Alto Reed (Thomas Cartmell) Bob Seger & Silver Bullet Band Member R.I.P.
Alto Reed, who played saxophone for multiplatinum Bob Seger's Silver Bullet Band for nearly half a century, died Wednesday of colon cancer. He was 72.
Seger posted a note about his “lifelong friend and bandmateâ€� on social media: “He was amazing â€" he could play just about anything,â€� he wrote. “In our band, he was the rock star.â€�
Born Thomas Cartmell in Detroit in 1948, Reed was known for his showmanship onstage and his signature sax riff on “Turn the Page.� He first started playing with Seger in the early 1970s, played on its Back in ’72 albums and joined the band for its first headlining arena shows at Detroit’s Cobo Hall. By 1974, he was a full-fledged member of the Silver Bullet Band, which was about to break nationally with “Live� Bullet (1976), which was recorded at Cobo Hall and featured a scorching version of the Reed-fueled “Turn the Page� that remains a staple on classic rock radio.
The Musician Death Thread
Phyllis McGuire, the last surviving member of the three singing McGuire Sisters who topped the charts with several hits in the 1950s, has died. She was 89.
The lead singer and younger sister of Dorothy and Christine McGuire died on Tuesday in Las Vegas, the Palm Eastern Mortuary and Cemetery confirmed on Thursday. A cause of death was not provided.
Known for their sweet harmonies and identical outfits and hairdos, the McGuire Sisters earned six gold records for hits including 1954′s “Sincerely� and 1957′s “Sugartime.�
The lead singer and younger sister of Dorothy and Christine McGuire died on Tuesday in Las Vegas, the Palm Eastern Mortuary and Cemetery confirmed on Thursday. A cause of death was not provided.
Known for their sweet harmonies and identical outfits and hairdos, the McGuire Sisters earned six gold records for hits including 1954′s “Sincerely� and 1957′s “Sugartime.�
Mick Bolton, who played keyboards with Mott the Hoople and Dexy's Midnight Runners, passes at age 72.
https://bestclassicbands.com/mick-bolto ... ys-1-1-21/
https://bestclassicbands.com/mick-bolto ... ys-1-1-21/
Former Children Of Bodom Guitarist & Singer Alexi Laiho R.I.P.
Alexi Laiho, former singer and guitarist of Finnish metal outfit Children Of Bodom, died due to complications from unspecified “long-term health issues,� according to statements from his label, Napalm Records, and most recent band. He was 41.
Alexi Laiho, former singer and guitarist of Finnish metal outfit Children Of Bodom, died due to complications from unspecified “long-term health issues,� according to statements from his label, Napalm Records, and most recent band. He was 41.
Ed Bruce, a singer, songwriter and actor best known for co-writing enduring country hit "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys," died Friday at age 81.
He spent more than a decade writing and recording modest hits â€" including "See The Big Man Cry," a top 10 single for Charlie Louvin in 1965, and a 1967 cover of The Monkees' "Last Train To Clarksville" â€" before reaching the top 20 on country charts with his 1975 version of "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys." Bruce co-wrote the number with Patsy Bruce, his wife at the time.
He spent more than a decade writing and recording modest hits â€" including "See The Big Man Cry," a top 10 single for Charlie Louvin in 1965, and a 1967 cover of The Monkees' "Last Train To Clarksville" â€" before reaching the top 20 on country charts with his 1975 version of "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys." Bruce co-wrote the number with Patsy Bruce, his wife at the time.
Tim Bogert, who played bass with Vanilla Fudge, Cactus and Jeff Beck (in the supergroup Beck, Bogert & Appice) has passed at age 76.
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tim ... 42707.html
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tim ... 42707.html
New York Dolls guitarist Sylvain Sylvain has passed from cancer at age 69.
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/musi ... d-1114962/
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/musi ... d-1114962/
Hilton Valentine, guitarist for the Animals, passes at age 77.
https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/31/entertai ... index.html
https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/31/entertai ... index.html
Singer, Guitarist, Songwriter Jim Weatherly R.I.P.
Weatherly, a singer-songwriter who penned a number of hits, including "Midnight Train to Georgia," "Neither One of Us" and "Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me." died at his home in Brentwood, Tenn., on Feb. 3 at age 77 of natural causes.
