Tag Archives: died aged 65

John Sykes

On January 20, 2025, John James Sykes died aged 65, He was musician (guitar) and singer, recorded with Rick Wakeman, Tony Ashton, Phil Lynott, Derek Sherinian, Hughes Turner, Streetfighter and Def Leppard, but was best known as leader of the band Blue Murder, and member of Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy and Tygers of Pan Tang. As leader, Sykes released five albums.

Jeffrey Deon Estus

On October 11, 2021, Jeffery Deon Estus died aged 65. He was musician (bass), singer and songwriter, member of collective Boogie Box High and band Switch, but was best known as the bass player of Wham. He recorded and performed with Marvin Gaye, George Michael, Elton John, Aaron Neville, Tina Turner, Frank Zappa, Annie Lennox, Edgar Winter and George Clinton. As leader Estus released one album.

Hugh McDowell

On November 6, 2018, Hugh Alexander McDowell died aged 65. He was musician (cello, keyboards), member of the chamber groups Harmonie Band and Quorum, bands Radio Stars, Cornelius Cardew Ensemble and Wizzard, recorded with Simon Apple, Saint Etienne, Welton Downes, Asia and Port Mahadia, but was best known as member of Electric Light Orchestra.

Gary Richard

On September 13, 2015, Gary Dean Richard died aged 65. He was musician (guitar, slide guitar), singer, songwriter and producer, member of the band Suburban 9 to 5, but was best known as the lead guitarist and songwriter of REO Speedwagon (1970 – 1989). As leader, Richard released one album.

Reginald Lucas

On May 19, 2018, Reginald Grant Lucas died aged 65. He was musician (guitar), songwriter and producer, started his career performing and recording with Billy Paul and Miles Davis. As producer, composer and sideman he worked with Madonna, Models, The Four Tops, Randy Crawford, Rebbie Jackson, Bunny DeBarge, John Adams, Elisa Fiorillo, The Weather Girls, Nick Scott, Stephanie Mills, Gary Bartz, The Spinners, Lou Rawls, Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway, James Mtume, Carlos Garnett, Norman Connors, Babatunde Olatunji, Flora Purim, Lonnie Liston Smith, Zbigniew Seifert, Masabumi Kikuchi and Shunzo Ohno. As leader Lucas released two albums.

Doc Pomus

On March 14, 1991, Jerome Solon Felder aka Doc Pomus died aged 65. He was singer and songwriter, co-writer (together with Mort Shuman) of big number of hits, many of them became rock and roll standards, including: “A Teenager in Love”, “Save The Last Dance For Me”, “Hushabye”, “This Magic Moment”, “Turn Me Loose”, “Sweets For My Sweet”, “Go, Jimmy, Go”, “Little Sister”, “Can’t Get Used to Losing You”, “Suspicion”, “Surrender” and “His Latest Flame”. He also co-wrote with Phil Spector few successful tracks including “Young Boy Blues”, “Ecstasy”, “First Taste of Love” and “What Am I to Do?” His songs were performed by hundreds of artists including The Beatles, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, Elvis Costello, Dean Martin, Andy Williams, Bad Company, Leonard Cohen, Van Morrison, Led Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Buble, Dolly Parton, Joe Cocker, ZZ Top, Emmy Lou Harris, Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, Harry Nilsson, John Hiatt, The Beach Boys, B.B. King, Dion, The New York Dolls, Shawn Colvin and Los Lobos. As singer Pomus performed with Milt Jackson, Mickey Baker, and King Curtis. In 1991 he was inducted into the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame”, in 1992, in the “Songwriters Hall of Fame”, and in 2012 into the “Blues Hall of Fame”.

Asa Brebner

On March 10, 2019, Asa Brebner died aged 65. He was musician (guitar), singer and songwriter, one of the main figures of the Boston alternative music scene. He supported and worked with Robin Lane & the Chartbusters, Mickey Clean & the Mezz, the Grey Boys, The Family Jewels, and the Naked I’s. He was founding member and leader of Asa Brebner’s Idle Hands, but was best known as member and guitarist of Jonathan Richman & the Modern Lovers.

Leon Ndugu Chancler

On February 3, 2018, Leon “Ndugu” Chancler died aged 65. He was musician (drums, percussion), composer, music producer and university professor. He recorded and performed with numerous famous artists including Mile Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Hutcherson,  Eddie Harris, Patti LaBelle, John Lee Hooker, Donna Summer, George Benson, Robbie Robertson, Syreeta Wright, Hampton Hawes, Kenny Rogers, LeAnn Rimes, George Duke, Sheena Easton, Peabo Bryson, Joe Henderson, Lionel Richie, Cheryl Lynn, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Tina Turner, Patrice Rushen, Jennifer Holliday, Harold Land, Minnie Riperton, Azar Lawrence, Santana, Lalo Schifrin, Julian Priester, Thelonious Monk and Herbie Hancock.