Robert D. Norred
January 16, 1919 – October 25, 2009
Robert D. Norred was a steel guitarist who briefly played in Hank Williams’ Drifting Cowboys beginning in late 1947. He also played with Hal Howard and the Pearl River Boys for about a decade. Norred passsed away at the age of 90.
Merl Saunders
February 14, 1934 – October 24, 2008
Merle Saunders was an exceptionally talented keyboard player who was a familiar face along the jamband scene beginning in the early ’70s. He first teamed up with the Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia in 1971, and together they made several albums throughout the years. Saunders also sat in with the Dead on many occasions. He also fronted his own band with whom he recorded as well. Over the years, Saunders has collaborated with Bonnie Raitt, Miles Davis, Widespread Panic, and Phish. In 2002, Saunders suffered a serious stroke which eventually lead to his death in 2008. He was 74.
Danny Dill (Born Horace Dill)
September 19, 1925 – October 23, 2008
Danny Dill is primarily remembered as a Nashville songwriter, although he did work as a backing musician during the ’40s and ’50s. He also recorded several records of his own. His songs have been recorded by Bobby Bare and Jim Reeves among others. His most famous song, “Long Black Veil,” has been recorded by the likes of Lefty Frizzell(who had the first hit with it), Johnny Cash, Dave Matthews, the Band, Joan Baez, Ani DiFranco, the Stranglers, the Byrds and Jerry Garcia. Danny Dill, 83, passed away on October 23, 2008.
Lee Leonard
June 29, 1936 – October 23, 1976
Lee Leonard was an R&B singer who, with Shirley Goodman, performed as Shirley & Lee during the 1950s. Their first single, 1952’s “I’m Gone” reached #2 on the R&B charts and is considered by some scholars as an early influence on ska. In 1956, their recording of “Let the Good Times Roll” topped the R&B charts and made it into the top 20 of the pop charts. Shirley & Lee broke up in 1962 after which Leonard a handful of solo records. He died of a heart attack at the age of 40.
David Box
August 11, 1943 – October 23, 1964
David Box is best remembered as the singer who replaced Buddy Holly in the Crickets. It is Box’s voice you here on “Peggy Sue Got Married,” which was arguably the best Crickets song after Holly’s death. Box left the Crickets to go to college where he studied art under Norman Rockwell. He also recorded under his own name and toured with the likes of the Everly Brothers. Remarkably, David Box was killed in a small airplane crash just as Holly had been. He was just 21 years old.
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