There's an unexpected twist to the journey Weatherly took in writing "Midnight Train to Georgia." It began with a 1970 phone call to a friend, actor Lee Majors, whose then girlfriend, Farah Fawcett, answered the phone. Weatherly said he originally called the song "Midnight Plane to Houston," inspired by something Fawcett told him.
"During the course of the conversation, she mentioned she was packing her clothes and she was going to take the midnight plane to Houston to visit her family. 'Midnight plane to Houston' got kind of stuck in my mind in bold letters. When I got off the phone, I wrote 'Midnight Plane to Houston' in about 30 to 45 minutes."
Weatherly recorded the song himself under that title. His publisher wanted to give the song to Cissy Houston, but she said, "My people are originally from Georgia and they didn't take planes to Houston or anywhere else." Making the change was fine with Weatherly. "We were both in agreement that we would let the artist make the song what they could sing to make it something they could believe". Houston recorded the song, but it was Gladys Knight & The Pips who turned it into a smash hit.
Gladys Knight and the Pips have recorded thirteen Weatherly compositions and many of his songs were recorded by others in addition to his own recordings.
https://youtu.be/VZ1pNHHYzTg
Weatherly, a singer-songwriter who penned a number of hits, including "Midnight Train to Georgia," "Neither One of Us" and "Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me." died at his home in Brentwood, Tenn., on Feb. 3 at age 77 of natural causes.
There's an unexpected twist to the journey Weatherly took in writing "Midnight Train to Georgia." It began with a 1970 phone call to a friend, actor Lee Majors, whose then girlfriend, Farah Fawcett, answered the phone. Weatherly said he originally called the song "Midnight Plane to Houston," inspired by something Fawcett told him.
"During the course of the conversation, she mentioned she was packing her clothes and she was going to take the midnight plane to Houston to visit her family. 'Midnight plane to Houston' got kind of stuck in my mind in bold letters. When I got off the phone, I wrote 'Midnight Plane to Houston' in about 30 to 45 minutes."
Weatherly recorded the song himself under that title. His publisher wanted to give the song to Cissy Houston, but she said, "My people are originally from Georgia and they didn't take planes to Houston or anywhere else." Making the change was fine with Weatherly. "We were both in agreement that we would let the artist make the song what they could sing to make it something they could believe". Houston recorded the song, but it was Gladys Knight & The Pips who turned it into a smash hit.
Gladys Knight and the Pips have recorded thirteen Weatherly compositions and many of his songs were recorded by others in addition to his own recordings.
https://youtu.be/VZ1pNHHYzTg
The Supremes founding member Mary Wilson passes at age 76.
https://www.npr.org/2021/02/09/96571344 ... dies-at-76
https://www.npr.org/2021/02/09/96571344 ... dies-at-76
Pittsburgh singer and bandleader Jimmy Sapienza, who fronted the long-running group Jimmy Sapienza and Five Guys Named Moe, died of kidney disease at age 71. He and his group played venues and events throughout western PA, including the Flood City Music Festival in Johnstown and the Italian Food Festival at Delgrosso's Amusement Park in Tipton.
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2 ... 2102080065
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2 ... 2102080065
Chick Corea R.I.P.
Chick Corea, the virtuosic keyboardist who broadened the scope of jazz during a career spanning more than five decades, died on Tuesday from a rare form of cancer. A post on his Facebook page confirmed the news. Corea was 79.
In the early Sixties, Corea established himself as an A-list pianist, working with Stan Getz, Herbie Mann, and others. Later in the decade, he joined Miles Davis’ band and played a key role in helping the trumpeter make the transition to a more contemporary, plugged-in sound on albums like Bitches Brew. Following his work with Davis, he formed his own groundbreaking electric band, Return to Forever, which played some of the most vibrant and dynamic music of the fusion era. In the ensuing decades, Corea threw himself into countless projects, showing off his limitless range â€" from a duo with vibraphonist Gary Burton to his trendsetting Elektric Band. His most recent album, the 2020 live solo disc Plays, showed off his wildly diverse skill set and body of influences, touching on classical pieces, bebop, and more.
Chick Corea, the virtuosic keyboardist who broadened the scope of jazz during a career spanning more than five decades, died on Tuesday from a rare form of cancer. A post on his Facebook page confirmed the news. Corea was 79.
