Joe Pennell
November 15, 1944 – April 21, 2011
Joe Pennell was the lead guitarist for the Rivieras, a rock ‘n roll band whose only hit, “California Sun,” helped define what became known as “frat rock.” Formed in 1962 while its members where still in high school in South Bend, Indiana, the group was initially called the Playmates until they learned of another band using the same name. In 1964, they released “California Sun,” which quickly rose to #1 on the U.S. singles chart thanks to its driving beat and instantly recognizable surf guitar riff. Unfortunately, the record holds the dubious honor of being knocked from the top spot by “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” the first American hit for the Beatles. It would be one of the last hits by an American rock ‘n roll band before the British Invasion tightened its grip around the U.S. Shortly after he recorded the song, Pennell joined the Marines and didn’t learn of the record’s release until he heard it on the radio while serving. By all accounts, he never went back to a career in music, but went on to work for many years as a painter at AM General, a heavy vehicle manufacturer and future assembly line for the civilian Hummer. Joe Pennell was 66 when he passed away on April 21, 2011.
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Gerard Smith was the bassist for New York City art rock band, TV on the Radio. Formed in 2001, the band was both a critical and fan favorite – SPIN magazine chose their Return To Cookie Mountain as the Album of the Year for 2006. Fans of the band include David Bowie, David Byrne and Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs) who have all appeared on their records. In March of 2011, the band announced that Smith was suffering from lung cancer, and on April 20, 2011, he died from the disease. He was 36.
Jim Dickson was a recording engineer, producer, and eventual manager of the Byrds. He is often cited as one of the foundations of the ’60s folk-rock movement, particularly that which was coming out of Southern California. During his early years, Dickson produced records by the likes of Hamilton Camp, David Crosby, and the Dillards. He soon began managing a new band formed by Crosby and Chris Hillman who at first went by the Beefeaters and then the Jet Set. It was their desire to become Los Angeles’ answer to the Beatles. In 1964, Dickson was sent a demo of Bob Dylan’s then-unreleased “Mr. Tamborine Man,” which the band, now known as the Byrds, recorded and released. It would became one of the era’s definitive songs and helped launch a sound that inspired countless other musicians. To help the band build a following in those early days, Dickson enlisted the help of such famous friends as Jack Nicholson and 
Kent Morrill was the lead singer and keyboardist for Seattle, Washington-area ’60s rock band, the Fabulous Wailers. Having been with the group since inception, Morrill was the only original member still playing with the group in recent years. Formed at the tail end of the ’50s, many consider the Fabulous Wailers THE first garage rock band due to their down-and-dirty mix of saxophone driven R&B and rave-up rock ‘n roll. The band released several albums and 45s throughout the years, but it was their late 50s/early 60s output that is generally included in any respectable first generation garage rock collection. Records like “Tall Cool One,” “Dirty Robber,” and “Out Of Our Tree” received significant airplay during their peak years, but it was their recording (with Rockin’ Robin Roberts) of 
Lacy Gibson was a gifted Chicago blues guitarist who over a career that spanned six decades came to be known as a musician’s musician thanks in part to his flashy jazz-influenced guitar skills. He was also revered for his soulful voice. After moving to Chicago from North Carolina in 1949, Gibson immediately immersed himself in the city’s storied blues scene, learning directly from the likes of 