Died On This Date (April 14, 2015) Percy Sledge / American R&B Great

Percy Sledge
November 25, 1941 – April 14, 2015

percy-sledgePercy Sledge was a beloved American R&B singer whose recording of “When A Man Loves A Woman” went on to become one of popular music most enduring ballads.  Born in Leighton, Alabama, Sledge earned his keep working in the fields and later as a hospital orderly while singing in area clubs on weekends.  A former patient introduced him to a producer friend, leading to his first recording contract.  What followed was a string of R&B hits that included “Warm and Tender Love,” “Take Time To Know Her,” “It Tears Me Up,” and of course, “When A Man Loves A Woman,” which was not only a hit upon its original release in 1966, but again in 1983 thanks to its placement in the film, The Big Chill.  Sledge continued recording and performing well into the 2000s, and was ultimately inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.  Percy Sledge was 73 when he passed away on April 14, 2015.  Cause of death was not immediately released

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Died On This Date (March 27, 2013) Roosevelt Jamison / Memphis Soul Legend; Wrote “That’s How Strong My Love Is”

Roosevelt Jamison
July 15, 1936 – March 27, 2013

roosevelt-jamisonRoosevelt Jamison was songwriter, artist manager and publicist whose most notable contribution to popular music was the soulful gem he wrote, “That’s How Strong My Love Is.”  First recorded by O.V. Wright in 1964, the song had a remarkable life, which found its way on to records by Otis Redding, the Rolling Stones, Candi Staton, Taj Mahal, the Hollies, Bryan Ferry, Humble Pie, Percy Sledge, Buddy Miller, and many more.  Besides managing Wright, Jamison also oversaw soul singer, James Carr‘s career for a bit.  Under Jamison’s watch, Carr had a major hit with “The Dark End Of The Street.”  In later years, Jamison conducted sickle-cell research and taught Anatomy and Physiology.  He was also worked at the hematology lab at the City of Memphis Hospital for many years.  Roosevelt James passed away at the age of 76 on March 27, 2013.

Thanks to Tom Ashburn of The Dark End Of The Street on KOOP 91.7FM for the assist.

 

Died On This Date (July 28, 1995) Eddie Hinton / Muscle Shoals Guitarist

Eddie Hinton
June 15, 1944 – July 28, 1995

Eddie Hinton was one of those great unknowns. As a session guitarist within the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Rhythm Section, his brilliance can be heard on hits by the likes of Wilson Pickett, Arthur Conley, Aretha Franklin, Joe Tex, Solomon Burke, Percy Sledge, The Staple Singers, The Dells, Johnnie Taylor, Elvis Presley, the Box Tops, Boz Scaggs, and Otis Redding. And as a songwriter, he penned a few hits as well, including “Breakfast In Bed” which has been recorded by the Pretenders, Dusty Springfield and UB40. During the early ’80s however, Hinton’s career and personal life took a drastic turn for the worse, at one point, leading him to a life on the streets. But with the help of friends, he was able to rebound and get back to doing what he did best – writing, recording and touring. Things were going pretty smooth for Hinton until July of 1995. He had just come of the road and was finishing up a new album when he suffered a fatal heart attack on July 28. He was 51.

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Eddie Hinton

Died On This Date (June 10, 2009) Barry Beckett / Produced Records By Bob Seger, Bob Dylan, Hank Williams Jr.

Barry Beckett
February 4, 1943 – June 10, 2009

barryBarry Beckett was a respected Nashville session musician as well as a producer who’s resume is a veritable who’s who of popular music.  Over the years he’s produced classic recordings by the likes of Bob Dylan, Hank Williams Jr., Bob Seger, Joan Baez, Dire Straits, Etta James, Jerry Jeff Walker to name just a few.  As a musician, Beckett was part of both the storied Fame AND Muscle Shoals rhythm sections, working on such pop music milestones as “Land of 1000 Dances” (Wilson Pickett), “When A Man Loves A Woman” (Percy Sledge), and “Torn Between Two Lovers” (Mary MacGregor).   He passed away in his home at the age of 66.

Thanks to Craig Rosen of Number1Hits for the assist.

Died On This Date (October 29, 1971) Duane Allman / The Allman Brothers

Howard Duane Allman
November 26, 1946 – October 29, 1971

Before becoming a household name as founding lead guitarist for the Allman Brothers Band Duane Allman was an in-demand session guitarist who played on many classic records of the late ’60s.  His amazing guitar work was first heard on Wilson Picket’s superb 1968 recording of “Hey Jude.”  Eric Clapton was so impressed by Allman’s playing on that record, that he invited him down to the studio for the Derek & the Dominos sessions.  The two clicked and Allman joined on to add his signature guitar sound to most of the tracks on Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.  It’s Allman’s guitar that is the most recognizable and most celebrated on the album.  Allman also played on hit recordings by the likes of Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, Clarence Carter and Boz Scaggs.  In 1969, he and his brother Gregg Allman, formed the Allman Brothers band, which went on to become one of the most influential rock bands America has ever produced.  Albums like The Allman Brothers Band, At Fillmore East, and Eat A Peach are considered landmark recordings of the rock era.  In Rolling Stone’s 2003 list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time, Allman came in at #2, just behind Jimi Hendrix.  On October 29, 1971, just as the Allman Brothers were reaching new heights in their career, Allman was out riding his motorcycle while the band was taking a break from the road.  In what was ruled an accident, Allman lost control of his bike as he tried to avoid a large truck that was turning up ahead of him.  Duane Allman died of his injuries at a local hospital.  He was just 24.

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At Fillmore East (Live) - The Allman Brothers Band