Jefferson Airplane Co-Founder Marty Balin R.I.P.
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/musi ... 76-730912/
The Musician Death Thread
Otis Rush, Influential Blues Singer and Guitarist, R.I.P.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/29/arts ... Obituaries
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/29/arts ... Obituaries
Johnstown area keyboardist and vocalist Danny Livingston R.I.P.
Daniel C. Livingston
September 3, 1953 - November 2, 2018
Livingston, Daniel Carson; 65, East Taylor, ended his physical journey on this life path and began his spiritual return back to the garden as Stardust on November 2, 2018. He passed in his wife’s arms with his beloved canine companion Riley by his side at their home. Preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Mary Livingston and brother Eric; he is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Kalina) Livingston, and his siblings; James Livingston married to Barbara; Charleene Livingston-Novic married to Doug; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Dan’s first love was music beginning at age 14. He was an extraordinary keyboard player and singer in numerous bands including, Kindred Spirit, Roscoe, Everwind, Down to the Wire, and Vice. He also played warm up for The Guess Who, Steppenwolf, Fog Hat and other big bands while under the management of Danny Kresky Enterprises in Pittsburgh. But Dan’s talents did not end with him being a great musician and entertainer. He was a master mechanic, builder, and inventor. Dan was also passionate about sick children. He asked that his hair be donated to “Locks of Love� to help children who are dealing with the ravages of Cancer. At Dan’s request, there will be no viewing or funeral services. Instead, a Memorial Service by family member Pastor Russ Peruso and an Outdoor Celebration of Life will be held at the Livingston Family Home on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 30th, 2019. As Dan was such a unique, at times bigger than life personality, the family is asking that all who had the experience of knowing him to please bring a ‘favorite Dan Livingston’ story, memory or quote to share at the Celebration. These memories will be compiled into a book entitled “The World According to Dan�. The family would like to thank Hospice nurses, specifically Sarah Stiffler, for their compassionate service. Arrangements in care of Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., “Exclusive Provider of Veterans & Family Memorial Care.� Condolences may be made at HindmanFuneralHomes.com
Daniel C. Livingston
September 3, 1953 - November 2, 2018
Livingston, Daniel Carson; 65, East Taylor, ended his physical journey on this life path and began his spiritual return back to the garden as Stardust on November 2, 2018. He passed in his wife’s arms with his beloved canine companion Riley by his side at their home. Preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Mary Livingston and brother Eric; he is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Kalina) Livingston, and his siblings; James Livingston married to Barbara; Charleene Livingston-Novic married to Doug; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Dan’s first love was music beginning at age 14. He was an extraordinary keyboard player and singer in numerous bands including, Kindred Spirit, Roscoe, Everwind, Down to the Wire, and Vice. He also played warm up for The Guess Who, Steppenwolf, Fog Hat and other big bands while under the management of Danny Kresky Enterprises in Pittsburgh. But Dan’s talents did not end with him being a great musician and entertainer. He was a master mechanic, builder, and inventor. Dan was also passionate about sick children. He asked that his hair be donated to “Locks of Love� to help children who are dealing with the ravages of Cancer. At Dan’s request, there will be no viewing or funeral services. Instead, a Memorial Service by family member Pastor Russ Peruso and an Outdoor Celebration of Life will be held at the Livingston Family Home on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 30th, 2019. As Dan was such a unique, at times bigger than life personality, the family is asking that all who had the experience of knowing him to please bring a ‘favorite Dan Livingston’ story, memory or quote to share at the Celebration. These memories will be compiled into a book entitled “The World According to Dan�. The family would like to thank Hospice nurses, specifically Sarah Stiffler, for their compassionate service. Arrangements in care of Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., “Exclusive Provider of Veterans & Family Memorial Care.� Condolences may be made at HindmanFuneralHomes.com
Johnstown area musician, sound man, and recording studio owner, Rick Vrabel, R.I.P.
Rick was a wonderful friend to many area musicians and will be greatly missed.
Richard L. Vrabel
November 30, 1950 - November 25, 2018, 67, of Lower Yoder Township, Johnstown area. Born son of John and Sabina (Barna) Vrabel. At Rick's request, there will be no services. Those he left behind say Thank You for being a friend. Moskal-Reid funeral home is in charge of arrangements.
Rick was a wonderful friend to many area musicians and will be greatly missed.
Richard L. Vrabel
November 30, 1950 - November 25, 2018, 67, of Lower Yoder Township, Johnstown area. Born son of John and Sabina (Barna) Vrabel. At Rick's request, there will be no services. Those he left behind say Thank You for being a friend. Moskal-Reid funeral home is in charge of arrangements.
Pete Shelley of The Buzzcocks R.I.P.
