

7/6/201881Vince Martinfolk singer/songwriterPulmonary FibrosisSheepshead Bay, New York

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Vince Martin

March 17, 1937 - July 6, 2018

Vince Martin, an influential folk rock singer who was prominent in the 1950's and 60's, has died at age 81.

Martin had his only top 10 hit in 1956 with the song "Cindy, Oh Cindy," recorded with the Tarriers. Eddie Fisher covered the song and his version broke the Top 40 in the same year. Martin became more widely known with his duo recordings with Fred Neil in the early 1960s. The album Tear Down The Walls (1964) contained mainly Fred Neil songs, recorded with musicians including John Sebastian (Lovin' Spoonful) and Felix Pappalardi (Mountain).

In 1969, he recorded the album If the Jasmine Don't Get You ... the Bay Breeze Will in Nashville, with the musicians who had just finished recording Bob Dylan's Nashville Skyline.

Sonic Youth guitarist Thurston Moore was an unlikely fan of Martin's and performed with him, encouraging Martin to record more material. In 2003, Martin released his final album, Full Circle, on a small New York label.

7/3/201841Richard SwiftThe Shins / The Black Keys Tacoma, Washington

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Richard Swift

March 16, 1977 - July 3, 2018

Richard Swift, a former member of The Shins and The Black Keys, has died in Tacoma, Washington at age 41.

Swift was a member of The Shins for six years and played bass for the Black Keys in 2014. He also formed The Arcs with The Black Keys frontman Dan Auerbach. They released their debut record in 2015.

He also worked as a producer for Damien Jurado and Rateliff & the Nightsweats.

7/2/201870Alan LongmuirBay City Rollers, bassist Larbert, Scotland

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Alan Longmuir

June 20, 1948 - July 2, 2018

Alan Longmuir, founding member and bass player with the Bay City Rollers, has died at age 70.

The Bay City Rollers were a Scottish Rock 'n' Roll band very popular worldwide in the early 1970s. In the USA, they are best remembered for their #1 Hit "Saturday Night."

Longmuir died at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert, Scotland, after contracting an illness while on holiday in Mexico with his wife. He was 70.

6/29/201880Eugene PittThe Jive Five, singerDiabetesNewberry, South Carolina

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Eugene Pitt

November 6, 1937 - June 29, 2018

Eugene Pitt, singer and founding member of doo-wop group The Jive Five, has died at age 80.

Classic recordings of the Jive Five, released on Beltone Records, included their biggest hit "My True Story" (1961), "Never, Never", and "What Time Is It?"

6/24/201883Dan IngramDisc Jockey Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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Dan Ingram

September 7, 1934 - June 24, 2018

Daniel Trombley Ingram, known professionally as "Big Dan" Ingram, a long-time Rock 'n' Roll disc jockey in New York with a 50-year career in radio broadcasting, has died.

Ingram was known for his quick wit and humorous song introductions. He often fiddled with songs for comical effect, for example when playing Blue Swede's cover of "Hooked on a Feeling," he manipulated it so that the song's catchy "ooka-chucka-ooga-ooga" refrain, played on a loop over and over again.

Ingram first achieved fame on WABC-AM, New York City, where he worked from 1961 until the station changed formats in 1982. After leaving WABC, he did commercial voice-overs and other radio work, before returning to the air in 1991 at classic rock 'n' roll powerhouse WCBS-FM. He retired in 2003.

Dan Ingram died at his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was 83.

6/22/201854Vinnie PaulPantera, drummerCoronary artery diseaseLas Vegas, Nevada

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Vinnie Paul

March 11, 1964 - June 22, 2018

Vinnie Paul, drummer and co-founder of the heavy metal rock band Pantera, has died suddenly at age 54.

Paul, born Vincent Paul Abbott, formed Pantera in 1981 with his brother Dimebag Darrell and Terry Glaze on guitars, bassist Tommy D. Bradford, and vocalist Donnie Hart. Pantera recruited vocalist Phil Anselmo in 1987.

