Tag Archives: musician

Christopher Bell

On December 27, 1978, Christopher Branford Bell died aged 27. He was songwriter and musician (guitar, singer), best known as founding member, guitarist and singer of the band Big Star. His work has inspired, and his songs were covered by many musicians and bands including R.E.M., Wilco, Teenage Fanclub, Primal Scream, Afghan Whigs, Pete Yorn, Beck The Posies, and The Replacements. In 2013, “Magnolia Pictures” released documentary “Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me”, which documented his life and work. In 2018, the book “There Was a Light: The Cosmic History of Chris Bell and the Rise of Big Star”, was published, also dealing with his life and music. Bell’s album “I Am the Cosmos” was posthumously released in 1992.

Fontella Bass

On December 26, 2012, Fontella Marie Bass died aged 72. She was musician (piano, singer) and songwriter, collaborated with Little Milton, Bobby McClure (The Oliver Sain Soul Revue featuring Fontella and Bobby McClure), Maurice White, David Bowie, Minnie Ripeton and Art Ensemble of Chicago. She recorded 8 albums during her career.

Vic Chesnutt

On December 25, 2009, James Victor Chesnutt died aged 45. He was songwriter and musician (guitar, singer), Chesnutt collaborated with many musicians and bands including Bob Mould, Widespread Panic, Elf Power, Danger Mouse, Lambchop, Bill Frisell and Jonathan Richman. He recorded 17 albums during his career.

Tony T-Bone

On December 25, 2009, Robert Anthony Bellamy aka Tony “T-Bone” Bellamy died aged 63. He was musician (guitar, piano, vocals), performed with Dobie Gray, was a member of Peter and the Wolves (San Francisco band that evolved into Moby Grape), but was best known as founding member, vocalist, guitarist and pianist for Redbone.

David Richards

On December 20, 2013, David Richards died aged 57. He was musician (keyboards), engineer and record producer, who engineered and co-produced albums for many artists, including David Bowie, Queen, Roger Taylor, Chris Rea, Jimmy Nail, Feargal Sharkey, Iggy Pop, Magnum, Virginia Wolf, The Cross, Freddie Mercury, Montserrat Caballé, Yes, Brian May and Duran Duran.

Wayne Jackson

On June 21, 2016, Wayne Lamar Jackson died aged 74. He was musician (trumpet, trombone, French horn). 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.