On December 26, 1999, Curtis Lee Mayfield died aged 57. He was musician (guitar, keyboards, piano), singer, songwriter and record producer, regarded as one of the most influential musicians and composers in soul and politically conscious African-American music. Mayfield started the career in a gospel choir, gained wide recognition as member and main composer of The Impressions, and later had a successful solo career. “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked his 1965 song “People Get Ready” at number 24 on its list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”. The same song was also included in the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll”, and in 1998 was inducted into the “Grammy Hall of Fame”. His album with the soundtrack for the 1972 movie “Super Fly” was ranked at number 72 on “Rolling Stone’s” list of “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”. In 1994, Mayfield won a “Grammy Legend Award” in and a “Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award” in 1995. In 1991, he was inductee into the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” as a member of the Impressions, and in 1999 as a solo artist.
Tag Archives: record producer
Bunny Sigler
On October 6, 2017, Walter “Bunny” Sigler died aged 76. He was singer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and record producer, best known for his work with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, and creating the “Philly Sound” in the early 70’. Bunny Sigler has recorded thirteen solo albums.
Tom Petty
On October 2, 2017, Thomas Earl Petty aka Tom Petty, died aged 66. He was singer, songwriter, multi instrumentalist and record producer, best known as the leader and singer of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. He was also member and co-founder of the Traveling Wilburys and his early band Mudcrutch. Tom Petty has sold more than 80 million albums worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling music artists of all time. In 2002, he was inducted into the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame”.
Walter Becker
On September 3, 2017, Walter Carl Becker died aged 67. He was musician (guitar, bass), songwriter, and record producer, member of the band China Crisis, but best known as the co-founder, guitarist, bassist and co-songwriter of Steely Dan. As leader he released two albums.
Chas Chandler
On July 17, 1996, Bryan James Chandler aka Chas Chandler died aged 57. He was musician (bass), singer, record producer and manager, best known as bassist of The Animals and manager of Nick Drake, Slade and Jimi Hendrix.
Donald Duck Dunn
On May 13, 2012, Donald “Duck” Dunn died aged 70. He was musician (bass guitar), session musician, record producer, and songwriter, best known for his 1960’s recordings with Booker T. & the M.G.’s and as a session bassist for “Stax Records”. He has performed and recorded with big number of famous musicians including Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas, William Bell, Eddie Floyd, Johnnie Taylor, Albert King, Elvis Presley, Muddy Waters, Freddie King, Jerry Lee Lewis, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty and The Blues Brothers Band. In 1992, Dunn was inducted in the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” as a member of Booker T. & the M.G.’s. “Bass Player” magazine ranked him at number 40 on its list of “The 100 Greatest Bass Players of All Time”.
John Peel
On October 25, 2004, John Robert Parker Ravenscroft aka John Peel died aged 65. He was disc jockey, radio presenter, record producer and journalist, widely acknowledged for promoting artists working in various genres in “Peel’s Radio 1” shows, which usually consisted of four songs recorded by an artist live in the BBC’s studios. In 1969 Peel founded “Dandelion Records”, that label released 27 albums by 18 different artists before folding in 1972.
John Denver
On October 12, 1997, Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr. aka John Denver died aged 53. Being musician, singer-songwriter, record producer, activist, actor and humanitarian, he was one the most popular and best selling American artists of the 1970s. In his career, Denver recorded more than 300 songs, with total sales of over 33 million copies, with twelve Gold and four Platinum albums. His best known and most popular songs are “Take Me Home, Country Roads”, “Annie’s Song”, “Rocky Mountain High” and “Thank God I’m a Country Boy”.
Robin Gibb
On May 20, 2012, Robin Hugh Gibb died aged 62. He was singer, songwriter and record producer, best known as a member of the Bee Gees. With more than 200 million albums sold worldwide, Bee Gees are one of the most successful groups of all time. From 2008 to 2011, Gibb was President of the “Heritage Foundation”, honouring figures in British culture.
Gus Dudgeon
On July 21, 2002, Angus Boyd Dudgeon aka Gus Dudgeon, died aged 59. As a record producer he has worked with The Artwoods, Bruce Channel, Davy Graham, Shirley Collins, The Zombies, John Mayall’s Blues Breakers (with Eric Clapton), Ten Years After, Bonzo Dog Band, Michael Chapman, Elkie Brooks and David Bowie.
musicalphabet 