Died On This Date (October 1, 2008) Nick Reynolds / The Kingston Trio

Nick Reynolds
July 27, 1933 – October 1, 2008

nickreynoldsNick Reynolds was a founding member of the Kingston Trio, one of the premier groups of the ’60s folk revival.  Formed in northern California in the late ’50s, the group were a direct descendant of the Weavers, but thanks in part to their youthfulness, they were able to bring folk music further into the mainstream.  Their harmonies would, in turn, heavily influence such groups as the Beach Boys in years to come.  The Kingston Trio won two Grammy’s during the early part of their career.  The group broke up in 1967 as harder rock music started becoming more popular with American kids, so Reynolds took some time off from music to enjoy his other love, auto racing.    He made a name for himself driving formula B and C cars along the Northwest circuit.  He reunited with the Kingston Trio in the early ’80s and played with them on and off until his retirement in 1998.  Nick Reynolds was 75 when he died of respiratory disease on October 1, 2008.

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The Kingston Trio



Died On This Date (October 1, 1975) Al Jackson Jr. / Booker T & The MGs

Al Jackson Jr.
November 27, 1934 – October 1, 1975

Al Jackson, Jr. was a much respected drummer, producer and songwriter who is best remembered for his work as a member of the house band for Stax Records, Booker T. & the M.G.s. Jackson started drumming as a child and is even reported to have played on stage with his father’s jazz band as early as the age of five.  He eventually joined up with Booker T. Jones, Donald “Duck” Dunn, and Steve Cropper to form the equally integrated R&B band, Booker T. and the M.G.s (Cropper and Dunn are both white).  Together (and separately)  they played on countless R&B hits, including those by Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, and Wilson Pickett.  In 1962, the group released the instrumental, “Green Onions” which became an iconic hit that has been heard in countless movies, television shows and commercials over the years.   In the early hours of October 1, 1975, Jackson returned home from watching the Joe Frazier – Muhammad Ali fight on a local movie theater screen.  He was met by an intruder or intruders who shot and killed him execution style.  Details of the incident have remained fuzzy, but some believe that his wife was in on it.  A suspect who apparently knew Jackson’s wife, was shot and killed in a gun battle with police nine months later.  It is not clear if it was related to the Jackson killing.

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The Very Best of Booker T. & the MG's - Booker T. & The MG's

Died On This Date (October 1, 2004) Bruce Palmer / Buffalo Springfield

Bruce Palmer
September 9, 1946 – October 1, 2004

brucepalmerBruce Palmer is best remembered as the bassist for Buffalo Springfield.  Born and raised in Canada, he played in a few local bands throughout the early ’60s.  One in particular, Jack London & The Sparrows would evolve into Steppenwolf after he left to join the Ontario, Canada based R&B group, Mynah Birds, featuring Neil Young on guitar and future funk star, Rick James on vocals.  The band signed to Motown, but before the launch of their first record, it was found out that James was AWOL from the Navy so the label walked away from the group who quickly disbanded.  Palmer and Young moved to Los Angeles where they met up with Stephen Stills and eventually formed Buffalo Springfield with Richie Furay and Dewey Martin. With songs like “For What It’s Worth” and “Mr. Soul,” Buffalo Springfield’s psychedelic folk rock would help define the ’60s generation.  Unfortunately, Palmer found himself caught up in the trappings of rock stardom.  Drug issues lead to a couple of arrests and deportation and thus his removal from the band.  Palmer eventually resolved his legal and drug problems and was back to work in the US, at one point, playing bass for Young in his Trans Band of the early ’80s.  Palmer was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Buffalo Springfield in 1996.  He was 58 when he died of a heart attack on October 1, 2004.

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Buffalo Springfield Again - Buffalo Springfield

Died On This Date (September 30, 1977) Mary Ford / Popular ’50s Vocalist, Wife of Les Paul

Mary Ford (Born Iris Summers)
July 7, 1924 – September 30, 1977

Mary Ford was the wife and musical partner of Les Paul.  She sang and played guitar when performing and recording with her famous husband.  They were extremely popular in the early ’50s, scoring sixteen top-10 hits and selling over six million records in 1951 alone.  Ford married Paul in 1949 and the two almost immediately launched a radio show on NBC.  The signed to Capitol records at around the same time and began releasing a string of hits.  Their popularity began to wane in the late ’50s, and the two divorced, thus ending their professional relationship in 1964.   Ford spent the latter years of her life performing occasionally with her sisters and brother.  She died of complications from diabetes on September 30, 1977.  She was 53 years old.

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Les Paul with Mary Ford - The Best of the Capitol Masters: 90th Birthday Edition - Les Paul & Mary Ford

Died On This Date (September 29, 2009) Greg Ladanyi / Grammy Winning Producer

Greg Ladanyi
1952 – September 29, 2009

greg_ladanyiGreg Ladanyi was an engineer and producer who worked with some of the biggest acts of the ’70s and ’80s.  His talents can be heard on landmark albums by the likes of Fleetwood  Mac, Don Henley, Jackson Browne, the Church, the Cruzados, David Lindley, and Toto.  In 1983, he won a Grammy for Best Engineered Album for Toto IV.  In recent years he was working with Greek singer and actress, Anna Vissi.  On Friday, September 25, 2009, Ladanyi was injured in an accident while on stage with Vissi.  He suffered head injuries that lead to his death on September 29, 2009.  He was 57 years old.