but the songs live on forever

December 30, 2009

Musician Rock Singer Songwriter

Died On This Date (December 30, 2009) Rowland S. Howard / The Birthday Party

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Rowland S. Howard
October 24, 1959 – December 30, 2009

Photo by Simon Schluter

Rowland S. Howard was an Australian guitarist and songwriter who is best remembered for his work with Nick Cave in the Birthday Party, a proto-punk / art-rock band that formed from the ashes of the new wave band, the Boys Next Door.  The band created a loyal cult following thanks in part to Howard’s aggressive guitar and feedback.  After leaving the group in 1983, Howard collaborated with numerous artists including Lydia Lunch, Henry Rollins,  Jeffrey Lee Pierce, Epic Soundtracks, and Nikki Sudden.  Howard released just two solo albums, Teenage Snuff Film and Pop Crimes, both of which were positively received by fans and critics.  In later years he was relatively inactive due to personal and health reasons.  On December 30, 2009, Rowland S. Howard died of liver cancer at the age of 50.

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Prayers On Fire - The Birthday Party

Musician Pop Producer R&B Record Label Rock Songwriter

Died On This Date (December 30, 1967) Bert Berns / Legendary Songwriter and Label Head

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Bert Berns
November 8, 1929 – December 30, 1967

Photo From bertburns.com
Photo From bertburns.com

Bert Berns was a prolific songwriter and record producer whose impact on popular music cannot be denied.   His most celebrated songs as a songwriter include “Hang on Sloopy” (the McCoys), “Twist and Shout” (the Isley Brothers, the Beatles), “Tell Him” (the Exciters), “I Want Candy” (the Strangeloves, Bow Wow Wow), “Piece of My Heart” (Emma Franklin, Janis Joplin), and “Here Comes the Night” (Lulu, Them, David Bowie).  He also produced such hits as Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” Them’s “Gloria,” and “Under the Boardwalk” by the Drifters.  Berns also ran his own Atlantic affiliated label, Bang Records who was the one-time home to Neil Diamond, Van Morrison, the McCoys and many more.  Bert Berns was just 38 when he died of heart failure on December 30, 1967.



R&B Singer

Died On This Date (December 30, 1998) Johnny Moore / The Drifters

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Johnny Moore
December 14, 1934 – December 30, 1998

Johnny Moore is best remembered as the lead singer for famed doo-wop vocal group, the Drifters.  He was asked to join the group in 1951 but was soon drafted and had to leave the group.  In 1964, he rejoined after the group’s singer, Rudy Lewis had recently died.  Moore recorded the lead vocal of what would become the Drifters’ biggest hit, “Under the Boardwalk.”  He also sang on such records as “Come on Over to My Place” and “Saturday Night at the Movies.”  Johnny Moore stayed with the group until he passed away in 1998.



Musician Rock

Died On This Date (December 30, 2008) Joey Hopkins / Alien Syndrome 777

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Joey Hopkins (aka Nihil)
September 1, 1982 – December 30, 2008

joeyJoey Hopkins was the vocalist and programmer for avant-garde black metal band, Alien Syndrome 777.  He also fronted Joey Hopkins Midget Factory and worked with Blackdrone, Inc.  On December 28, 2008, 26 year-old Joey Hopkins was found unconscious in his car with the engine running.  He was taken to a nearby hospital but could not be revived.  He was pronounced dead on December 31.  It is believed that he pulled over to the side of the road to rest but ultimately died of carbon monoxide poisoning.



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