Died On This Date (November 1, 2013) Bobby Parker / American Blues Guitar Legend
themusicsover Bobby Parker
August 31, 1937 – November 1, 2013
Bobby Parker was an American blues rock guitarist, singer and songwriter who counted no less than Led Zeppelin and the Beatles as his disciples. His biggest hit, 1961’s “Watch Your Step,” was covered by Santana, Manfred Mann and the Spencer Davis Group, while its primary lick was borrowed by the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, the Allman Brothers, Deep Purple and countless more. John Lennon called “Watch Your Step” one of his favorite records of all time. Born in Louisiana but raised in Los Angeles, California, Parker picked up the guitar at a young age. During his early professional years, he played for the likes of Bo Diddley, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, and the Everly Brothers. He later toured with Check Berry and Little Richard among others. He settled in Washington, DC during the ’60s and continued to record and perform over the next four decades. Bobby Parker was 76 when he passed away on November 1, 2013. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Thanks to Harold Lepidus at Bob Dylan Examiner for the assist.
Dee Murray was a respected bassist who played in Elton John’s original band. After a short stint in the Spencer Davis Group, Murray was hired by John in 1970. He played on Tumbleweed Connection, 11-17-70, John’s masterpiece, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, and finally, Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. After parting ways with John in 1975, Murray found work as a session player, most notably with Rick Springfield. He was hired into Procal Harum’s touring band in 1977, and reunited to tour with John in 1981. Dee Murray was 45 when he suffered a fatal stroke on January 15, 1992.
Jimmy Miller was a musician, songwriter and producer who helped create some of rock’s most popular albums. As a songwriter, Miller co-wrote the classic Traffic song, “I’m a Man” with Steve Winwood. He produced Sticky Fingers, Let It Bleed, Beggars Banquet and Exile on Main Street for the Rolling Stones. He also played percussion on a handful of Stones songs. That list includes drums on “Happy,” and “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” and the opening cowbell on “Honky Tonk Woman.” Miller also produced records for the likes of the Plasmatics, Blind Faith, Spencer Davis Group, Nirvana, the Move and Motorhead. Jimmy Miller died of liver failure on October 22, 1994.