Died On This Date (September 17, 1951) Jimmy Yancey / Boogie Woogie Piano Great

Jimmy Yancey
February 20, 1894 (or 1895 or 1898) – September 17, 1951

Jimmy Yancey was a boogie-woogie jazz pianist who rose to prominence during the 1940’s.   He was an early influence on rock ‘n roll and was recognized as such in 1986 when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  He also holds the distinct honor of recording, along with his wife, Estelle “Mama” Yancey, the first album ever made by Atlantic Records.  Jimmy Yancey died of a stroke on September 17, 1951.

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Jimmy Yancey Vol. 1 1939 - 1940 - Jimmy Yancey

Died On This Date (September 16, 1977) Marc Bolan / T. Rex

Marc Bolan (Born Mark Feld)
September 30, 1947 – September 16, 1977

Marc Bolan was a British rock singer songwriter and musician who, with his band T. Rex was one of the foundations of the glam rock movement that followed.  Bolan formed his first band when he was barely into his teens, and by 17, he was making a go of it along the British folk circuit.  In 1967, he joined a mod band called John’s Children who achieved moderate success throughout the UK.  Later that year, he left the group and joined forces with Steve Peregrin Took to form T. Rex.  With albums like T. Rex and The Slider, sparking the early ’70s glam movement that would directly influence rock bands from the New York Dolls to Gun ‘n Roses and beyond.  Songs like “Bang A Gong (Get It On),” “Jeepster,” and “20th Century Boy” would become signature songs of the era.  On September 16, 1977, the 29-year-old Marc Bolan was killed instantly when the car in which he was a passenger spun out of control and struck a tree.

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Electric Warrior (Remastered) - T. Rex

Died On This Date (September 16, 2009) Mary Travers / Peter, Paul and Mary

Mary Travers
November 9, 1936 – September 16, 2009

Mary_TraversMary Travers is best remembered as one-third of the iconic folk trio, Peter, Paul and Mary.  Formed in 1961, the trio gained world-wide acclaim during the ’60s folk revival with such hits as “If I Had A Hammer,” “Puff The Magic Dragon,” and their cover of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ In The Wind.”  They were one of the premier folk groups for many years to come.  The trio disbanded in 1970 after which Travers recorded five solo albums throughout the ’70s.  Peter, Paul and Mary regrouped in 1978 and stayed active, both touring and recording, until recent years.  Mary Travers died of leukemia at the age of 72.

Thanks to Fred Osuna at Spitball Army for the assist.

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The Very Best of Peter, Paul and Mary - Peter, Paul & Mary

Died On This Date (September 15, 2004) Johnny Ramone / The Ramones

Johnny Ramone (Born John Cummings)
October 8, 1948 – September 15, 2004

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Johnny Ramone was the founding guitarist for legendary punk band, the Ramones.  He and Joey Ramone were the only two members to stay in the group during its entire 22-year run.   It was Johnny’s aggressive guitar playing that helped turn the Ramones into one of rock music’s most influential bands.  His prowess has been noted in both Rolling Stone and Time magazine who included him in their list of the 10 greatest electric guitarists of all time.  Ramones albums like Road To Ruin, Rocket To Russia, and End of the Century are required listening for any true rock music fan.  Johnny Ramone died of prostate cancer on September 15, 2004.  He was 55.

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Rocket to Russia (Deluxe Version) - Ramones

Died On This Date (September 15, 2009) Trevor Rhone / Co-Wrote “The Harder They Come” Film

Trevor Rhone
March 24, 1940 – September 15, 2009

rhoneTrevor Rhone was a Jamaican actor, playwright and director.  He helped popularize reggae, particularly in America with the script he wrote to the 1972 movie, The Harder The Come” which starred Jimmy Cliff and several other reggae artists.  The film and its soundtrack introduced Jamaican culture and music to many in the US.  The film featured songs performed by Cliff, the Maytals, Desmond Dekker and more. Trevor Rhone died of a heart attack on September 15, 2009.  He was 69 years old.

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