On September 8, 2016, Cecil Bustamente Campbell aka Prince Buster, died aged 78. He was singer-songwriter and music producer, known as the first Jamaican to have a top 20 hit in the UK. His records form the 1960s, influenced the sound of ska and inspired the reggae artists of the late ’70s.
Tag Archives: singer songwriter
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
Roy Orbison
On December 6, 1988, Roy Kelton Orbison died aged 52. He was musician (guitar, harmonica), singer and songwriter, thanks to his distinctive and impassioned voice, named “Caruso of Rock” and nicknamed the Big O. In the period between 1960 and 1964, 22 of his songs placed on the Billboard Top 40. In 1987, Roy Orbison was inducted in the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” and in “Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame”; in 1989 in the “Songwriters Hall of Fame”. “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked him at number 37 on its list of the “Greatest Artists of All Time” and number 13 on the list of the “100 Greatest Singers of All Time’. In 2002, “Billboard” magazine ranked Orbison at number 74 in its list of the “Top 600 Recording Artists”. Orbison won six “Grammy Awards”, including “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 1998.
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”.
Johnny Cash
On September 12, 2003, John R. “Johnny” Cash died aged 71. He was musician (guitar) singer, songwriter and actor, and author, considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. With more than 90 million albums sold, he is also one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His trademark outfit earned him the nickname “The Man in Black”. Johnny Cash was inducted in the four major music halls of fame: the “Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame” (1977); the “Country Music Hall of Fame” (1980); the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” (1992), and the “Memphis Music Hall of Fame” (2013). In 2001, he was awarded the “National Medal of Arts”.
Nico
On July 18, 1988, Christa Päffgen aka Nico died aged 49. She was musician (keyboards, harmonium, tambourine), singer-songwriter, lyricist, composer, fashion model and actress, promoted in the 60’s by Andy Warhol and had few roles in movies including Federico Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita” (1960) and Andy Warhol’s “Chelsea Girls” (1966), but she is best known by her vocals on the Velvet Underground’s album from 1967 “The Velvet Underground & Nico”.
Jeff Buckley
On May 29, 1997, Jeffrey Scott “Jeff” Buckley died aged 30. Son of Tim Buckley, he was singer-songwriter and musician ( guitar, organ,harmonium, Appalachian dulcimer and bass guitar). In 1994 “Columbia” released his only studio album, the highly acclaimed “Grace”. Magazine “Rolling Stone” considered Jeff Buckley as one of the greatest singers of all time.
Desmond Dekker
On May 25, 2006, Desmond Dekker died aged 64. He was singer and songwriter, best known by his song “Israelites” from 1968 (with his backing group “The Aces), which is regarded as one of the earliest reggae hits worldwide.
Richie Havens
On April 22, 2013, Richard Pierce Havens aka Richie Havens died aged 72. He was musician (guitar), singer and songwriter, famous for his intense and rhythmic guitar style. Havens released 21 studio and 2 live albums but he is best known for his opening performance at the 1969 “Woodstock Festival”.
Viv Stanshall
On March 5, 1995, Victor Anthony Stanshall aka Viv Stanshall died aged 52. He was musician (various instruments), singe, songwriter, painter, author and poet, best known for his work with the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, for his surreal exploration of the British upper classes in Sir Henry at “Rawlinson End” and for narrating Mike Oldfield’s “Tubular Bells”.
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