Tag Archives: songwriter

Bobby Whitlock

On August 10, 2025, Robert Stanley “Bobby” Whitlock died aged 77. He was musician (keyboards, guitar), vocalist and songwriter, best known as member of Derek and the Dominos (co-founder with Eric Clapton). Whitlock was known as the first white musician signed to Stax Records. He recorded and performed with many artists, including George Harrison, Delaney & Bonnie, Eric Clapton, Doris Troy, John Simon, Manassas and Dr. John. As leader he released 14 albums.

Terry Reid

On August 5, 2025, Terrance James Reid died aged 75. He was musician (guitar), singer and songwriter, member of Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers, known by the nickname “Superlungs”, due to his emotive style of singing. His songs have been recorded by numerous artists including The Hollies, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jackson Browne, Arrival, Jack White with The Raconteurs, Joe Perry, Rumer Christopher, Cheap Trick, Marianne Faithfull, Charles Romero and Chris Cornell. As leader he released seven studio and four live albums.

Ozzy Osbourne

On July 22, 2025, John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne, died aged 76. He was singer, songwriter, and media personality, best known as the founding member, front-man and lead singer of Black Sabbath. Back in 70s he adopted the nickname “Prince of Darkness”, and became the most important figure in creation of Heavy Metal genre. As leader he released 13 albums.

Mick Ralphs

In June 2025, Michael Geoffrey Ralphs died aged 81. He was musician (guitar), vocalist and songwriter, member of the bands Buddies, Doc Thomas Group and Mick Ralphs Blues Band, but was best known as founding member of Mott the Hoople and Bad Company. As leader, he released three albums.

Sly Stone

On June 9, 2025, Sylvester Stewart aka Sly Stone died age 82. He was musician (keyboards, guitar, bass, harmonica), singer, songwriter and producer, one of the most important figures in the development of funk with his pioneering fusion of soul, rock, psychedelia, and gospel in the 1960s and 1970s. Sly Stone collaborated with Funkadelic, Parliament, Jesse Johnson and Bobby Womack, but was best known as founding member and leader of the band Sly and the Family Stone. In 1993, he was inducted into the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame”. He released his autobiography “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin). As leader he released two albums.

Joe Louis Walker

On April 30. 2025, Louis Joseph Walker Jr. aka Joe Louis Walker died aged 75. He was musician (guitar), singer, songwriter and producer, known as electric blues musician, virtuoso guitarist with soulful vocal. In his six-decade long career he performed with many musicians, among them Bonnie Raitt, Mark Knopfler and Steve Cropper. In 2013, Walker was inducted to the “Blues Hall of Fame”. As leader, he released 29 albums.

Brian James

On March 6, 2025, Brian James died aged 70. He was songwriter, musician (guitar) and singer, member of the bands London SS, Tanz Der Youth, Bastard, The Dripping Lips, The Racketeers, The Lords of the New Church, The Brian James Gang, but was best known as the founding member of Damned. As leader, James released five albums.

David Johansen

On February 28, 2025, David Roger Johansen aka David Johansen, died aged 75. He was songwriter, singer and actor, also known for his work under the pseudonym Buster Poindexter. Hansen was member of the bands Vagabond Missionaries, and David Johansen and The Harry Smiths, but was best known as singer and songwriter of The New York Dolls. Under the pseudonym Buster Poindexter he released four album.