Tag Archives: songwriter

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”.

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”.

Bob Crewe

On September 11, 2014, Bob Crewe died aged 83. He was songwriter, singer, manager, and music producer, owner of the record label “DynoVoice Records”. He recorded by the name Bob Crewe Generation, and had hit recordings with  the Rays, Diane Renay, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, Freddy Cannon, Lesley Gore, Oliver, Michael Jackson, Bobby Darin, Roberta Flack, Peabo Bryson, Patti LaBelle and Barry Manilow.

Donald Ray Williams

On September 8, 2017, Donald Ray Williams died aged 78. He was musician (guitar, piano), singer and songwriter, known by the nick name “Gentle Giant” of the country music. He had 17 number one country hits, and his songs has been covered by many artists including Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, Waylon Jennings, Pete Townshend, Claude Russell Bridges, Lefty Frizzell, Josh Turner,  Sonny James, Alison Krauss,  Billy Dean,  Charley Pride, Kenny Rogers,  Lambchop,  Alan Jackson, Tomeu Penya, and Bonnie “Prince” Billy. In 2010, he was inducted in the “Country Music 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.

Glen Campbell

On August 8, 2017, Glen Travis Campbell died aged 81. He was country and rock singer, musician, songwriter, television host, and actor. Campbell released more than 70 albums; sold 45 million records and won 12 “RIAA” Gold albums, four Platinum and one double-Platinum album. In 1967 Campbell won four “Grammy Awards” in the country and pop categories. In 2000, 2004 and 2009, Campbell won “Grammy Hall of Fame Awards and in 2012, he won the “Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award”. He also won awards for “Male Vocalist of the Year” the “Country Music Association (CMA)” and the “Academy of Country Music (ACM)”, and took the “CMA’s” top award as 1968 Entertainer of the Year. In his 50 years long career, Campbell has recorded and performed with many famous musicians including Bobby Darin, Ricky Nelson, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, The Monkees, Nancy Sinatra, Merle Haggard,  Jan and Dean, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Phil Spector, Ricky Nelson and The Beach Boys.

Gregg Allman

On May 27, 2017, Gregory LeNoir “Gregg” Allman died aged 69. He was musician (guitar, keyboards), singer and songwriter, best known as member of The Allman Brothers Band.  He released seven studio and two live albums, and was inducted into the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” and “Georgia Music Hall of Fame”. “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked him at number 70 on its list of the “100 Greatest Singers of All Time”.