Died On This Date (June 1, 1948) Sonny Boy Williamson I / Blues Great

John “Sonny Boy” Williamson
March 30, 1914 – June 1, 1948

Not to be confused with Rice “Sonny Boy Williamson II” Miller, another blues harmonica player, Sonny Boy Williamson was by all accounts the first on the scene to use the Sonny Boy moniker. As one of the most popular blues artists of his generation, Williamson was an influence on the likes of Junior Wells, Snooky Pryor, and Little Walter, as well as several non-harmonica players including Muddy Waters and even Jimmie Rodgers. He was both band leader and sideman during his career, mostly recording for the legendary Bluebird Records label. And his biggest hit “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl” is one of the most covered song of the era, having been re-recorded by such artists as Eric Clapton, the Allman Brothers, the Grateful Dead, Steppenwolf, Van Morrison, Rod Stewart, Muddy Waters, and perhaps most famously, the Yardbirds. Sadly, as he was walking home from a gig near his home on Chicago’s south side, Williamson was killed during a random mugging.

What You Should Own

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Sonny Boy Williamson Vol. 1 (1937 - 1938) - Sonny Boy Williamson

Died On This Date (June 1, 1996) Alan Blakley / The Tremeloes

Alan Blakley
April 7, 1942 – June 1, 1996

Alan Blakely at bottom right

Alan Blakley was rhythm guitarist and keyboard player for unsung British Invasion band, the Tremeloes. The Tremeloes will always be a footnote in Beatles history as the group that Decca Records signed instead of the Fab Four. They are also remembered for a string of chart landing hits that included their versions of “Twist and Shout,” “Do You Love Me,” “Silence Is Golden,” and most famously, Cat Stevens’ “Here Comes My Baby.” They continued to release hits through most of the ’60s, but the following decades were not so kind, but they soldiered on with several line up changes and continue to this day playing pop-rival shows. Blakely ventured into producing and worked with such artists as Mungo Jerry, the Rubettes and Bilbo. He died of cancer on June 1, 1996.

What You Should Own

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Here Comes My Baby - The Ultimate Collection - The Tremeloes



Died On This Date (June 1, 2008) Alton Kelley / Famed Psychedelic Rock Poster Artist

Alton Kelley
June 17, 1940 – June 1, 2008

Alton Kelley, was a  graphic artist who created some of the most iconic images in rock history.  Along with partner, Stanley Mouse, Kelly created the “skull and roses” logo for the Grateful Dead.  He was also designed or co-designed album covers or posters for such acts as Steve Miller Band, Journey, Jimi Hendrix, Big Brother & The Holding Company, and Quicksilver Messenger Service.   He helped launch concert poster as a legitimate art form.  Alton Kelley died after a long struggle with osteoporosis at the age of 67.

kelley

Died On This Date (June 1, 1981) Jimmy Murphy / Country & Rockabilly Great

Jimmy Murphy
October 11, 1925 – June 1, 1981

Jimmy Murphy was respected virtuoso guitarist, singer and songwriter who made his mark on country and rockabilly during the ’50s and early ’60s.  Working as a brick layer during the late ’40s, Murphy found time to make appearances on local radio programs which lead to a meeting with Chet Atkins whose help ultimately got him signed to RCA Records in 1951.  Over the next ten years or so, Murphy released a series of near-hits, but unfortunately, his old-timey themes never quite connected with the modern country listeners looking for their next Nashville hit.   Murphy all but retired from music when a re-issue of his music sparked new interest during the ’70s leading him to record Electricity for the Sugar Hill label.  The album is notable for being one of future great, Ricky Skaggs’ earliest recordings.  Jimmy Murphy was preparing for another album and a large-scale tour when he died unexpectedly on June 1, 1981.  He was 55.

What You Should Own

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Electricity - Jimmy Murphy

Died On This Date (June 1, 2009) Silvio Barbato / Brazilian Conductor; Died On Flight 447

Silvio Barbato
May 11, 1959 – June 1, 2009

silvioSilvio Barbato was the musical director at Sala da Palestrina in Rome.  He was also been the conductor of the Rio National Theater for the past 12 years.  He is believed to be one of the passengers who perished on the ill-fated Flight 447 that went down in the Atlantic ocean.  The plane had been traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Paris.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.