On April 14, 1983, Peter Granville “Pete” Farndon died aged 30. He was musician (bass), worked with Cold River Lady and The Bushwackers, but was best known and founding member and bass player of The Pretenders.
Tag Archives: musician
Paul Raymond
On April 13, 2019, Paul Martin Raymond died aged 73. He was musician (keyboards, guitar), worked with Plastic Penny, Chicken Shack, Savoy Brown, Danny Kirwan, Waysted, Paul Raymond Project, but was best known as member of UFO and Michael Schenker Group.
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.
Andy Fraser
On March 16, 2015, Andrew McLan Fraser died aged 62. He was songwriter and musician (bass), worked with Alexis Korner, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Toby and Sharks, but was best known as founding member and bassist of Free.
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.