Pantera's breakthrough album was Cowboys from Hell (1990, Atco Records). They went on to release four more studio records, a live album and a greatest hits compilation.
After the breakup of Pantera in 2003, the Abbott brothers formed the heavy metal band Damageplan and recorded one album, New Found Power. Damageplan broke up after the murder of Dimebag Darrell in December, 2004. After an 18-month hiatus, Vinnie Paul joined with the heavy metal supergroup Hellyeah, which also features vocalist Chad Gray and guitarist Greg Tribbett from Mudvayne, guitarist Tom Maxwell from Nothingface, and bassist Bob Zilla from Damageplan. He recorded five albums with Hellyeah, the most recent being 2016's Undeniable.

A coroner's report determined that Vinnie Paul's death was from complications of an enlarged heart and severe coronary artery disease. He died in his Las Vegas home on June 22, 2018 at age 54.

6/15/201865Nick KnoxCramps, drummer

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Nick Knox

1953 - June 15, 2018

Nick Knox (Born Nicholas Stephanoff) was a long-time drummer for the punk rock band the Cramps. He appeared on some of the Cramps' most important recordings: Songs The Lord Taught Us, Psychedelic Jungle and A Date With Elvis.

He joined Lux Interior and Poison Ivy in the Cramps in 1977, replacing drummer Miriam Linna. He served with the band until he was fired in 1991.

Knox died June 15, 2018 at the age of 65.

6/15/201888Matt 'Guitar' MurphyBlues Brothers, guitarist Miami, Florida

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Matt 'Guitar' Murphy

March 15, 1931 - June 15, 2018

Matt 'Guitar' Murphy, who became famous as the guitarist in the Blues Brothers movies, has died at the age of 88.

He starred in both of the Blues Brothers movies: 1980's "The Blues Brothers" and 1998's "Blues Brothers 2000." He also released solo albums "Way Down South" in 1990 and "Lucky Charm" in 2000. He was a sideman for notable blues musicians including Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Memphis Slim and Willie Dixon. Murphy recorded two albums with Chuck Berry and was also featured in recordings by Koko Taylor, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Buddy Guy, Etta James, and Otis Rush.

6/13/201887D.J. FontanaElvis Presley, drummer Nashville, Tennessee

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D.J. Fontana

March 15, 1931 - June 13, 2018

D.J. Fontana, Elvis Presley's longtime drummer, has died at age 87.

Fontana met Presley, guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black on the Louisiana Hayride, a popular and influential radio and TV country music program based in Shreveport. Together, the group called themselves "The Blue Moon Boys."

Fontana played with Presley for 14 years; his drumming is heard on Rock 'n' Roll standards like "Blue Suede Shoes," "Heartbreak Hotel," "Hound Dog" and "Jailhouse Rock." Fontana was with Elvis during his landmark appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1956, as well as his legendary "'68 Comeback Special."

Fontana also played on Ringo Starr's solo album "Beaucoups of Blues," and worked with country artist Webb Pierce and rockabilly star Gene Vincent, among others.

Fontana was the last surviving member of Elvis' original core of musicians. Scotty Moore, who played guitar with Elvis Presley, died in 2016. Original bassist Bill Black died in 1965.

6/12/201873Jon HisemandrummerBrain CancerSutton, England

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Jon Hiseman

June 21, 1944- June 12, 2018

Jon Hiseman was an English drummer who worked with a variety of acts in rock, progressive jazz and blues.

Some of his early session work is heard on the Arthur Brown single, "Devil's Grip." He also played briefly with Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames. In 1966, Hiseman replaced Ginger Baker in the Graham Bond Organisation, a blues band. Ginger Baker went on to form Cream with Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton.

Hiseman was also once a member of John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, appearing on the group's album "Bare Wires." He later formed and led the notable jazz fusion bands Colosseum, Colosseum II and Tempest.

6/8/201868Danny KirwanFleetwood Mac, guitarist London, England

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Danny Kirwan

May 13, 1950 - June 8, 2018

Danny Kirwan, a guitarist who played on five early Fleetwood Mac albums, died in London on June 8, 2018. He was 68.

Kirwan was 18 when he joined Fleetwood Mac in 1968. At that time, the band's lineup consisted of Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Peter Green and Jeremy Spencer.

