On April 26, 2011, Phoebe Ann Laub aka Phoebe Snow died aged 61. She was musician (guitar),singer and songwriter, described by “The New York Times” as a “Contralto grounded in a bluesy growl and capable of sweeping over four octaves.”
Count Basie
On April 26, 1984, William James “Count” Basie died aged 80. He was musician (piano, organ), band leader and composer, together with Duke Ellington he was outstanding representative of big bands style and a leading figure of the swing era in jazz music.
Richie Havens
On April 22, 2013, Richard Pierce Havens aka Richie Havens died aged 72. He was musician (guitar), singer and songwriter, famous for his intense and rhythmic guitar style. Havens released 21 studio and 2 live albums but he is best known for his opening performance at the 1969 “Woodstock Festival”.
Sandy Denny
On April 21, 1978, Alexandra Elene MacLean aka Sandy Denny died aged 31. She was singer and songwriter, member and lead singer of “Fairport Convention”, member of the British folk band the “Strawbs”, she formed the short-lived band “Fotheringay”. As solo artists Denny released four albums: “The North star Grassman and the ravens”, “Sandy”, “Like an old fashioned waltz” and “Rendezvous”.
Steve Marriott
On April 20.1991, Stephen Peter “Steve” Marriott died aged 44. He was musician (guitar), songwriter and producer, leader of Small Faces (The) and Humble Pie. In 2012, Marriott was inducted posthumously into the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” as a member of Small Faces (The).
Earl King
On April 17, 2003, Earl King died aged 69. He was musician (guitar), singer and songwriter, important figure in the New Orleans R’n’B scene. King wrote two classic blues tracks “Come On (Let the Good Times Roll) covered by Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn, and “Big Chief” covered by Professor Longhair’.
Felix Pappalardi
On April 17, 1983, Felix A. Pappalardi Jr. Died aged 43. He was musician (bass), singer, songwriter and producer, best known as member and bass player of the band “Mountain”. Papalardi produced albums “Disraeli Gears” and “Wheels of Fire” by Cream.
Eddie Cochran
On April 17, 1960, Edward Raymond ‘Eddie’ Cochran died aged 22. He was musician (guitar) singer and songwriter, one of the first musicians who started experiments with multitrack recording and overdubbing. His songs “C’mon Everybody”, “Somethin’ Else” and “Summertime Blues”, were big rockabilly hits in the late 50’ and early 60’.
Nelson Mandela: An International Tribute for a Free South Africa
On April 16, 1990, concert named “Nelson Mandela: An International Tribute for a Free South Africa” was held at Wembley Stadium, London. It was held two months after Nelson Mandela was released from prison and was broadcasted in 60 countries. The concert artist line-up included: Anita Baker, Bonnie Raitt, Chrissie Hynde, Jackson Browne, Lou Reed, Natalie Cole, Neil Young, Peter Gabriel, Simple Minds, Tracy Chapman, Stetsasonic, André A. Jackson, Aswad, Ben Elton, Caiphus Semenya, Daniel Lanois, Denzel Washington, Dudu Pukwana, Geoffrey Oreyama, George Duke, Jerry Dammers, Johnny Clegg, Jonas Gwangwa, Jungle Brothers, Lenny Henry, Letta Mbulu, Little Steven, Manhattan Brothers, Mica Paris, Neneh Cherry, Neville Brothers, Patti Labelle, Shikisha, Steven Van Zandt,Terence Trent D’Arby and Youssou N’Dour.
Nino Rota
On April 10, 1979, Giovanni “Nino” Rota died aged 68. He was musician (piano), composer, conductor and academic, best known for his film scores. He has wrote more than 150 music scores and has composed music for the films of some of the world best known movie directors, among the others for Federico Fellini, Luchino Visconti, Franco Zeffirelli and Francis Ford Coppola. In 1974 he won the “Academy Award for Best Original Score” for Francis Ford Coppola movie “The Godfather Part II”. Rota is also known for his music for theatre productions by Luchino Visconti, Eduardo De Filippo and Franco Zeffirelli.
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