Pete Shelley, the lead singer and co-founder of Buzzcocks, has died, the BBC reports. He was 63 years old. According to the BBC, Shelley died in Estonia where he had been living. The suspected cause of death is a heart attack.
Pete Shelley formed Buzzcocks with Howard Devoto in the mid-1970s. The band made its live debut in 1976, opening for the Sex Pistols in Manchester. The next year, they released their debut Spiral Scratch EP Devoto left the group shortly after. Buzzcocks went on to release three albums before their initial breakup in 1981. Their early singles from 1977 to ’79 were collected on the revered 1979 compilation Singles Going Steady, which includes “Everybody’s Happy Nowadays,� “What Do I Get,� “Ever Fallen in Love,� and more.
Shelley released numerous solo albums before the band reunited in 1989. Buzzcocks’ ninth and most recent album, The Way, came out in 2014.
Pete Shelley, the lead singer and co-founder of Buzzcocks, has died, the BBC reports. He was 63 years old. According to the BBC, Shelley died in Estonia where he had been living. The suspected cause of death is a heart attack.
Pete Shelley formed Buzzcocks with Howard Devoto in the mid-1970s. The band made its live debut in 1976, opening for the Sex Pistols in Manchester. The next year, they released their debut Spiral Scratch EP Devoto left the group shortly after. Buzzcocks went on to release three albums before their initial breakup in 1981. Their early singles from 1977 to ’79 were collected on the revered 1979 compilation Singles Going Steady, which includes “Everybody’s Happy Nowadays,� “What Do I Get,� “Ever Fallen in Love,� and more.
Shelley released numerous solo albums before the band reunited in 1989. Buzzcocks’ ninth and most recent album, The Way, came out in 2014.
Local vocalist and musician John Shaffer R.I.P.
Shaffer, John B., 64, Windber passed away peacefully Dec. 8, 2018.Born Apr. 24, 1954 in Johnstown son of Harry and Dorothy “Fern� (Garrettson) Shaffer. Preceded in death by parents, brother Norman Rager, and his biological parents Ray and Marcella (Brudar) Rager who he had the pleasure to meet prior to their deaths. Survived by loving wife of 46 ½ years former Rebecca “Becky� Coolbaugh and loving son John B. Shaffer, Jr., Windber, & special daughter-in-law Jenn Deneen. Grandfather to his special buddy John B. Shaffer, III, and his “Pappy’s little sweetheart� granddaughter Katie A. Shaffer. Brother to Harry (Barbara) Shaffer, Ray (Diane) Rager, Glenn Rager, Richard Rager, Kenneth (Peggy) Rager, Debra Miranda, Rose Marie Christy, & Nathan Troutman. John sang and played in numerous bands in the area. There will be no viewing or visitation but a memorial service will be planned for a later date that will be publish in the newspaper Arrangements by Meek & Dalla Valle Funeral Home, Inc., Windber. On-line condolences at www.meekfuneralhome.com
Shaffer, John B., 64, Windber passed away peacefully Dec. 8, 2018.Born Apr. 24, 1954 in Johnstown son of Harry and Dorothy “Fern� (Garrettson) Shaffer. Preceded in death by parents, brother Norman Rager, and his biological parents Ray and Marcella (Brudar) Rager who he had the pleasure to meet prior to their deaths. Survived by loving wife of 46 ½ years former Rebecca “Becky� Coolbaugh and loving son John B. Shaffer, Jr., Windber, & special daughter-in-law Jenn Deneen. Grandfather to his special buddy John B. Shaffer, III, and his “Pappy’s little sweetheart� granddaughter Katie A. Shaffer. Brother to Harry (Barbara) Shaffer, Ray (Diane) Rager, Glenn Rager, Richard Rager, Kenneth (Peggy) Rager, Debra Miranda, Rose Marie Christy, & Nathan Troutman. John sang and played in numerous bands in the area. There will be no viewing or visitation but a memorial service will be planned for a later date that will be publish in the newspaper Arrangements by Meek & Dalla Valle Funeral Home, Inc., Windber. On-line condolences at www.meekfuneralhome.com
Daryl Dragon of The Captain & Tennille R.I.P.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ ... 76-1172534
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ ... 76-1172534
Reggie Young, renowned session guitarist, R.I.P.
BY KRISTIN M. HALL
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
NASHVILLE, Tenn. â€" Guitarist Reggie Young, a Memphis- and Nashville-based session player whose signature licks defined hit records from Elvis, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and many more, has died.
He was 82.
Friend and fellow Nashville Cats session musician David Briggs said Young died Thursday at his home in Nashville, Tennessee.