Kirwan contributed guitar and vocals on Fleetwood Mac's 1969 effort, "Then Play On." His work and songwriting appeared on several other albums, including 1970's "Kiln House" and 1971's "Future Games." Kirwan was fired from the band shortly after the release of the 1972 album "Bare Trees."

Kirwan was among the members of the band inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, though he didn't attend the induction ceremony.

6/3/201882Jerry Hopkinsauthor Bangkok, Thailand

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Jerry Hopkins

November 9, 1935 - June 3, 2018

Jerry Hopkins wrote over three dozen books and an estimated 1,000 magazine articles, many of them about Rock 'n' Roll music. His most famous work is the 1980 bestseller about the Doors, 'No One Gets Out of Here Alive.'

He was a long-time writer and contributing editor of Rolling Stone magazine.

Hopkins died in Bangkok, Thailand on June 3 at the age of 82.

6/1/201883Eddy Clearwaterblues guitaristHeart FailureSkokie, Illinois

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Eddy Clearwater

January 10, 1935 - June 1, 2018

Eddy Clearwater was a Chicago blues guitarist known as "The Chief."

He recorded for Alligator Records, among other labels.

Clearwater won a Grammy in 2003 and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2016. He died on June 1, 2018 at his home. He was 83.

5/21/201896Glenn Snoddysound engineer/inventor Murfreesboro, Tennessee

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Glenn Snoddy

May 4, 1922 - May 21, 2018

Glenn Snoddy, the accidental inventor of the Fuzz-Tone guitar effect, has died at his home at age 96.

Glenn Snoddy was working in Nashville as a sound engineer for a recording session with Marty Robbins for his 1961 single "Don't Worry." A blown transformer in the amp of the electric bass guitarist Grady Martin caused a fuzzy, low, reverberant sound effect. Snoddy recreated the effect and sold it to Gibson, who manufactured it as the "Maestro Fuzz-Tone." The Fuzz-Tone sound became popular in Rock 'n' Roll after being heard on recordings such as Keith Richards's fat, buzzing guitar riff on the Rolling Stones' 1965 hit "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction." The effect was popular with band such as Jimi Hendrix and Cream.

As a Nashville recording engineer, Glenn Snoddy was noted for his work on landmark recordings by Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash.

In 1967, Mr. Snoddy opened Woodland Sound in a refurbished movie theater in the Five Points neighborhood of East Nashville. Woodland became the site of many well-known recordings, including the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" (1972), and projects by Tammy Wynette, Neil Young and the blues singer Slim Harpo. The progressive rock band Kansas recorded its 1978 hit "Dust in the Wind" at Woodland Sound as well.

5/10/201836Scott HutchisonFrightened Rabbitpresumed SuicideSouth Queensferry, Scotland

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Scott Hutchison

November 20, 1981 - May 10, 2018

Scott John Hutchison was a Scottish singer, songwriter, guitarist and artist. He was the founding member and primary songwriter of the indie rock band Frightened Rabbit, with whom he recorded five studio albums, and created the artwork for each release.

Hutchison disappeared on May 9, 2018, and his body was found the following day at a marina on the banks of Scotland's Firth of Forth.

5/1/201880John 'Jabo' StarksJames Brown, drummer Mobile, Alabama

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John 'Jabo' Starks

October 26, 1937 - May 1, 2018

John 'Jabo' Starks, a funk and blues drummer who played with James Brown, Bobby Bland and B.B. King, has died in Mobile Alabama, aged 80 years.

In 1959, Starks joined Bobby Bland's band and played on recordings such as "Turn on Your Love Light", "Stormy Monday Blues", "That's the Way Love Is", "I Pity the Fool" and "Don't Cry No More".

In 1965, Starks joined James Brown's band, working with fellow drummer Clyde Stubblefield until 1970 when Stubblefield left the group. His recordings with Brown include with Brown include "The Payback", "Sex Machine", "Soul Power", "Super Bad", "Talkin' Loud and Sayin' Nothing", "Doing It to Death", "Papa Don't Take No Mess."

Stark continued to work with James Brown and associated acts until about 1976, when he left to join B.B. King's touring band. His recordings with King include the albums Lucille Talks Back and King Size.