In the early Sixties, Corea established himself as an A-list pianist, working with Stan Getz, Herbie Mann, and others. Later in the decade, he joined Miles Davis’ band and played a key role in helping the trumpeter make the transition to a more contemporary, plugged-in sound on albums like Bitches Brew. Following his work with Davis, he formed his own groundbreaking electric band, Return to Forever, which played some of the most vibrant and dynamic music of the fusion era. In the ensuing decades, Corea threw himself into countless projects, showing off his limitless range â€" from a duo with vibraphonist Gary Burton to his trendsetting Elektric Band. His most recent album, the 2020 live solo disc Plays, showed off his wildly diverse skill set and body of influences, touching on classical pieces, bebop, and more.
Reggae Musician Bunny Wailer â€" Founding Member of the Wailers R.I.P.
Bunny Wailer, a founding member of the Wailers and a reggae music giant whose career spanned seven decades, has died at the age of 73.
Wailer’s manager, Maxine Stowe, confirmed that Wailer died on Tuesday at the Medical Associates Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica. No cause of death was given, but Wailer had been in and out of the hospital since suffering his second stroke, in 2020.
Wailer, born Neville Livingstone â€" before adopting his famous moniker, he was also known as Bunny Livingstone â€" was a member of the original Wailers trio with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.
Bunny Wailer, a founding member of the Wailers and a reggae music giant whose career spanned seven decades, has died at the age of 73.
Wailer’s manager, Maxine Stowe, confirmed that Wailer died on Tuesday at the Medical Associates Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica. No cause of death was given, but Wailer had been in and out of the hospital since suffering his second stroke, in 2020.
Wailer, born Neville Livingstone â€" before adopting his famous moniker, he was also known as Bunny Livingstone â€" was a member of the original Wailers trio with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.
Area Musician John "Shorty" J. Eicher R.I.P.
January 29, 1945 - February 27, 2021
EICHERâ€" John J., 'Jack', 76, Cumming, GA., formerly of Johnstown went to Heaven into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior. Jack passed away peacefully on February 27, 2021 at home with both his children by his side. He joined his fishing buddies who went before him. Born on January 29, 1945 in Johnstown, son of the late Jack D. and Anna Mary (Markferding) Eicher. Survived by daughter, Lori M. and husband, Buck Wolfhope, Magnolia, N.J; son, Scott M. and wife Jo, Cumming, GA; grandchildren, Natasha, Logan, Angelece Wolfhope, all of Magnolia, N.J; brother, Jeffrey L. Johnstown and an aunt, Josephine 'Aunt Jo' Markferding and her family, all of Johnstown, PA. Also survived by special friend, Barb
Eicher, Magnolia, N.J. Jack was retired from Bethlehem Steel. Playing the steel guitar was his passion. Playing country western music in various groups also playing music on Sundays with his church friends at Greater Johnstown Christian Fellowship, Johnstown. Jack was loved by everyone who met him. His wonderful smile and joyous laughter will be truly missed by all who knew him. He is now playing music in Heaven with a band of angels. Due to Covid-19, his family has decided not to have a public viewing or service. Private inurnment will be held at the convenience of the family. The family is being served by the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Parkinson's Foundation at www.Parkinson.org in Jack's name. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.co m.
January 29, 1945 - February 27, 2021
EICHERâ€" John J., 'Jack', 76, Cumming, GA., formerly of Johnstown went to Heaven into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior. Jack passed away peacefully on February 27, 2021 at home with both his children by his side. He joined his fishing buddies who went before him. Born on January 29, 1945 in Johnstown, son of the late Jack D. and Anna Mary (Markferding) Eicher. Survived by daughter, Lori M. and husband, Buck Wolfhope, Magnolia, N.J; son, Scott M. and wife Jo, Cumming, GA; grandchildren, Natasha, Logan, Angelece Wolfhope, all of Magnolia, N.J; brother, Jeffrey L. Johnstown and an aunt, Josephine 'Aunt Jo' Markferding and her family, all of Johnstown, PA. Also survived by special friend, Barb
Eicher, Magnolia, N.J. Jack was retired from Bethlehem Steel. Playing the steel guitar was his passion. Playing country western music in various groups also playing music on Sundays with his church friends at Greater Johnstown Christian Fellowship, Johnstown. Jack was loved by everyone who met him. His wonderful smile and joyous laughter will be truly missed by all who knew him. He is now playing music in Heaven with a band of angels. Due to Covid-19, his family has decided not to have a public viewing or service. Private inurnment will be held at the convenience of the family. The family is being served by the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Parkinson's Foundation at www.Parkinson.org in Jack's name. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.co m.
