Died On This Date (April 11, 2001) Sandy Bull / Folk Guitar Great
themusicsover Sandy Bull
January 1, 1941 – April 11, 2001
Sandy Bull was a musical genius. Best known for his brilliant folk guitar playing, he was also a master of the banjo, aud, pedal steel and other stringed instruments. Like Vanguard Records label mate, John Fahey, Bull’s finger-picking incorporated various styles of music – in Bull’s case, classical, jazz and middle Eastern. And like Fahey, he rose to prominence during the ’60s folk revival and influenced the likes of Leo Kottke, Ry Cooder, Richard Thompson, and later, M. Ward. Bull struggled with drug addiction which forced him into early retirement in the early ’70s. After successfully completing rehab, Bull was back in the studio and on stage by the early 80s. He died of lung cancer on April 11, 2001 at the age of 60.
What You Should Own
Founding member of the Pointer Sisters, June Pointer passed away from cancer on April 11, 2006. Along with sisters Bonnie and Ruth, June Pointer began recording in 1973, but it wouldn’t be until 1978 with a song written by Bruce Springsteen that they would crack the top 10 and become world-famous. That song was “Fire.” That would be followed by a succession of hits including “He’s So Shy,” “Automatic,” “Slow Hand,” “Neutron Dance,” and “I’m So Excited.” June Pointer struck out on her own during the ’80s and had a few semi-hits, but nothing like she saw with her sisters. It was during this period that she posed for Playboy.