Tag Archives: songwriter

Bryan MacLean

On December 25, 1998, Bryan Andrew MacLean died aged 52. He was  musician (guitar), singer and songwriter, best known as member of the band Love. He  was author of some of the band’s best known compositions including “Alone Again Or,” “Old Man,” and “Orange Skies.”

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.