Died On This Date (December 17, 1982) Big Joe Williams / Delta Blues Great
themusicsover Big Joe Williams
October 16, 1903 – December 17, 1982
Big Joe Williams was a Delta blues guitarist and singer who recorded several blues hits for Bluebird Records during the late ’30s and early ’40s. He was renowned for playing the 9-string guitar. Some of his songs, like “Calling King Snake,” and “Baby Please Don’t Go” have been covered by both blues and rock artists ever since. He enjoyed a career renaissance during the folk revival of the ‘6os, playing the major festivals and coffeehouse circuit of America. Big Joe Williams was 78 when he passed away on December 17, 1982.
What You Should Own
Rex Allen was a popular singer, cowboy actor and narrator of countless Disney adventure programs of the ’60s and ’70s. Starting his career as a vaudeville singer after high school, Allen signed his first record deal in 1948. Over the next few decades, he released numerous hit country records, including 1962’s politically incorrect “Don’t Go Near the Indians” which made it into the top 5 of the country singles chart. On December 17, 1999, Rex Allen, age 78, suffered a massive coronary and collapsed on his driveway. His caretaker accidentally ran over him while he was laying there. Allen died later that day.
Grover Washington Jr. was one of the most popular saxophonists in jazz, if not all music. His appeal was in that he played in a more soul or R&B style than straight ahead jazz. In doing so, he was one of the forefathers of the smooth jazz genre. Washington began learning to play the sax when he was just eight years old. After he got out of the Army, he settled in New York City and later, Philadelphia where he began his professional career as a sideman. In 1971, he released his debut album, Big City Blues. Over the next 25 years, he released nearly two dozen albums including 1980’s platinum selling Winelight, which earned him two Grammys. On December 17, 1999, Grover Washington collapsed while waiting to tape a segment of CBS’ The Early Show. He died at a nearby hospital later that night, cause of death, a massive heart attack. He was 56.