Died On This Date (April 1, 2004) Paul Atkinson / The Zombies

Paul Atkinson
March 19, 1946 – April 1, 2004

Zombies founding member and guitarist Paul Atkinson passed away from liver and kidney disease on April 1, 2004. He was 58. While the Zombies failed to take off like so many other British Invasion bands of the early 1960s, their songs like “She’s Not There,” “Tell Her No,” and “Time Of The Season” will forever be remembered as key moments in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. And no worthy collection of psychedelic rock song is complete without “Time Of The Season,” which didn’t even become popular until long after the band had broken up in 1967. Atkinson went on to work for RCA Records as an A&R Rep where he was credited for signing Abba, Mr. Mister, Judas Priest and Bruce Hornsby.

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Odessey and Oracle - The Zombies

 

Died On This Date (March 16, 2008) Ola Brunkert / Abba

Ola Brunkert
December 16, 1946 – March 16, 2008

Ola-BrunkertOla Brunkert was the longtime session drummer for Abba for whom he played on every album throughout their career. Born in Sweden, Brunkert played in various groups throughout the ’60s, building himself a solid reputation so that by the early ’70s, he had become one of the most in-demand session drummers around.  He began working for Abba and was soon heard around the world thanks to their many massive hits.  Songs like “Waterloo” and “Dancing Queen” feature Brunkert’s talents.    He also toured with the band throughout the years.  On March 16, 2008, 61-year-old Ola Brunkert died in a freak accident at his home.  While working in his yard, he fell and hit his head on a window, causing it to shatter.  Shards of glass cut his throat, but left him alive long enough to grab a towel and wrap it around his neck.  Unfortunately he collapsed and died before he could call for help.

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ABBA

Died On This Date (December 27, 2008) Delaney Bramlett / Rock’s Unsung Hero

Delaney Bramlett
July 1, 1939 – December 27, 2008

Delaney Bramlett was one of popular music’s greatest unsung heroes.  During a career that spanned four decades, he either produced, played with, or wrote songs for a who’s who of rock music.  As a producer, Bramlett collaborated with the likes of Eric Clapton, the Staple Singers and Etta James.  His songs have been recorded by Sonic Youth, Luther Vandross, Ray Charles, and Usher.  His “Never Ending Song Of Love” has been covered by over 100 artists.  It was Bramlett who taught George Harrison how to play the slide guitar, eventually leading to a jam that evolved into “My Sweet Lord.”  Over the course of his career, he collaborated with an astonishing list of musicians that included Janis Joplin, John Lennon, Joe Cocker, and Jimi Hendrix to name just a few.  The most remarkable thing about his career however, is that ABBA made it into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame while he hasn’t.  On December 27, 2008, 69-year-old Delaney Bramlett died from complications of gall bladder surgery.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.

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Home (Bonus Track Version) - Delaney & Bonnie