Died On This Date (June 29, 1975) Tim Buckley / Influential Singer-Songwriter

Tim Buckley
February 14, 1947 – June 29, 1975

Tim Buckley was a much respected singer-songwriter who, through his career that spanned the late ’60s to mid ’70s dazzled fans with his keen ability to seamlessly cohabit multiple genres like jazz, folk, soul psychedelia and avant-garde.  Growing up in Southern California, Buckley taught himself to play the banjo at the age of 11.  Bu the time Buckley was a senior in high school, he had formed his own band and was a married father-to-be.  His son was future indie-folk legend Jeff Buckley, who like his father,  died tragically too soon.  Buckley was soon signed to the legendary Elektra Records who released Buckley’s now cult classic albums.  By the early ’70s however, Buckley’s demons took to form of drugs and alcohol and seriously derailed his career.  In 1975, Buckley attempted to clean up and mount a “comeback” but his addiction to heroin was too strong, causing him to die of an overdose at the age of 28.

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Tim Buckley

 

Died On This Date (June 29, 1979) Lowell George / Little Feat

Lowell George
April 13, 1945 – June 29, 1979

Lowell George is best remembered as the leader of the popular country-rock band, Little Feat.  Prior to forming Little Feat, George was a member of Frank Zappa’s Mothers Of Invention.  George formed Little Feat in 1969, and due in part to his excellent slide guitar and soulful voice, the band struck a chord with fans with such albums as Little Feat, Sailin’ Shoes and Dixie Chicken.  There 1978 live album, Waiting On Columbus, is widely considered one of the greatest live albums ever released.  While on tour in Washington DC, Lowell George died of a massive heart attack.  His daughter, Inara George grew up to be a respected singer-songwriter in her own right.  She is one-half of indie-rock faves, The Bird and the Bee.

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Died On This Date (June 29, 1964) Eric Dolphy / Jazz Legend

Eric Dolphy
June 20, 1928 – June 29, 1964

Eric Dolphy was a jazz saxophonist who is considered a major influence on the world of free jazz and avant garde improvisation as well.  He was also one the earliest flute and bass clarinet soloists of any importance.   Over his short career, Dolphy performed or recorded with such greats as John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and Max Roach. When Eric Dolphy died suddenly at the age of 36, it was assumed that he followed the same fate as so many jazz artists of the day, but instead of his being a drug related death, Dolphy’s was attributed to diabetic shock.

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Out to Lunch (The Rudy Van Gelder Edition Remastered) - Eric Dolphy

 

Died On This Date (June 29, 2002) Rosemary Clooney / American Pop Vocalist

Rosemary Clooney
May 23, 1928 – June 29, 2002

Rosemary Clooney was a popular jazz vocalist during the ’50s thanks in part to her hit, “Come On-a My House.”  It was during this time that Clooney was also appearing in major motion pictures including White Christmas alongside Bing Crosby, Vera Ellen, and Danny Kaye.  She also was a familiar presence on young television, making guest appearances as well as starring in her own musical variety show, The Rosemary Clooney Show.  Clooney’s career got somewhat sidetracked during the ’60s due to personal problems, but by the mid ’70s, she was back as strong as ever.  She signed with Concord Records in 1977 and released a new album virtually every year until her death in 2002.  In 1995, Clooney received an Emmy nomination for her guest starring performance alongside nephew, George Clooney on ER.    Rosemary Clooney died as a result of lung cancer at the age of 74.

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The Essential Rosemary Clooney - Rosemary Clooney

 

Died On This Date (June 29, 1969) Shorty Long / Gave Us “Devil With The Blue Dress On”

Frederick “Shorty” Long
May 20, 1940 – June 29, 1969

Shorty Long was a singer, songwriter and producer associated with the Motown family for many years.  His “Devil With The Blue Dress On” was the very first record to be released on Motown imprint, Soul Records.  A later cover of it by Mitch Ryder would become a rock n’ roll standard.  In 1968, he released  “Here Comes The Judge,” which became his biggest hit.  He was, incidentally,  the only Motown artist outside of Smokey Robinson that was permitted to produce his own records.  Shorty Long died in a Detroit River boating accident at the age of 29.

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Shorty Long