Tag Archives: singer

Peter Bardens

On January 22, 2002, Peter Bardens died aged 57. He was musician (keyboards, piano) singer and song writer, member of Them, Shotgun Express, Keats, Mirage, best known as founding member of Camel. Bardens has also worked with Mick Fleetwood, Rod Stewart and Van Morrison. As leader he released eleven albums.

Etta James

On January 20, 2012, Jamesetta Hawkins aka Etta James died aged 73. She was singer with powerful voice, performing blues, R&B, soul,  jazz and gospel music  She won six “Grammy Awards” and 17 “Blues Music Awards”; In 1993, she was inducted into the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame”, in 1999 she was inducted in “Grammy Hall of Fame”, and in 2011 in the “Blues Hall of Fame”. “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked Etta James at number 22 on its list of the “100 Greatest Singers of All Time”.

Dolores O’Riordan

On January 15, 2018, Dolores Mary Eileen O’Riordan died aged 46. She was singer, songwriter and musician (guitar, bass, and keyboards), best known as vocalist and leader of The Cranberries. She released seven studio albums with The Cranberries, two solo albums: Are You Listening? (2007) and No Baggage (2009). In 2016 as member of the band D.A.R.K. she released the album Science Agrees.

Lou Rawls

On December 6, 2006, Louis Allen Rawls died aged 92. He was singer, actor, voice actor, songwriter, and music producer, known for his singing ability, winner of three “Grammy Awards”, all for “Best Male R&B Vocal Performance”. He released more than 60 albums, and sold more than 40 million records worldwide.

William Guest

On December 24, 2015, William Franklin Guest died aged 74. He was singer, best known as member of Gladys Knight & the Pips. His vocal can be heard on all of the group’s major hits, including “Midnight Train To Georgia”, “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” and “Neither One Of Us”. In 1996, Guest was inducted to the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” with Gladys Knight & the Pips.

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”.

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.