From the mid-1990s onward, when not touring or recording, he performed five nights a week at the Picolo Restaurant and Red Bar in Grayton Beach, Florida. On Sundays, he played at his church in Mobile.

Starks died on May 1, 2018, at his home in Mobile, Alabama, at the age of 80.

4/28/201870Larry HarveyBurning Man, founderStrokeSan Francisco, California

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Larry Harvey

January 11, 1948 - April 28, 2018

Larry Harvey, co-founder of the annual Burning Man festival, has died at a hospital in San Francisco. He was 70.

Harvey held the first burning man in 1986 on a San Francisco beach with a few friends. The event grew to a large anti-establishment, anti-consumerist festival that attracts thousands annually to the Black Rock Desert in Nevada.

4/26/201879Charles NevilleNeville Brothers, saxophonistPancreatic CancerHuntington, Massachusetts

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Charles Neville

December 28, 1938 - April 26, 2018

Charles Neville, of the Neville Brothers band, died at 79 years of age. He had been suffering from pancreatic cancer.

4/23/201894Bob Doroughjazz pianist and composer Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania

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Bob Dorough

December 12, 1923 - April 23, 2018

Bob Dorough was a jazz pianist and composer who worked with Miles Davis in the 1960s, but is best remembered as a member of the 'Schoolhouse Rock!' creative team. He wrote the Children's educational classics "Three Is a Magic Number," "Conjunction Junction," 'The Shot Heard Round the World" and many other great songs in the animated series.

He died on April 23, 2018 at the age of 94.

4/10/201880Yvonne StaplesStaple Singers, vocalistColon CancerChicago, Illinois

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Yvonne Staples

October 23, 1937 - April 10, 2018

Yvonne Staples, background vocalist for her family's hit-making pop and soul group, the Staple Singers, has died of colon cancer at her home in Chicago. She was 80.

The Staple Singers were formed in 1948 by the patriarch of the family, Roebuck "Pops" Staples. He was joined by his children Cleotha, Pervis and Mavis. The group performed in churches in the Chicago area, then toured the South and became active in the civil rights movement, traveling with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. They are best known for their 1970s hits "Respect Yourself", "I'll Take You There", "If You're Ready (Come Go with Me)", and "Let's Do It Again".

When Pervis left the group to serve in the military in 1971, Yvonne stepped in to fill his place. Yvonne later served as business manager of the group.

Yvonne Staples is survived by her brother and sister, Pervis and Mavis, the last living members of the group. Roebuck Staples died in 2000 and Cleotha Staples in 2013.

3/25/201872Mike HarrisonSpooky Tooth, vocalist
3/22/201887Morgana Kingjazz vocalist / actressnon-Hodgkin's lymphomaPalm Springs, California

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Morgana King

June 4, 1930 - March 22, 2018

Morgana King, an American jazz singer and actress, has died in Palm Springs, California. She was 87.

Morgana King, born Maria Grazia Morgana Messina, began singing professionally at age 16. A scholarship to the Metropolitan School of Music soon followed. Her first album, For You, For Me, For Evermore, was released in 1956. She eventually recorded more than 200 songs on more than 30 albums.

King was nominated for a Grammy for her 1964 hit single A Taste of Honey.

As an actress, she was cast as Carmela Corleone, wife of Don Vito Corleone, in the Godfather movie directed by Francis Ford Coppola. In the film, she sang the song "Luna mezzo mare". She also appeared in The Godfather Part II (1974), where her character dies due to natural causes.

She also performed on television talk and variety shows including The Andy Williams Show, The Hollywood Palace, The Mike Douglas Show, The Dean Martin Show and The David Frost Show.

3/20/201872Peter "Mars" CowlingPat Travers Band, bassist
3/12/201856Charlie QuintanaSocial Distortion, drummer Cancún, Mexico
3/13/201882Nokie EdwardsVentures, guitarist Yuma, Arizona
3/7/201884Gary Burdenalbum cover artist

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Gary Burden

May 23, 1933 - March 7, 2018

Gary Burden's artwork graced the albums covers of many classic 1970s rock albums. He created many album covers for Neil Young ('After the Gold Rush,' 'Freedom,' 'On the Beach') but also worked with the Eagles ('Desperado'), Jackson Browne ('The Pretender'), Joni Mitchell ('Blue') and the Doors ('Morrison Hotel') and many others.

