Daniel DeGennaro
DOB Unknown – December 28, 2011
Photo by William Johnson
Danny DeGennaro, who also performed as Dan Rio, was Philadelphia-area singer, songwriter, and guitarist who is perhaps best remembered as a former member of Kingfish, a band which also counted Bob Weir and New Riders of the Purple Sage bassist, Dave Torbert, as members. Joining the outfit post-Weir in 1979, Rio played guitar and shared vocals until they disbanded following the death of Torbert in 1982. Rio also performed or recorded with Billy Squier, Bo Diddley and Jorma Kaukonen, Clarence Clemons throughout his career. In recent years, DeGennaro fronted his own 5-piece blues band, the Danny DeGennaro Band. On December 28, 2011, Danny DeGennaro, age 56, was shot and killed in his yard in what appeared to have been a robbery. Police had no suspects in the early weeks following the murder but indicated it likely was not a random attack.
Whop Frazier was a Washington DC blues singer and bassist who was a popular draw throughout the city and surrounding area blues clubs for many years. Over the years, he played with Carl Anderson, the Bad Influence Band and his own Whop Frazier & Friends By Choice. William “Whop” Frazier died of lung and bone cancer on December 22, 2011. He was 68.
Hubert Sumlin was a Chicago Blues electric guitarist and singer who is most often remembered for his time playing with 
Lee “Shot” Williams was a Mississippi born blues singer who made a name for himself after landing in Chicago in 1956. In 1960, he joined his cousin 
Coco Robicheaux was a popular New Orleans blues musician who built a loyal following for his Tom Waits-like gravelly voice, swampy guitar, and mystical subject matter. A familiar face throughout the clubs that lined the streets of Crescent City, Robicheaux entertained both on and off the stage thanks to his colorful personality. He often held court outside nightclubs for tourists and locals alike when he wasn’t performing. Beloved by New Orleans music and blues fans around the world, Robicheaux was a popular draw at festivals far and wide – particularly the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the French Quarter Festival. Over the years, he released several albums and appeared on recordings by the likes of Dr. John. In 2010, he made a memorable appearance on HBO’s Treme, where he sacrificed a “live” chicken over the air of a local radio station. He also played a musician on USA’s Big Easy series. On November 25, 2011, Coco Robicheaux collapsed while in hanging out at a New Oleans club. He died after being taken to a hospital. Cause of death was not immediately released. He was 64.