Died On This Date (January 11, 2010) Mick Green / ’60s British Guitar Slinger

Michael “Mick” Green
February 22, 1944 – January 11, 2010

Mick Green was an English guitarist and songwriter who came to prominence as lead guitarist for Johnny Kidd & the Pirates during the ’60s.  The band is considered one of the foundations of garage rock, with their “Shakin’ All Over” being a rock music staple which has been covered by the likes of the Guess Who and the Who.  In 1964, Green left the group and resurfaced as a member of popular Mersey Beat/British Invasion band, Billy J. Kramer & the Dakotas.   In later years, he played guitar for the likes of Van Morrison, Paul McCartney, and Bryan Ferry.  Mick Green was 65 when he passed away on January 11, 2010.



Died On This Date (January 11, 2010) Dennis Stock / Celebrated Music Photographer

Dennis Stock
July 24, 1928 – January 11, 2010

Photo by Rene Burri/Magnum Photos

Dennis Stock was a celebrated photographer who, over the course of some six decades took some of the most iconic pop culture photographs in history.  He is perhaps most famous for his stark 1955 photo of James Dean walking through a rainy Times Square, but he also pointed his camera toward many of the jazz greats of the era.  Some of his more familiar images were of Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington.  Dennis Stock was 81 when he passed away on January 11, 2010.



Died On This Date (January 10, 1976) Howlin’ Wolf / Blues Legend

Howlin’ Wolf (Born Chester Burnett)
June 10, 1910 – January 10, 1976

howlin-wolfWith his loud booming voice and raw harmonica skills, Howlin’ Wolf became one of the mid-20th century’s most influential blues men.  Wolf’s career began to build during the 1930s when he performed with the likes of Robert Johnson, Son House and Sonny Boy Williamson II.  His electrifying versions of such blues standards as “Smokestack Lightning” and “Backdoor Man” were what became embraced by later generations of rock bands like the Rolling Stones and the Doors.  Unlike most bluesmen before and since, Wolf did well financially.  He got an education, albeit later in life, and learned business skills that benefited him and his career.  Wolf suffered a few heart attacks toward the end of his life, and had his kidneys injured during a car accident.  On January 10, 1976, 65-year-old Howlin’ Wolf died of complications from kidney disease.

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The Chess Box: Howlin' Wolf - Howlin' Wolf

Died On This Date (January 10, 2009) Billy Brown / Rockabilly Pioneer

Billy Brown
July 22, 1929 – January 10, 2009

billybrown

Billy Brown was an American rockabilly guitarist and singer who launched his career upon his return from the Korean War.  Brown released a handful of singles before he was signed by Columbia Records in 1957.  A young Jerry Reed played on a few of those early Columbia recordings.  None of his releases sold particularly well.  Billy Brown was 79 when he passed away on January 10, 2009.


Died On This Date (January 10, 1997) Kenny Pickett / The Creation

Kenny Pickett
September 3, 1947 – January 10, 1997

Kenny Pickett at front

Kenny Pickett was the lead singer of British mod band, the Creation.  With a sound and style similar to the Kinks and the Who, many have wondered why they were never more popular.  They had solid songwriting, a great vocalist and a guitarist who Pete Townshend once asked to join the Who.  At one point Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones was in the band.  Their “Making Time” is one of the greatest rock songs of the era.  Although they never really caught on in the UK or the US, they were pretty popular in Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. And the great independent label, Creation Records is said to be named after them.  Pickett suffered a fatal heart attack on January 10, 1997.

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Our Music Is Red - With Purple Flashes - The Creation