Burden worked with famed rock photographer Henry Diltz. In 2000, they made a documentary film "California Rock: Under the Covers", depicting their album cover works and participation in the Los Angeles rock scene.

He died on March 7, 2018 at the age of 84.

3/4/201892Russ SolomonTower Records, founderHeart FailureSacramento, California

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Russ Solomon

September 22, 1925 - March 4, 2018

Russell M. Solomon, founder of Tower Records, died at age 92 while drinking whiskey and watching the Oscars on TV.

In 1941, Solomon, then 16 years old, began selling used jukebox records at his father Clayton Solomon's drug store in the Tower Theater building in Sacramento, California. He called the business Tower Record Mart.

He opened stores in San Francisco in 1969 and, in 1970, opened the iconic Tower Records store on the Sunset Street in West Hollywood. The chain eventually grew into a worldwide music store empire.

By 1998, the company began to experience financial trouble due to a heavy debt load, over-expansion and new competition from big-box retailers, online sales and downloaded music. In 2006, the company was forced to liquidate and close.

2/11/201889Vic Damonelounge singer Miami Beach, Florida

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Vic Damone

June 12, 1928 - February 11, 2018

Vic Damone, a popular 1950s crooner and nightclub star, has died at age 89.

Born Vito Rocco Farinola in Brooklyn, New York, he took his mother's maiden name, Damone. Inspired by his favorite singer, Frank Sinatra, Damone began taking voice lessons. His professional career began when he won "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Hunt" in April, 1947. On the show he met Milton Berle who got him work singing at night clubs. By mid-1947, Damone had signed a contract with Mercury Records. His hit singles included "Again," "You're Breaking My Heart," "My Heart Cries for You," "On the Street Where You Live" and, in 1957, the title song of the Cary Grant film "An Affair to Remember."

Damone was regularly a featured guest performer on TV Variety shows. Among the programs on which he appeared are The All Star Revue, The Texaco Star Theater with Milton Berle, The Arthur Murray Party, What's My Line?, The Jackie Gleason Show, The Steve Allen Show, The Perry Como Show, The Bell Telephone Hour, The Dinah Shore Chevy Show, The Garry Moore Show, I've Got A Secret, The Jack Paar Program, The Red Skelton Hour, The Andy Williams Show, The Hollywood Palace , The Dean Martin Show, Hullabaloo, Mickie Finn's, The Danny Thomas Hour, The Jonathan Winters Show, The Carol Burnett Show, Della, Playboy After Dark, The Joey Bishop Show, Jimmy Durante Presents the Lennon Sisters, Dinah!, The Mike Douglas Show, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and several Bob Hope specials.

In 1951, Damone appeared in two movies: The Strip (where he played himself) and Rich, Young and Pretty.

In 1964, he sang "Back Home Again in Indiana" before the Indianapolis 500 car race, filling in for Jim Nabors who sang the song almost every Memorial Day weekend from 1972 to 2014.

Vic Damone was a personal friend of Donald Trump. Trump offered to be a character witness on Damone's behalf in the event of any legal action his step-daughters might take to prevent him from receiving any of his then ill wife's estate, with an estimated worth of $900 million.

Damone died on February 11, 2018 at the age of 89.

2/9/201868Craig MacGregorFoghat, bassistLung Cancer

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Craig MacGregor

September 13, 1949 - February 9, 2018

Craig MacGregor was a bassist for Foghat, replacing the band's interim bassist Nick Jameson in 1976. His work appears on several Foghat albums including Night Shift (1976), Live (1977), Stone Blue (1978) and Boogie Motel (1979).

MacGregor left Foghat in 1982, but rejoined them occasionally before returning in 2005 following the departure of original bassist Tony Stevens. MacGregor appears on Foghat's 2016 studio album, Under the Influence.

In 2012, a tumor on his lungs was discovered during a CAT scan performed after breaking his ribs in a fall. However, he was not told of its existence and it remained untreated until four years later, by which time it had grown 60 times larger, was inoperable and had spread to his brain. He became an advocate for the Patient Test Results Information Act, a bill that would require medical personnel to inform patients of all medical test results in a timely manner.

