but the songs live on forever

2009

Musician Rock

Died On This Date (November 11, 1990) Tony Duhig / Jade Warrior

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Tony Duhig
September 18, 1941 – November 11, 1990

Tony Duhig was the founding guitarist for British progressive rock band, Jade Warrior.  Formed in 1970, the band built a loyal but small following due to its unique sound.  Although they started out with a vocalist, they eventually signed to Island Records (thanks in part to fan, Steve Winwood) as an instrumental duo, with Duhig staying on.  Over their run with Island during the ’70s, they released four albums that found them expanding their with string quartets and choirs.  During the ’80s, Duhig left the Jade Warrior to open a recording studio.  He was about to rejoin the group when he died of a heart attack on November 11, 1990.

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Last Autumn's Dream - Jade Warrior

International Jazz Singer Songwriter

Died On This Date (November 10, 2008) Miriam Makeba / South African Singing Star

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Miriam Mekeba
March 4, 1932 – November 10, 2008

miriam-makeba

Mariam Makeba was a Grammy winning South African singer who came to prominence during the 1960s.  It was Harry Belafonte who was instrumental in her coming to America to land a record deal and continue her career.  Makeba received a Grammy for Best Folk Recording in 1966.  Exiled from South Africa for many years due to her outspoken political beliefs, Makeba spent many years living in various places, praised for her goodwill gestures, at one point even being a Guinian delegate to the United Nations.  In 1990, Nelson Mandela convinced her to come back to South Africa.    On November 9, 2008, Miriam Makeba, 76, suffered a heart attack while performing her biggest hit, “Pata Pata” at a human rights concert in Italy.  She died as a result the next day.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.

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Miriam Makeba

Musician

Died On This Date (November 10, 2006) Gerald Levert / R&B Great

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Gerald Levert
July 13, 1966 – November 10, 2006

levertGerald Levert was a popular R&B singer who, along with his brother, Sean Levert, formed a group called LeVert in the mid ’80s.  Levert was part of R&B royalty, his father, Eddie Levert was the lead singer of the O’Jays.  LeVert scored several hit albums and singles during their 10+ year run.  Levert went solo in 1991 and continued to release hit albums and chart topping singles.  In 1997, he formed LSG, an R&B supergroup made up of Levert, Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill.  Their fist album sold more than 2 million copies.  Thoughout his prolific career, Levert collaborated with many other R&B greats.  That list includes Barry White, Stephanie Mills, Patti LaBelle and Teddy Pendergrass.  Gerald Levert, 40, was found dead in his bed on November 10, 2006.  Initial reports stated cause of death was a heart attack, but it was ultimately ruled an accidental overdose of prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

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The Best of Gerald Levert - Gerald Levert

Arranger Jazz Musician Record Label

Died On This Date (November 10, 2009) Dick Katz / Jazz Pianist

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Dick Katz
March 13, 1924 – November 10, 2009

dickkatzDick Katz was a jazz pianist and arranger who, throughout his career, played with the likes of Benny Carter, Miles Davis and Sonny Rollins.  He landed a record deal with the legendary Atlantic Records in 1958.  And in 1966, he co-founded Milestone Records, a respected label that released albums by the likes of McCoy Tyner, Paul Bley and Rollins.  The label was absorbed by Fantasy Records in 1972.  Katz was also a respected music educator and writer, penning numerous jazz-related essays and liner notes throughout his 60-year career.  Dick Katz was 85 when he died of lung cancer on November 10, 2009.



Americana Musician Rock Singer Songwriter

Died On This Date (November 8, 1995) Country Dick Montana / The Beat Farmers

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Country Dick Montana (Born Daniel McLain)
May 17, 1955 – November 8, 1995

contry-dick-montanaThe bigger-than-life Country Dick Montana was the founding drummer, co-lead vocalist, and heart and soul of the great San Diego roots rock band, the Beat Farmers.  Formed by Montana, Jerry Raney, Buddy Blue and Rolle Love in 1983, the band quickly became an institution in and around the college communities of San Diego County.  The band’s musical talent and songwriting abilities were undisputed, while their live shows were nothing short of greatness.  particularly if you were lucky enough to be close to the stage for one of Montana’s beer dousings.  The Beat Farmers’ first album, Tales of the New West, was released in 1985 and is considered by many to be the blueprint for the Americana movement to come some twenty years later.  Two of it’s songs, “Happy Boy” and “California Kid,” both sung with Montana’s deep and iconic voice, generally became the most raucous moments of the Beat Farmers’ energetic live shows.  The band continued to release fan-pleasing albums over the next decade, helping them build a base outside the comforts of Southern California.  On November 8, 1995, while the Beat Farmers were on stage at a Whistler, Canada club, Country Dick Montana suffered a fatal heart attack while performing “The Girl I Almost Married.”  He died as he should have, with his boots on.  That following year, Devil Lied to Me, his only solo album which had been working on before his death, was released.

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Tales of the New West - Beat Farmers

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