On August 25, 2026, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean died aged 80. She was singer, composer, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman, sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists ever. Dolly Parton composed more than 3000 songs, and released 49 albums as a leader. During her career, Parton had gained induction into numerous “Halls of Fame”.
Tag Archives: composer
Abdullah Ibrahim
On June 15, 2026, Adolph Johannes Brand (Abdullah Ibrahim), previously known as Dollar Brand, died aged 91. He was musician (piano, saxophone, cello), composer and bandleader, especially known for “Mannenberg”, a jazz piece that became a notable anti-apartheid anthem. As leader he released 72 albums.
Dave Greenslade
In June 2026, David John Greenslade died aged 83. He was musician (piano, keyboards, Hammond organ) and composer. He was member of Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band, If, Chris Farlowe’s Thunderbirds and Colosseum, but was best known as founding member of the band Greenslade. As leader he released five albums.
Dee Palmer
On June 13, 2026, Dee Palmer died aged 88. He was musician (keyboards), composer and arranger, best known as member of Jethro Tull (1976 – 1980). He produced several albums of orchestral arrangements of the music of various bands, including The Beatles, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes and Queen. As leader Palmer released one album.
Ralph Towner
On January 18, 2026, Ralph Towner died aged 85. He was musician (guitar, piano, synthesizer, percussion, trumpet, and French horn), composer, arranger and bandleader. He was member of the bands Paul Winter Consort, Atmosphere, but was best known as founding member of Oregon. Towner has performed and recorded with Azimuth, Bill Bruford, Salvatore Bonafede, Horace Arnold, Jerry Granelli, Vince Mendoza, Maria Pia De Vito, Gary Burton, Larry Coryell, Pino Daniele, Cyrus Faryar, Robben Ford, David Friesen, Jan Garbarek, Charlie Haden, Egberto Gismonti, Gerri Granger, Trilok Gurtu, Tim Hardin, Keith Jarrett, Maria Joao, Joseph LoDuca, Andy Middleton, Duke Pearson, Terry Plumeri, Michael Portal, Kenny Wheeler and Weather Report. As leader he released 27 albums.
Jack DeJohnette
On October 26, 2025, Jack DeJohnette died aged 83. He was musician (drums, piano) and composer, regarded as one of the most influential jazz drummers of all time. He recorded and performed with some of the best known jazz musicians, including Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, Freddie Hubbard, Charles Lloyd, John Abercrombie, Alice Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, and John Scofield. In 2007, he was inducted into the “Modern Drummer Hall of Fame”, and won two “Grammy Awards”. As leader DeJohnette released 38 albums.
Hermeto Pascoal
On September 12, 2025. Hermeto Pascoal died aged 89. He was musician (keyboards, accordion, flute, saxophone, guitar), composer and record producer, best known in Brazilian music for his orchestration and improvisation. As leader or member he released 32 albums.
Rick Davies
On September 6, 2025, Richard Davies died aged 81. He was musician (keyboards, harmonica), singer and songwriter, founding member of Rick’s Blues, member of The Lonely Ones, but was best known as founding member, vocalist, keyboardist and composer of Supertramp.
Eddie Palmieri
On August 6, 2025, Eduardo Palmieri died aged 88. He was musician (piano), composer, arranger, and bandleader, regarded as one of the main figures of the Latino music of all times. He was founder of the bands La Perfecta, La Perfecta II, and Harlem River Drive, and created an incredible soundtrack of Latin jazz and explorations of salsa for the Puerto Rican community in New York City. Palmieri recorded and released 45 albums.
Chuck Mangione
On July 22, 2025, Charles Frank Mangione died aged 84. He was musician (flugelhorn, trumpet, piano) and composer, came to prominence as a member of Art Blakey’s band in the 1960s. With his brother Gap, he led the Mangione Brothers Sextet/Quintet, later was member of the band The National Gallery, from 1968 – 1972 was director of the Eastman Jazz Ensemble, formed quartet with Gerry Niewood, in the late 70’s he lead ensemble with Chris Vadala, Grant Geissman, Charles Meeks and James Bradley Jr. As leader he released 29th albums.
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