MacGregor died of lung cancer on February 9, 2018.

2/7/201876Mickey Jonesdrummer / actor

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Mickey Jones

June 10, 1941 - February 7, 2018

Mickey Jones was the drummer for Kenny Rogers and the First Edition and toured the world with Bob Dylan in 1966. He also drummed for Trini Lopez and did a Vietnam USO tour with Johnny Rivers and Ann-Margret, entertaining the troops. Jones was awarded 17 gold records from his musical career.

After the break-up of The First Edition in 1976, Jones concentrated on acting. He appeared in memorable roles on Flo, the short-lived spin-off to the CBS sitcom Alice, as a crooked mechanic/sheriff in National Lampoon's Vacation, and as Chris Farber in the television series, V. Jones had a recurring role as Pete Bilker on the ABC sitcom Home Improvement.

He appeared in the movies Starman (1984) and Total Recall (1990). In 1996, he appeared in Sling Blade as the drummer in the band, and in the movie Tin Cup, with fellow character actor Dennis Burkley.

In 2005, he contributed to the documentary, No Direction Home: Bob Dylan.

In 2009, Jones published his autobiography That Would Be Me, the title based on the catchphrase often used by his character on Home Improvement.

Jones died following a lengthy but unspecified illness on February 7, 2018, aged 76. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Jean Starr, and their two children.

2/7/201864Pat TorpeyMr. Big, drummerParkinson's Disease

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Pat Torpey

December 13, 1953 - February 7, 2018

Pat Torpey, drummer and backing vocalist for the rock band Mr. Big, has died at age 64.

In 1992, Mr. Big's international hit song "To Be With You" was no.1 in the U.S. and fifteen other countries and top five in many more.

In addition to his work with Mr. Big, Torpey also played for John Parr, Belinda Carlisle, Robert Plant, Montrose, Richie Kotzen and The Knack.

2/3/201865Leon "Ndugu" Chanclerjazz drummer

Rest in Peace
Leon "Ndugu" Chancler

July 1, 1952 - February 3, 2018

Leon "Ndugu" Chancler, a prolific jazz drummer, producer, session musician and university professor who played drums on Michael Jackson's classic "Billie Jean," died at age 65.

He worked with George Benson, Stanley Clarke, The Crusaders, George Duke, Herbie Hancock, John Lee Hooker, Hubert Laws, Thelonious Monk, Jean-Luc Ponty, Lionel Richie, Kenny Rogers, Patrice Rushen, Santana, Frank Sinatra, Donna Summer, The Temptations, Tina Turner, and Weather Report.

In 2006, he became an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California.

2/1/201874Dennis EdwardsTemptations, vocalistStrokeChicago, Illinois

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Dennis Edwards

February 3, 1943 - February 1, 2018

Dennis Edwards, former lead singer for Motown pioneers the Temptations, has died at the age of 74.

Edwards was a member of the Temptations from 1968 until 1977, replacing the late David Ruffin. He sang on several hits, including "I Can't Get Next to You," "Ball of Confusion" and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone." He rejoined the group from 1980 to 1984 and 1987 to 1989.

In 1984, he scored a solo hit with "Don't Look Any Further" (featuring Siedah Garrett).

Dennis Edwards was briefly married to Ruth Pointer, whom he wed in Las Vegas in 1977. The couple had one daughter, Issa Pointer, who became a member of her mother's vocal group, The Pointer Sisters. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Temptations in 1989.

1/24/201860Mark E. SmithThe Fall, vocalist Manchester, England

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Mark E. Smith

March 5, 1957 - January 24, 2018

Mark Edward Smith was the lead singer of the post-punk group The Fall, which he led from 1976 until his death.

He died at his home in Prestwich, England, at the age of 60.

1/23/201878Hugh Masekelajazz trumpeterProstate CancerJohannesburg, South Africa

Rest in Peace
Hugh Masekela

April 4, 1939 - January 23, 2018

Hugh Masekela, South-African jazz trumpeter and anti-apartheid activist who played with the Byrds and Paul Simon, has died. He was 78.