Michael Stanley, legendary rocker of The Michael Stanley Band and radio host, dies at 72 after battle with lung cancer.
Michael Stanley, who became known nationally for songs like “He Can’t Love You,� “Lover,� “Falling in Love Again and “My Town.� and was the very symbol of rock ‘n roll for decades in the city of Cleveland. He died Friday at age 72. The cause of death was lung cancer that had been diagnosed seven months earlier.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertai ... 609926001/
Michael Stanley, who became known nationally for songs like “He Can’t Love You,� “Lover,� “Falling in Love Again and “My Town.� and was the very symbol of rock ‘n roll for decades in the city of Cleveland. He died Friday at age 72. The cause of death was lung cancer that had been diagnosed seven months earlier.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertai ... 609926001/
Although not a musician...Lou Ottens - the inventor of the cassette tape - has passed at age 94. Thanks to him, I could "illegally download" songs off the radio or stereo record player long before mp3's came along.
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/musi ... 2WY-nbf3Bg
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/musi ... 2WY-nbf3Bg
Morris "B.B." Dickerson, bassist, vocalist, and one of the founding members of the legendary funk rock band War, died on Friday at a Long Beach hospital after a long battle with an undisclosed illness, according to Billboard.
Born in Southern California, Dickerson was one of the seven musicians â€" along with his uncle Howard E. Scott â€" who teamed up with band creator Eric Burdon to form War. They released their first album "Eric Burdon Declares 'War'" in 1970 and swiftly won over fans with their groundbreaking, genre-defying sound. The band reached new heights in 1973 with their fifth album, "The World Is A Ghetto," which became the top-selling album of the year while its single, "The Cisco Kid," hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Born in Southern California, Dickerson was one of the seven musicians â€" along with his uncle Howard E. Scott â€" who teamed up with band creator Eric Burdon to form War. They released their first album "Eric Burdon Declares 'War'" in 1970 and swiftly won over fans with their groundbreaking, genre-defying sound. The band reached new heights in 1973 with their fifth album, "The World Is A Ghetto," which became the top-selling album of the year while its single, "The Cisco Kid," hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Rusty Young, Co-Founder, Guitarist, & Vocalist for Poco R.I.P.
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/musi ... t-1156578/
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/musi ... t-1156578/
Jim Steinman, Musician, Songwriter, Producer, R.I.P.
Rock and pop hitmaker Jim Steinman, who wrote and composed music for Meat Loaf, Bonnie Tyler, Celine Dion, and more, died Monday, April 19th. He was 73.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Connecticut confirmed Steinman’s death to Rolling Stone. A cause of death was not given.
Steinman’s wholly unique career found him working as a composer, lyricist, and producer for an array of artists in a variety of styles. According to a biography on his website, the records he’s worked on have sold more than 190,000,000 million copies worldwide. He was nominated for four Grammys over the course of his career as well, ultimately winning Album of the Year for his work on Dion’s 1996 smash, Falling Into You.
Steinman began his career in musical theater, writing and starring in a rock musical while in college called The Dream Engine, which garnered the attention of New York theatrical producer Joe Papp. After graduating, Steinman worked at the Public Theater in New York (which Papp established) and juggled various creative projects. In 1973, Yvonne Elliman recorded his song “Happy Ending,� which became his first commercially released tune, while that same year, the Public Theater staged his musical, More Than You Deserve.
Rock and pop hitmaker Jim Steinman, who wrote and composed music for Meat Loaf, Bonnie Tyler, Celine Dion, and more, died Monday, April 19th. He was 73.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Connecticut confirmed Steinman’s death to Rolling Stone. A cause of death was not given.
Steinman’s wholly unique career found him working as a composer, lyricist, and producer for an array of artists in a variety of styles. According to a biography on his website, the records he’s worked on have sold more than 190,000,000 million copies worldwide. He was nominated for four Grammys over the course of his career as well, ultimately winning Album of the Year for his work on Dion’s 1996 smash, Falling Into You.
Steinman began his career in musical theater, writing and starring in a rock musical while in college called The Dream Engine, which garnered the attention of New York theatrical producer Joe Papp. After graduating, Steinman worked at the Public Theater in New York (which Papp established) and juggled various creative projects. In 1973, Yvonne Elliman recorded his song “Happy Ending,� which became his first commercially released tune, while that same year, the Public Theater staged his musical, More Than You Deserve.
