The Music's Over

but the songs live on forever

Composer Jazz Musician

Died On This Date (July 27, 2009) George Russell / Respected Modern Jazz Musician

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George Russell
June 23, 1923 – July 27, 2009

georgeGeorge Russell was just seven years old when he walked on a stage for the first time and sang “Moon Over Miami” with Fats Waller.  Growing up to be a respected musician and theorist, he is said to have influenced Miles Davis and John Coltrane.  Throughout his career, he’s played with the likes of Benny Carter, Bill Evans, Art Pepper and Eric Dolphy.  Russell died of Alzheimer’s Disease at the age of 86.

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Ezz-thetics (Keepnews Collection) [Bonus Track Version] - George Russell

Metal Musician Rock

Died On This Date (July 27, 2008) Graeme Crallan / White Spirit; Tank

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Graeme Crallan
1958 – July 27, 2008

Grame Crallan on left

Graeme Crallan was a British heavy metal drummer who first came to prominence during the New Wave of British Metal of the mid ’70s. In 1975, he and future Iron Maiden guitarist, Janick Gers formed White Spirit who released one Deep Purple influenced album in 1980.  They parted ways about a year later.  A few years later, Crallan joined another metal band, the more aggressive Tank who’s fate was not much different from that of White Spirit’s.  Graeme Crallan died of head injuries he sustained when he collapsed and fell while walking along a London street.  The cause of his collapse is unknown.

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Tank

Musician Rock Singer Southern Rock

Died On This Date (July 27, 2001) Leon Wilkeson / Lynyrd Skynyrd

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Leon Wilkeson
April 2, 1952 – July 27, 2001

Leon Wilkeson was an up-and-coming bassist in and around Jacksonville, Florida when he was asked to join Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1972.  Although he didn’t play on the band’s debut album due to his own apprehension, he played with them for the better part of the next 30 years.  With his help, Lynyrd Skynyrd became one of the biggest rock bands of the ’70s.  In 1977, tragedy struck when the band’s plane crashed killing band members, Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, and road manager Dean Kilpatrick.  Wilkeson was one of the few passangers who survived.  The band undertandably dissolved by reformed with the surviving members in 1987.  Leon Wilkeson died of emphysema and liver disease on July 27, 2001.

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Second Helping (Remastered) - Lynyrd Skynyrd

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