Masekela was known for writing well-known anti-apartheid songs such as "Soweto Blues" and "Bring Him Back Home". He also had a number 1 US pop hit in 1968 with his version of "Grazing in the Grass". He played primarily in jazz ensembles, but also on popular recordings by The Byrds ("So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star" and "Lady Friend") and Paul Simon ("Further to Fly").

He appeared at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, and was subsequently featured in the film Monterey Pop by D. A. Pennebaker.

1/20/201876Jim RodfordArgent / Kinks / Zombies, bassistFallSt Albans, England

Photo (c) 2006 Steve Covault
Jim Rodford

July 7, 1941 - January 20, 2018

James Walter Rodford, long time bass guitarist for Argent, The Kinks and the modern version of the Zombies, has died after a fall down a stairway at his home in England. He was 76.

Rodford joined with his cousin, Rod Argent, to form Argent in 1969. They are best remembered for their 1972 hit "Hold Your Head Up." Another hit followed with "God Gave Rock & Roll to You", later covered by Kiss.

In 1978, Rodford joined the Kinks as a bass guitarist and played with them until their final breakup in 1996. He played on every Kinks album from 1979's Low Budget to 1993's Phobia, the band's final LP before their breakup.

Rodford never played with the Zombies in the 1960s, despite having been closely involved with them. However, he began to play bass guitar in the band's 2004 reincarnation, with his son Steve on drums. He played with the reunited Zombies until the time of his death.

1/16/201869Dave HollandJudas Priest / Trapeze, drummer Lugo, Spain

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Dave Holland

April 5, 1948 - January 16, 2018

Dave Holland, drummer for Judas Priest from 1979 until 1989, has died at his home in Spain. He was 69.

During his time with Judas Priest the band recorded classics such as 'British Steel,' 'Screaming for Vengeance' and 'Defenders of the Faith.' He died on Jan. 16 at a hospital in Lugo, Spain, where he was living. A cause of death was not given.

1/15/201846Dolores O'RiordanCranberries, vocalistDrownedLondon, England

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Dolores O'Riordan

September 6, 1971 - January 15, 2018

Dolores O'Riordan was an Irish singer, songwriter, and leader of the rock band The Cranberries from 1990 until their breakup in 2003. The Cranberries formed in the late 1980s in the Irish city of Limerick and had international hits with songs including "Dream," "Linger" and "Zombie."

On the morning of January 15th 2018, O'Riordan was found dead at the London Hilton hotel in Mayfair. She was 46. She was in London for a recording session.

In September 2018, a London coroner's inquest found that O'Riordan died by accidental drowning after drinking. O'Riordan was wearing pajamas when found submerged in her hotel bathtub. Nearby, five miniature alcohol bottles and a bottle of champagne were found, and toxicology tests revealed a blood alcohol level four times the legal limit for driving.

1/15/201874Edwin Hawkinsgospel singerPancreatic CancerPleasanton, California

Rest in Peace
Edwin Hawkins

August 19, 1943 - January 15, 2018

Edwin Hawkins, a gospel singer known for his arrangement of "Oh Happy Day!", has died in California at age 74.

Hawkins sold several million copies of "Oh Happy Day!" and was awarded a Grammy for his work. The Edwin Hawkins Singers also had success with folk singer Melanie, backing her on her song about performing at the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)".

1/14/201867Barbara CopegroupieHouse FireEast Dallas, Texas

Rest in Peace
Barbara Cope

"The Butter Queen"
1950 - January 14, 2018

Barbara Cope was an American rock and roll groupie, known in the late 1960s and early 1970s as "The Butter Queen".

Cope allegedly earned her nickname from using Land O'Lakes butter during sexual encounters with rock stars. She claims to have had sex with more than 2000 musicians.

She toured with Traffic and Jimi Hendrix before joining up with Joe Cocker in 1970. She is featured in a seven-minute segment of the 1971 Cocker documentary film Mad Dogs & Englishmen.

She is referenced in the song "Rip This Joint" by The Rolling Stones:
Down to New Orleans with the Dixie Dean
'Cross to Dallas, Texas with the Butter Queen

Elton John said he "got along with her famously." Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant dedicated the song "Dazed & Confused" to her on stage in 1973, and a number of the band's bootleg tracks are named after her.

