On May 10, 1999, Sheldon Allan “Shel” Silverstein died aged 57. He was writer of children books, cartooninst and songwriter. His songs were recorded by many artists including Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings, Bobby Bare, Marianne Faithful, Belinda Carlisle, Doyle Holly, Judy Collins and Emmylou Harris. His best known songs are “Sylvia’s Mother” and “The Cover of Rolling Stone” recorded by Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, and “A Boy Named Sue” recorded by Johnny Cash. Silverstein won two “Grammy Awards” and a “Golden Globe Award”.
Tag Archives: songwriter
Little Richard
On May 9, 2020, Richard Wayne Penniman aka Little Richard died aged 87. He was singer, songwriter and musician (piano), one of the most important and influential persons in the popular music. His charismatic showmanship and dynamic music, characterized by frenetic piano playing, pounding back beat and raspy shouted vocals, laid the foundation for rock and roll, but also had important role in formation of other music genres such as soul and funk. For his work Little Richard received numerous awards and was honored by many institutions. In 1986, he was inducted into the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame”; in 1993 he received “Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award”, he was inducted into the “Songwriters Hall of Fame”, received “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the “Recording Academy”; “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the “Rhythm and Blues Foundation”, and received a “Rhapsody & Rhythm Award” from the “National Museum of African American Music”. In 2012, his song “Tutti Frutti” was included in the “National Recording Registry” of the “Library of Congress”, stated that his “unique vocalizing over the irresistible beat announced a new era in music”. Three of his songs “Tutti Frutti,” “Lucille” and “Long Tall Sally” are inducted into the “Grammy Hall of Fame”.
Tony Allen
On April 30, 2020, Tony Oladipo Allen died aged 80. He was composer, songwriter and musician (drums), regarded as one of the primary co-founders of the genre of Afrobeat music. He has recorded and performed with Fela Kuti, Roy Ayers, Ernest Raanglin, Zap Mama, Sébastien Tellier, Chicago Afrobeat Project, Moritz Von Oswald Trio, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jimi Tenor, Rocket Juice & The Moon, Gonjasufi and Hugh Masekela. Brian Eno described Allen as “perhaps the greatest drummer who has ever lived”.
Christophe
On April 16, 2020, Daniel Bevilacqua aka Christophe died aged 74. He was singer – songwriter and musician (keyboards), known for his chanson – balladeer style. He became famous in France in the early sixties with the song “Aline”. Christophe recorded 15 studio albums, composed music for films and performed as actor in 6 movies.
J. Geils
On April 11, 2017, John Warren Geils Jr. aka J. Geils, Died aged 71. He was singer, songwriter, musician (guitar) and record producer, member of Snoopy and the Sopwith Camels, best known as founding member and leader of the J. Geils Band. In 2015, Geils was named to the “Wall of Honor” at his alma mater, “Bernards High School” in Bernardsville, New Jersey.
Kenny Rogers
On March 20, 2020, Kenneth Ray Rogers aka Kenny Rogers died aged 81. He was singer, songwriter, actor, record producer and entrepreneur, member of the “Country Music Hall of Fame”. He has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, mostly in country music, and charted more than 120 hit singles, becoming one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Bernie Tormé
On March 17, 2019, Bernard Joseph Tormey aka Bernie Tormé died aged 66. He was songwriter, musician (guitar, singer), record label and recording studio owner. With Robin Guy and John McCoy he formed the band Guy McCoy Tormé, has worked with Ozzy Osbourne, Atomic Rooster, Desperado, but was best known for his work with Gillan.
Andy Fraser
On March 16, 2015, Andrew McLan Fraser died aged 62. He was songwriter and musician (bass), worked with Alexis Korner, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Toby and Sharks, but was best known as founding member and bassist of Free.
Neil Innes
On December 29, 2012, Neil James Innes died aged 75, He was writer, comedian, songwriter and musician (vocals, guitar, banjo, piano), who had success working with Monty Pythons, The Rutles and The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band
Paul Barrere
On October 26, 2019, Paul Barrere died aged 71. He was musician (guitar) and songwriter. He recorded and performed with Taj Mahal, Jack Bruce, Chicken Legs, Blues Busters, Valerie Carter, Helen Watson, Chico Hamilton, Robert Palmer, Eikichi Yazawa, and Carly Simon, but was best known as guitarist of Little feat.
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