On June 22, 2018, Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul died aged 54. He was musician, songwriter and producer, best known as co-founder and drummer of the band Pantera. In 2003, with his younger brother Dimebag Darrel, he formed the band Damageplan.
On June 21, 2016, Wayne Lamar Jackson died aged 74. He was musician, song writer and producer, playing trumpet in the “Stax Records” house band The Mar – Keys, but best known as co-founder, together with Andrew Love, and member of The Memphis Horns, regarded as “arguably the greatest soul horn section ever”. Jackson and Love played together on 52 No. 1 songs, and recorded and toured with many famous names, including Elvis Presley, Otis Reding, Neil Diamond, Aretha Franklin, The Doobie Brothers, Al Green, Dusty Springfield, Jimmy Buffet, Robert Cray, Sam & Dave and many others. In 2012, the Memphis Horns received a “Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award” for outstanding artistic significance in music.
On June 13, 2018, Dominic Joseph Fontana aka D.J. Fontana died aged 87. He was musician best known as the drummer for Elvis Presley. In 14 years Fontana played on over 460 “RCA”cuts with Elvis. He played on all Elvis greatest hits including Heartbreak Hotel / Blue Suede Shoes/ Hound Dog / Don’t Be Cruel / Love Me Tender / All Shook Up / Jailhouse Rock / It’s Now or Neve / Are You Lonesome Tonight / Can’t Help Falling in Love / Rock-a-Hula Baby / Good Luck Charm / Return to Sender / (You’re the) Devil in Disguise / Viva Las Vegas and Crying in the Chapel.
On June 12, 2018, Philip John “Jon” Hiseman died aged 73. He was musician, recording engineer, record producer and music publisher, regarded as one of the best and most influential drummers in the history of the rock music. He has worked with many famous musicians and bands including Jack Bruce, John Mayall, Tempest, United Jazz + Rock Ensemble, JCM, but was best known as founding member and drummer of Colosseum. Hiseman released two solo albums:
On May 30, 1980, Carl Dean Radle died aged 37. He was musician (bass, guitar) and music producer, best known as the bass player with Derek and the Dominoes. Radle has worked with many influential artists including Gary Lewis & the Playboys, George Harrison, Joe Cocker, Dave Mason, Delaney and Bonnie, Eric Clapton, Jim Gordon, Duane Allman, Bobby Whitlock, Rita Coolidge, Kris Kristofferson. J. J. Cale, Leon Russell, and Buddy Guy. In 2006, he was posthumously inducted to the “Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame”.
On May 24, 1991, Harold Eugene “Gene” Clark died aged 46. He was singer-songwriter and musician (tambourine, harmonica, guitar), member of McGuinn, Clark and Hillman, best known as founding member of the Byrds, and author of some of the band’s best-known originals “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better”, “Eight Miles High”, “She Don’t Care About Time”, and “Set You Free This Time”. Clark released six solo albums.
On May 3, 2014, Bobby Gregg died aged 78. He was musician and record producer, best known for his work as a drummer on some famous songs including Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” and Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence”. He also worked on few important albums including Peter, Paul and Mary’s self titled album, and “Church of Anthrax” by John Cale and Terry Riley. Gregg was a member of The Hawks, which later became known as The Band.
