Died On This Date (March 13, 2009) Alan W. Livingston / Signed The Beatles to Capitol Records

Alan W. Livingston
October 15, 1917 – March 13, 2009

alan-w-livingstonAlan W. Livingston was the executive with Capitol Records who played a significant role in bringing two future pop culture icons to the world. First in 1946,  he created the character, Bozo The Clown for a series of children’s records and sing-along books.  It was his first duty at the fledgling company and it was the very first such learning tool for children.  He has been credited for building the company from its $6 million a year beginnings into one of the industry’s powerhouses taking in over $100 million a year.  When he was president during the ’60s, he led the company down a the path of rock ‘n roll by signing the likes of the Beach Boys, the Band, and his most celebrated “discovery,” the Beatles.    Alan Livingston was 91 when he passed away on March 13, 2009.



Died On Ths Date (March 13, 2008) Wilfred Middlebrooks / Jazz Bassist

Wilfred Middlebrooks
July 13, 1933 – March 13, 2008
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Wilfred Middlebrooks was a one-time bassist for Ella Fitzgerald.   Middlebrooks began playing bass at a very young age and by the time he was just 15, he was traveling the region as part of a vaudeville troupe.  During his early 20s,  he moved to Los Angeles where he began making a name for himself in the jazz community.  By the time he was 25, he was performing live and recording as part of Fitzgerald’s band with whom he’d stay for many years.   Wilfred Middlebrooks died in his home from heart failure on March 13, 2008.



Died On This Date (March 13, 2008) Bill Bolick / Bluegrass’ Blue Sky Boys

Bill Bolick
October 28, 1917 – March 13, 2008

blue-sky-boys Bill Bolick and his brother Earl Bolick made up the Blue Sky Boys who began making records for RCA Records in the mid 1930s. They recorded several dozen songs for RCA over the next three decades and found considerable success along the so-called hillbilly circuit. They basically retired in the mid 50s partially due to their dislike to what was happening to country music (i.e.; the electric guitar), but came out of retirement a couple of times in the 60s then the 70s (most recently on Rounder Records) to make a few more albums. Bill Bollick, one of the remaining members of bluegrass’ senior class, passed away from natural causes on March 13, 2008.

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The Blue Sky Boys - The Blue Sky Boys

Died On This Date (March 13, 2010) Jean Ferrat / “The French Bob Dylan”

Jean Ferrat
December 26, 1930 – March 13, 2010

Jean Ferrat was a French singer songwriter who first achieved success throughout the French-speaking world during the 1960s.  He has been called “The French Bob Dylan” due to his thought-provoking lyrics.  Throughout his long career, he released nearly two dozen albums with his 1963 release, Nuit et Brouillard, earning him a coveted Grand Prix du Disque.  His songs have been recorded by many French entertainers as well.  Jean Ferrat passed away on March 13, 2010 following a lengthy illness.  He was 79.

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Jean Ferrat