Barbara Cope died in a fire at her mother's home in East Dallas on the morning of January 14, 2018. She was 67 and is survived by a son.

1/10/201867Eddie ClarkeMotörhead, guitarist London, England

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Eddie Clarke

October 5, 1950 - January 10, 2018

Motörhead Guitarist Eddie Clarke has died after being admitted to a London hospital with pneumonia.

Clarke was the last-surviving member of Motörhead's original lineup. Known as "Fast Eddie" for his lightning-quick skills on the guitar, Clarke joined drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor and singer/bassist Ian Fraser "Lemmy" Kilmister to form Motörhead.

He sang lead vocals on five Motörhead songs: "Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers" (on which he traded vocals with Lemmy), "I'm Your Witchdoctor" (on which he duets vocals with Lemmy), "Step Down" and an alternative version of "Stone Dead Forever" (which later appeared on the Bomber Deluxe Edition), and "Emergency" one of the B-side tracks on The St. Valentine's Day Massacre EP.

Clarke left Motörhead in 1982.

1/7/201861Chris Tsangaridesproducerpneumonia and heart failure

Rest in Peace
Chris Tsangarides

August 17, 1956 - January 7, 2018

Christopher Andrew Tsangarides was a British Grammy-nominated record producer and sound engineer. He was best known for his work with heavy metal bands, including Judas Priest, Anvil, Gary Moore, Thin Lizzy, Helloween, Angra, Anthem, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Tygers of Pan Tang.

1/5/201876Ray ThomasMoody Blues, vocalistCancerLondon, England

Rest in Peace
Ray Thomas

December 29, 1941 - January 5, 2018

Ray Thomas, flautist, vocalist and founding member of the Moody Blues, has died at age 76.

Thomas appeared on all of the Moody Blues albums, including their classic LPs like Days of Future Passed, In Search of the Lost Chord, A Question of Balance and Every Good Boy Deserves Favour. He continued to work with the band until his retirement in 2002 after suffering from a series of health issues.

1/2/201885Rick Hallowner of FAME StudiosMuscle Shoals, Alabama

Rest in Peace
Rick Hall

January 31, 1932 - January 2, 2018

Rick Hall, owner of FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, influential in recording country and soul music, has died at age 85.

Rick Hall produced dozens of soul and country hits and worked with many great artists including Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Duane Allman and Etta James.

As a songwriter, Rick Hall had his first successes in the late 1950s, when George Jones recorded his song "Achin', Breakin' Heart", Brenda Lee recorded "She'll Never Know", and Roy Orbison recorded "Sweet and Innocent".

In 1960, Hall started a company based in Florence, Alabama and named it Fame (Florence Alabama Music Enterprises). Producer Sam Phillips , originally from Florence, Alabama, was an early mentor.

Hall's life and career are profiled in the 2013 documentary film Muscle Shoals.

1/2/201874Tony CalderBeatles, promoter London, England

Rest in Peace
Tony Calder

June 27, 1943 - January 2, 2018

Tony Calder, a music promoter who worked with the Beatles, Rolling Stones and others, has died at a London Hospital following a battle with pneumonia. He was 74.

In 1962, Calder was hired by Brian Epstein to promote The Beatles single "Love Me Do," helping to kick-start the Beatles' career.

The following year, pop impresario Andrew Oldham and Calder merged their clientele to set up the UK's first independent PR-pop company, 'IMAGE.' The company handled the day-to-day management of the Rolling Stones, and later the promotion of the Beach Boys via their publishing contract.

In early 1965, Calder worked with Marianne Faithfull, producing her biggest hits "Come and Stay With Me", and "This Little Bird". In 1965 Calder and Oldham formed Immediate Records, the first major independent label in the UK, eventually responsible for acts like The Small Faces, Fleetwood Mac, Rod Stewart, The McCoys, Chris Farlowe, Amen Corner, P.P. Arnold and The Nice.

In 1975, Calder was appointed CEO of NEMS Records, where he signed Black Sabbath, Pluto and Marianne Faithfull.


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