Died On This Date (October 22, 2009) Don Lane / U.S. Born Australian TV Host
themusicsover Don Lane (Born Morton Isaacson)
November 13, 1933 – October 22, 2009
Don Lane was a popular entertainer in Australia during the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Born in New York City, Lane began his career singing in nightclubs from New York to Hawaii. During the early part of his career, he performed with the likes of Sammy Davis, Jr. and Wayne Newton. He eventually moved to Australia where he would host their version of The Tonight Show. The very popular Don Lane Show hosted such musical guests as Tom Waits and David Bowie. Lane won several Logie Awards throughout his career. The Logie is Australian television’s equivalent of the Emmy. During the ’90s, Lane became a popular sportscaster in Australia, often hosting broadcasts of NFL games. By 2008, Lane was suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and living in a care facility. He passed away on October 22, 2009 at the age of 75.
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.
Tommy Edwards was an R&B singer who had a #1 hit in 1958 with “It’s All In the Game.” The record went on to sell over 3.5 million records worldwide. His subsequent singles never achieved near the success of “It’s All In the Game.” Tommy Edwards died after suffering a brain aneuryrsm at the age of 47.
Elliott Smith was a celebrated contemporary folk and indie rock singer-songwriter who quietly gained a legion of fans in the late ’90s. After several years in a rock band, Smith went solo in 1994, first recording for hip indie labels, Cavity Search and Kill Rock Stars, and then major, Dreamworks Records. In 1997, his “Miss Misery” was nominated for an Academy Award after it appeared Good Will Hunting. Elliott Smith died after being stabbed twice in the chest. Initial reports indicated that he committed suicide, but autopsy reports were inconclusive and his case is still considered open by the Los Angeles Police Department.