Young started his illustrious career in Memphis, where he was an in-demand session player working with acclaimed producer Chips Moman, and opened for the Beatles with the Bill Black Combo in 1964. At Moman’s American Studio in Memphis, he played the signature sitar intro on “Hooked on a Feeling,� by B.J. Thomas, and played guitar on “Son of a Preacher Man� by Dusty Springfield, “Sweet Caroline� by Neil Diamond, and “Suspicious Minds� by Elvis Presley.
After moving to Nashville in the 1970s, he became part of the Nashville Cats session players recording hundreds of songs for top country stars. Young added guitar to No. 1 records including “ Luckenbach, Texas,�
by Jennings, “Pancho and Lefty� by Nelson and Merle Haggard and “Always On My Mind,� by Nelson. When the Highwaymen super group formed between Nelson, Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson, Young played on their No. 1 records and even toured with them.
His first-ever album, containing a collection of hits he played on from Memphis to Nashville, was due out later this month through London- based record label Ace.
BY KRISTIN M. HALL
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
NASHVILLE, Tenn. â€" Guitarist Reggie Young, a Memphis- and Nashville-based session player whose signature licks defined hit records from Elvis, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and many more, has died.
He was 82.
Friend and fellow Nashville Cats session musician David Briggs said Young died Thursday at his home in Nashville, Tennessee.
Young started his illustrious career in Memphis, where he was an in-demand session player working with acclaimed producer Chips Moman, and opened for the Beatles with the Bill Black Combo in 1964. At Moman’s American Studio in Memphis, he played the signature sitar intro on “Hooked on a Feeling,� by B.J. Thomas, and played guitar on “Son of a Preacher Man� by Dusty Springfield, “Sweet Caroline� by Neil Diamond, and “Suspicious Minds� by Elvis Presley.
After moving to Nashville in the 1970s, he became part of the Nashville Cats session players recording hundreds of songs for top country stars. Young added guitar to No. 1 records including “ Luckenbach, Texas,�
by Jennings, “Pancho and Lefty� by Nelson and Merle Haggard and “Always On My Mind,� by Nelson. When the Highwaymen super group formed between Nelson, Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson, Young played on their No. 1 records and even toured with them.
His first-ever album, containing a collection of hits he played on from Memphis to Nashville, was due out later this month through London- based record label Ace.
Country music guitarist Harold Bradley R.I.P.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/31/obit ... -dead.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/31/obit ... -dead.html
Peter Tork of The Monkees R.I.P.
Monkees bassist and singer Peter Tork (Peter Halsten Thorkelson), who played with the group from their earliest days as a made-for-TV band in the Sixites through their recent reunion tours, died Thursday of unknown causes. He was 77. Tork’s sister, Anne Thorkelson confirmed the musician's death to The Washington Post.
Monkees bassist and singer Peter Tork (Peter Halsten Thorkelson), who played with the group from their earliest days as a made-for-TV band in the Sixites through their recent reunion tours, died Thursday of unknown causes. He was 77. Tork’s sister, Anne Thorkelson confirmed the musician's death to The Washington Post.
Paul Whaley, Blue Cheer's drummer from 1967-69 and also through several reunions, has died on January 28, 2019. He was 72.
He passed away at his home in Regensburg, Germany. The cause of death was heart failure.
Born in Vallejo, Calif., on Jan. 14, 1947, Whaley began his professional career in his teens, playing with a garage band called the Oxford Circle, opening up for many of the groups that would soon define the Bay Area scene.
Their landmark debut album, Vincebus Eruptum, arrived in early 1968. The album's cover of Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues" became a Top 20 hit, and its overall sound helped define what would soon be called heavy metal.
He passed away at his home in Regensburg, Germany. The cause of death was heart failure.
Born in Vallejo, Calif., on Jan. 14, 1947, Whaley began his professional career in his teens, playing with a garage band called the Oxford Circle, opening up for many of the groups that would soon define the Bay Area scene.
Their landmark debut album, Vincebus Eruptum, arrived in early 1968. The album's cover of Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues" became a Top 20 hit, and its overall sound helped define what would soon be called heavy metal.
Asa Dickinson III passed away at age 58 on Wednesday, March 6. Asa was among the first people I met when I started covering and writing about the Altoona area music scene; I first met him in the 1980s when he ran lights with The Front, and he was involved with some of John McKelvey's other projects such as The Housepets and the Beau Hunx (which he played keys for). As the obituary says, Asa also ran camera for Fox 8 television locally and for a Fox station in Florida. As I recall, he also used to share local music videos and songs on Altoona's local access cable.
http://www.altoonamirror.com/obituaries ... inson-iii/
http://www.altoonamirror.com/obituaries ... inson-iii/
Hal Blaine, Wrecking Crew Drummer and Rock Hall of Fame Member, Dies at 90
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/hal ... 36746.html
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/hal ... 36746.html