Les McKeown â€" former lead singer of the Bay City Rollers who was the voice of the Scottish pop-rock group during their hit-making peak â€" has died at the age of 65.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband and father Leslie Richard McKeown,� his wife Keiko and son Jubei wrote on the singer’s official Twitter. “Leslie died suddenly at home on Tuesday 20 April 2021. We are currently making arrangements for his funeral and ask for privacy after the shock of our profound loss.�
The current Bay City Rollers added in a tweet, “We are saddened by the news of Leslie McKeown’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Peko and his son Jubei, their family, and friends. Rest in peace, Leslie.�
Although the Bay City Rollers formed in Edinburgh, Scotland, in the mid-Sixties, it wasn’t until the recruitment of McKeown in 1973 that the band found global mainstream success, first in Europe (where they were considered one of the first “boy bands�) and soon after in America.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband and father Leslie Richard McKeown,� his wife Keiko and son Jubei wrote on the singer’s official Twitter. “Leslie died suddenly at home on Tuesday 20 April 2021. We are currently making arrangements for his funeral and ask for privacy after the shock of our profound loss.�
The current Bay City Rollers added in a tweet, “We are saddened by the news of Leslie McKeown’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Peko and his son Jubei, their family, and friends. Rest in peace, Leslie.�
Although the Bay City Rollers formed in Edinburgh, Scotland, in the mid-Sixties, it wasn’t until the recruitment of McKeown in 1973 that the band found global mainstream success, first in Europe (where they were considered one of the first “boy bands�) and soon after in America.
Actress, media personality, rock video heartthrob and David Coverdale's former wife Tawny Kitaen has passed away at age 59. Although not a musician, she endeared herself to the MTV "Headbangers Ball" generation by appearing in several Whitesnake videos and on the cover of Ratt's Out of the Cellar album.
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/musi ... QmzleK_BpM
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/musi ... QmzleK_BpM
Lloyd Price R.I.P.
Lloyd Price, the R&B singer-songwriter and Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductee known for hits including “Lawdy Miss Clawdy�, died May 3. He was 88.
Price's wife, Jacqueline, announced the singer-songwriter's death at a New Rochelle, N.Y., facility to the Associated Press over the weekend. She cited complications from diabetes as the cause.
Fellow rock 'n' roll pioneer Fats Domino played piano on "Lawdy Miss Clawdy," the 1952 R&B No. 1 that launched Price's long career. His other hits included “Personality� (1959) and “Stagger Lee� (1958). The latter single was controversial in its time as it told the story of a violent murder perpetrated by the title character over a hat; Price's rollicking reworking of the song (that was first recorded in 1923 by Waring's Pennsylvanians) all but cheers on the killer ("Go, Stagger Lee!"). To appease "American Bandstand," Price reworked the lyrics for that televised performance so the antagonists found a peaceful resolution. Price told Billboard in 2013, "It didn't make any sense at all. It was ridiculous." Nevertheless, the 1958 single was a No. 1 smash on Billboard's Hot 100.
Lloyd Price, the R&B singer-songwriter and Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductee known for hits including “Lawdy Miss Clawdy�, died May 3. He was 88.
Price's wife, Jacqueline, announced the singer-songwriter's death at a New Rochelle, N.Y., facility to the Associated Press over the weekend. She cited complications from diabetes as the cause.
Fellow rock 'n' roll pioneer Fats Domino played piano on "Lawdy Miss Clawdy," the 1952 R&B No. 1 that launched Price's long career. His other hits included “Personality� (1959) and “Stagger Lee� (1958). The latter single was controversial in its time as it told the story of a violent murder perpetrated by the title character over a hat; Price's rollicking reworking of the song (that was first recorded in 1923 by Waring's Pennsylvanians) all but cheers on the killer ("Go, Stagger Lee!"). To appease "American Bandstand," Price reworked the lyrics for that televised performance so the antagonists found a peaceful resolution. Price told Billboard in 2013, "It didn't make any sense at all. It was ridiculous." Nevertheless, the 1958 single was a No. 1 smash on Billboard's Hot 100.
Grammy Award-winning singer B.J. Thomas passes at age 78 after a battle with lung cancer.
https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wi ... 8-77983106
https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wi ... 8-77983106