Keith Whitley was an American country singer who achieved mainstream success in the mid to late ’80s. Married to Lorrie Morgan in 1986, the couple were destined to become one of country music’s favorite couples. But that dream was cut short on May 9, 1989 when Whitley was found dead face down in his bed. After many years battling alcoholism, he died at the age of 34 from what was officially ruled alcohol poisoning.
Lena Horne was a popular and influential jazz vocalist and actress who broke many color barriers over a career that spanned nearly seven decades, and her 1943 recording of “Stormy Weather” is arguably the most recognized song of its era. Horne was not only a multi-Grammy award-winning singer, she was also an award-winning star of stage, screen and television. She appeared in popular Broadway shows as well as numerous MGM musicals during their golden years. Horne was also a familiar face on television during most of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, either as a guest or star of her own specials. During the ’60s, Horne was one of the most visible celebrities involved with the Civil Rights movement. She remained professionally active well into the 2000s. Lena Horne was 92 when she passed away on May 9, 2010.
Shel Silverstein was, among many other things, a musician, composer, and singer-songwriter. Over the course of his career, he released no fewer than a dozen albums and amassed a catalog of songs which include those that have been recorded by Dr. Hook, Belinda Carlisle, Emmylou Harris, Bobby Bare, Lou Rawls, Waylon Jennings, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Loretta Lynn, to name just a few. Silverstein’s most celebrated songs were “The Cover of the Rolling Stone,” a huge hit for Dr. Hook, and “A Boy Named Sue,” whose iconic Johnny Cash recording won him a songwriter Grammy in 1970. On May 10, 1999, Shel Silverstein was found in his home, dead of a heart attack. Although official reports indicate that he could have died on either May 9th or 10th, most sources cite the 9th as the day of his passing.
Stephen Bruton was a beloved Texas songwriter, guitarist, and producer. Born in Fort Worth, Bruton’s first big break came at age 22, when he was asked to play in Kris Kristofferson’s band. Since then, Bruton has been an entertainment jack of all trade. After many years as a sideman, Bruton stepped out to the front of the stage and became a headliner himself. As a respected songwriter, he’s written songs for Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Jimmy Buffett, Martina McBride and many more. As a producer, he worked the board for such greats as Joe Ely, Alejandro Escovedo, Hal Ketchum and others. Bruton also engineered albums by the likes of Ziggy Marley, John Mellencamp and R.E.M. He even had some acting credits, appearing in such films as A Star Is Born, Miss Congeniality, and Heaven’s Gate. But it was his outstanding guitar work that might end up being his strongest legacy. Over the years, he’s been heartily invited to play on projects by Elvis Costello, Delbert McClinton, Carly Simon, Kristofferson & Rita Coolidge, and many more. Bruton was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2007 and succumbed to it in Los Angeles where he was working on the soundtrack to the Jeff Bridges film, Crazy Heart.
Travis Edmonson is, along with Bud Dashiell, best remembered as the folk duo, Bud & Travis, who gained popularity in the early ’60s. Growing up near the Arizona/Mexican border, Edmonson’s music was became heavily influenced by the Latin sounds he heard as a child. Part of the duo’s success was due to the fact that they included many Spanish songs in their act. Another factor was their beautiful harmonies and their excellent guitar work. During the early ’60s, Edmonson took a break from Dashiell and forged out on his own. No less than Frank Sinatra signed him to his Reprise label. Edmonson continued as a solo act until an untimely stroke in 1982 left him paralyzed, after which he kept active as a songwriter and arranger. Travis Edmonson passed away after years of struggling with Parkinson’s Disease and other afflictions. He was 76.