On October 6, 2019, Peter Edward “Ginger” Baker died aged 80. He was musician (drums, percussion) and song writer, credited as pioneer of drumming in rock, jazz fusion and world music, with reputation of “rock’s first superstar drummer”. Baker was member of the bands Blues Incorporated and Graham Bond Organisation, but he achieved worldwide success as co-founder and drummer of super group Cream, together with Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce. After Cream he was member of Blind Faith and founded Ginger Baker’s Air Force and Ginger Baker’s Energy. He has worked with big number of musicians and music acts such as Gary Moore, Masters of Reality, Public Image Ltd, Hawkwind, Atomic Rooster, Bill Laswell, Charlie Haden and Bill Frisell. As leader Baker released 18 albums.
Tag Archives: died aged 80
Tony Barrow
On May 14, 2016, Anthony F. J. “Tony” Barrow died aged 80. He was press officer, best known for his work with the Beatles between 1962 and 1968. He coined the term “The Fab Four”, wrote the sleeve notes for the band’s early albums and the strip cartoon for the “Magical Mystery Tour” booklet.
Emmanuel “Rico” Rodriguez
On September 4, 2015, Emmanuel “Rico” Rodriguez died aged 80. He was musician (trombone), one of the first and most distinguished reggae and ska artists. He has formed the group Rico and the Rudies, and has recorded and performed with many famous musicians and producers including Karl Pitterson, Prince Buster, Lloyd “Matador” Daley, Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Bob Marley, Toots & the Maytals, Delroy Washington , Burning Spear, The Specials, Jools Holland, Dennis Bovell, Ian Dury, Chas Jankel, Joan Armatrading, John Martyn, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Steel Pulse and Paul Young. In 2007, he was awarded an “MBE” (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to music. For his contribution to Jamaican music, in 2012 he was awarded the “Silver Musgrave Medal” by the “Institute of Jamaica”.
Barney Kessel
On May 6, 2004, Barney Kessel died aged 80. He was musician (guitar), noted for his inversions and chord-based melodies. In his successful solo career he has recorded 31 album as a leader, was member of the group of session musicians The Wrecking Crew, and has performed with many famous musicians including Georgie Auld, Chet Baker, Louis Bellson, Benny Carter, Buddy Collette, Harry Edison, Roy Eldridge, Ella Fitzgerald, Hampton Hawes, Woody Herman, Billie Holiday, Milt Jackson, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Oliver Nelson, Anita O’Day, Art Pepper, Zoot Sims, Shorty Rogers, Sonny Rollins and Pete Rugolo.
John Lewis
On March 29, 2001, John Aaron Lewis died aged 80. He was musician (piano), composer and arranger, best known as the founder and musical director of the Modern Jazz Quartet. Lewis recorded and performed with number of musicians, including Bill Perkins, Jim Hall, Percy Heath, Chico Hamilton, Sacha Distel, Gunther Schuller, Svend Asmussen, Albert Mangelsdorff, Helen Merrill, Christian Escoudé, Hank Jones, Lew Tabackin, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis Nonet, Harold Farberman, Clifford Brown, Ruth Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Milt Jackson, Joe Newman, Sonny Stitt and J. J. Johnson.
Donald Byrd
On February 4, 2013, Donaldson Toussaint L’Ouverture “Donald” Byrd II died aged 80. He was trumpeter, best known as founder and leader the band The Blackbyrds, and regarded as one of the pioneeres of the fusion of funk and soul genres with jazz music. He had successful solo career, and has recorded and performed with big number of famous musicians including Herbie Hancock, Pepper Adams, Gigi Gryce, Jackie McLean, Hank Mobley, Dexter Gordon, George Wallington, Kenny Clarke, Cannonball Adderley, Oscar Pettiford, Hank Jones, Ernie Wilkins, Art Blakey, Rita Reys, Elmo Hope, Phil Woods, Gene Ammons, Art Farmer, Paul Chambers, Doug Watkins, Sonny Rollins, Kenny Burrell, Gigi Gryce, Lou Donaldson, Jimmy Smith, Art Taylor, Kenny Drew, Sonny Clark, John Jenkins, Red Garland, John Coltrane, Pepper Adams, Michel Legrand, Dizzy Reece, Mundell Lowe, Thelonious Monk, Chris Connor, Eric Dolphy, Cal Tjader, Sam Rivers, Wes Monthomery, Stanley Turrentine, Guru and Ahmad Jamal.
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