Tag Archives: musician

J. Geils

On April 11, 2017, John Warren Geils Jr. aka J. Geils, Died aged 71. He was singer, songwriter, musician (guitar) and record producer, member of Snoopy and the Sopwith Camels, best known as founding member and leader of the J. Geils Band. In 2015, Geils was named to the “Wall of Honor” at his alma mater, “Bernards High School” in Bernardsville, New Jersey.

John Prine

On April 7, 2020, John Prine died aged 73. He was singer – songwriter and musician (guitar), known for his music that has elements of protest and social commentary. His song “Sam Stone” stands as a reference to the phenomenon of heroin  or morphine  addiction among Vietnam war veterans. During 2005 at the request of U.S. poet laureate Ted Kooser, John Prine became the first singer – songwriter to read and perform at the Library of Congress. Prine won two “Grammy Awards” and recorded eighteen albums.

Bill Withers

On March 30, 2020, William Harrison Withers Jr. aka Bill Withers died aged 81. He was singer-songwriter and musician (guitar, keyboards), active from 1970 until 1985. He composed and recorded several major hits, including “Ain’t No Sunshine” (1971), “Grandma’s Hands” (1971), “Use Me” (1972), “Lean on Me” (1972), “Lovely Day” (1977), and “Just the Two of Us” (1980). Withers won three “Grammy Awards” (1971, 1981, 1987), “ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage” award (2006), was inducted into “West Virginia Music Hall of Fame” (2007), was inducted into “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame(2015), and received honorary degree from West Virginia University.

Ellis Marsalis

On April 1, 2020, Ellis Louis Marsalis Jr.died aged 85. He was musician (piano) and music educator, worked with many famous musicians and bands including Ed Blackwell, Nat Adderley, Michael Caine, Art Tatum, Herry Connick Jr., Jimmy Cobb, Rich Matteson, David Benoit, Kermit Ruffins, Count Basie Orchestra, American Jazz Quintet, Irma Thomas and his sons Branford and Wynton Marsalis. As a leader he has recorded twenty albums.

Adam Schlesinger

On April 1, 2020. Adam Lyons Schlesinger died aged 52. He was singer-songwriter, musician (guitar) and record producer, founding member of the bands Fountains of Wayne, Ivy, and Tinted Windows. Lately he was key songwriting contributor and producer for the duo Fever High. Schlesinger won three “Emmys”, a “Grammy” and the “ASCAP Pop Music Award”.

Bernie Tormé

On March 17, 2019, Bernard Joseph Tormey aka Bernie Tormé died aged 66. He was songwriter, musician (guitar, singer), record label and recording studio owner.  With Robin Guy and John McCoy he formed the band Guy McCoy Tormé, has worked with Ozzy Osbourne, Atomic Rooster, Desperado, but was best known for his work with Gillan.

Genesis Breyer P-Orridge

On March 14, 2020, Neil Andrew Megson  aka Genesis Breyer P-Orridge died aged 70. He was singer-songwriter, musician, poet, performance artist, and occultist, founder of the COUM Transmissions artistic collective, lead vocalist of the bands Throbbing Gristle and Psychic TV.