On January 2, 2018, Roe Erister “Rick” Hall died aged 85. He was musician (guitar, mandolin) , music producer, songwriter, music publisher, best known as the owner and proprietor of “FAME Studios” in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. He had recorded and promoted names like Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Duane Allman, Etta James, Osmonds, Paul Anka and Tom Jones. In 1985, Hall was inducted into the “Alabama Music Hall of Fame”, received the “John Herbert Orr Pioneer Award”, and In 2014, he won the “Grammy Trustees Award”.
Tag Archives: musician
Ray Collins
On December 24, 2012, Ray Collins died aged 76. He was musician (harmonica, tambourine) and singer, best known as member of The Mothers of Invention. Collins was the lead vocalist on most songs for their early albums, including “Freak Out!”, “Absolutely Free”, “Cruising with Ruben & the Jets” and “Uncle Meat”. In 1968 he quit The Mothers of Invention, but continued to contribute to other Frank Zappa projects in the 70s.
Joe Cocker
On December 22, 2014, John Robert “Joe” Cocker, died aged 70. He was musician (harmonica, piano) and singer with unique gritty voice and stage movements. He gained world popularity with his performance of the Beatles song “With a Little Help from My Friends” at “Woodstock” and “Isle of Wight” festivals in 1969. Cocker has received several awards, including a 1983 “Grammy Award” for his song “Up Where We Belong”; 2007 a bronze “Sheffield Legends” plaque in his hometown and in 2008 “OBE” at Buckingham Palace for services to music. Magazine “Rolling Stone” ranked him at number 97 on its list of the “100 Greatest Singers”.
Joe Strummer
On December 22, 2002, John Graham Mellor aka Joe Strummer, died aged 50. He was musician (guitar, bass, piano), singer, actor and songwriter, best known as the co-founder, lyricist, rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist of Clash.
Albert King
On December 21, 1992, Albert Nelson aka Albert King died aged 69. He was musician (guitar, drums) and singer, one of the most influential blues guitarists, one of the “Three Kings of the Blues Guitar” (along with B.B. King and Freddie King). Because of his smooth singing and his large size, he was given the nick name “The Velvet Bulldozer”. In 2013, he was posthumously inducted in the “Rock and Roll of Fame”. King has recorded sixteen studio albums.
George Young
On October 22, 2017, George Redburn Young died aged 70. He was musician (guitar, bass, piano, drums), songwriter and music producer, member of the Australian band the Easybeats. With his bandmate Harry Vanda he wrote the hits “Friday on My Mind” and “Love Is in the Air”. In 1973, with Harry Vanda and Ted Albert, he formed “Albert Productions” in Sydney. George Young and Harry Vanda were also producers for AC/DC, (formed by his younger brothers Malcolm and Angus Young). In 1988, George Young and Harry Vanda were inducted into the “ARIA Hall of Fame”.
Grant Hart
On September 14, 2017, Grantzberg Vernon Hart aka Grant Hart, died aged 56. He was musician (drums), singer and song-writer, best known as drummer and songwriter of Hüsker Dü. He was also founding member, guitarist and vocalist of Nova Mob. As leader he released four studio albums.
Peter Tosh
On September 11, 1987, Winston Hubert McIntosh aka Peter Tosh, died aged 42. He was musician (guitar, keyboards, violin, melodica, drums, percussion) singer and song writer, best known as co-founding member of the Wailers. As leader he released 7 studio and 6 live albums.
Ernie Ball
On September 9, 2004, Ernie Ball died aged 73. He was entrepreneur, musician, and innovator, best known as guitar maker, with successful guitars and accessories business. In the 50’s he opened the first guitar shop in US (in Tarzana, California), and developed guitar strings called “Slinkys”.
Warren Zevon
On September 7, 2003, Warren William Zevon died aged 56. He was singer-songwriter and musician, had worked as a session musician, was the piano player and band leader for the Everly Brothers, released fifteen albums, and had collaborated with the likes of Jackson Browne, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Waddy Wachtel, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Carl Wilson, Linda Ronstadt, and Bonnie Raitt
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