Died On This Date (December 19, 1993) Michael Clarke / The Byrds
themusicsover Michael Clarke (Born Michael Dick)
June 3, 1946 – December 19, 1993
Michael Clarke was a rock drummer who, according to legend, was hired by the Byrds in 1964 primarily because he looked like Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones. Prior to his short run with the Byrds, Clarke had never played the drums, or much of any other instrument for that matter. Once hired, he practiced on cardboard boxes until he got his first drum kit. In 1967, the Byrds released him. He apparently developed some drumming skills because he later played with the Flying Burrito Brothers, Firefall and Jerry Jeff Walker. During the ’80s, he joined up with Byrds former singer Gene Clark in a Byrds reunion/tribute group of sorts. He also played in Byrds Celebration during the early ’90s. A heavy drinker for many years, Michael Clarke, age 47, died of liver failure on December 19, 1993.
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.
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.