February 2010

Died On This Date (February 24, 1994) Dinah Shore / Star of Song & Television

themusicsover February 24, 2010 No Comments

Dinah Shore (Born Frances Shore)
February 29, 1916 – February 24, 1994

Dinah Shore was a popular jazz and pop singer as well as a familiar face on television for decades. During Shore’s singing career of the ’40s and ’50s, she was unique in that she performed as a solo artist rather than sing for bands like those fronted by Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and such. During that time she released nearly 100 hits and was a popular attraction at USO shows for the military. During the ’50s, Shore successfully transitioned over to television, hosting her own variety shows through the early ’90s. Her Dinah! program of the ’70s played host to such rock figures as David Bowie and Iggy Pop as well as to a notorious appearance by Andy Kauffman’s alter ego, Tony Clifton. Dinah Shore was 77 when she died of ovarian cancer on February 24, 1994.

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Musician Rock Singer Songwriter

Died On This Date (February 24, 2008) Larry Norman / The Father of Christian Rock

themusicsover February 24, 2010 1 Comment

Larry Norman
April 8, 1947 – February 24, 2008

larry-norman Larry Norman has been called “The Father of Christian Rock.” Before jumping into the Christian music arena, Norman was part of the Bay Area scene where he was afforded the opportunity to open for both Jimi Hendrix and the Doors. In 1969, his first Capitol Records release, Upon This Rock, became what many consider the first Christian rock album. Not without controversy, Norman would live on the fringes of Christian music due in part to his long hair and outspoken political beliefs. Larry Norman passed away from heart failure on February 24, 2008.

What You Should Own

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R&B Singer

Died On This Date (February 23, 1995) Melvin Franklin / The Temptations

themusicsover February 23, 2010 No Comments

Melvin Franklin (Born David English)
October 12, 1942 – February 23, 1995

L-R: Melvin Franklin, David Ruffin, Otis Williams, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks

Melvin Franklin was the longtime bass singer for influential Motown singing group, the Temptations. While he was still in high school, Franklin joined a local vocal group, the Distants, which soon morphed into the Elgins, then ultimately the Temptations, and signed with Motown in 1961. He stayed with the group until they officially disbanded in 1994. Franklin’s unmistakable bass vocals can be heard singing on such classic songs as “Ain’t To Proud To Beg,” “Papa Was A Rolling Stone,” and “My Girl.” On February 23, 1995, 52-year-old Melvin Franklin died after lapsing into a coma from a brain seizure several days earlier.

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Musician Producer Rock Singer Songwriter

Died On This Date (February 23, 2003) Howie Epstein / Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

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Howie Epstein
July 21, 1955 – February 23, 2003

Before Howie Epstein became a member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers he was playing behind John Hiatt in the ’70s (Slug Line, Two Bit Monsters), and Del Shannon in the ’80s. It was while working on a Petty-produced Del Shannon album, that Epstein was offered a spot in Petty’s band. He jumped at the chance and made his live debut alongside Petty on September 1, 1982. Four days later, he was playing in front of one of the biggest rock crowds in history at the legendary US Festival in Southern California. In 1988, Epstein met and began a romantic and professional relationship with Carlene Carter who was the daughter of June Carter and Carl Smith, and recently divorced from Nick Lowe. Epstein helped revive Carter’s career which included a Grammy nomination in 1991. Epstein was also building a solid reputation as a producer, even earning a Best Contemporary Folk Album Grammy for John Prine’s The Missing Years. Epstein died on February 23, 2003 from the effects of drug abuse, although not from an overdose.

Jazz Musician

Died On This Date (February 23, 1997) Tony Williams / Jazz Drummer

themusicsover February 23, 2010 1 Comment

Tony Williams
December 12, 1945 – February 23, 1997

Tony Williams was an influential jazz drummer who is generally remembered for his early work with Miles Davis. He played with Davis throughout most of the ’60s. Under his own name, Williams released 14 albums between 1964 and his death, most of which were with Blue Note. As a sideman, Williams added drumming talents to albums by the likes of Allan Holdsworth, Branford Marsalis, Eric Dolphy, Herbie Hancock, and Stan Getz, to name a few. Williams also played drums on Album by former Sex Pistols lead singer, John Lydon’s band, Public Image Ltd. Tony Williams was 51 when he died of a heart attack on February 23, 1997.

Died On This Date (February 24, 1994) Dinah Shore / Star of Song & Television

What You Should Own

Died On This Date (February 24, 2008) Larry Norman / The Father of Christian Rock

What You Should Own

Died On This Date (February 23, 1995) Melvin Franklin / The Temptations

What You Should Own

Died On This Date (February 23, 2003) Howie Epstein / Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

Died On This Date (February 23, 1997) Tony Williams / Jazz Drummer

What You Should Own

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