Died On This Date (July 21, 2009) John “Marmaduke” Dawson / New Riders of the Purple Sage
themusicsover John Dawson
June 16, 1945 – July 21, 2009
John Dawson was a co-founder and leader of New Riders Of The Purple Sage, a psychedelic country rock band that made the scene during San Francisco’s scene of the ’60s. By the early ’70s, Dawson formed the New Riders with Dave Nelson, with it’s original line up including Garcia, Phil Lesh and Mickey Hart. Dawson guested on a handful of Dead albums, including Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty. He also co-wrote their classic “Friend of the Devil.” New Riders continued well into the ’90s with Dawson calling it quits in 1997. The band was resurrected by Nelson in 2005 with Dawson making guest appearances at a some shows. John Dawson died of stomach cancer at the age of 64.
Long John Baldry was an English born blues singer who played a pivotal role in the British blues rock scene of the 1960s. A towering presence at 6′-7”, Baldry was nicknamed Long John and had a booming voice to go with it. He was one of the first British singers of note to perform in blues clubs. As part of 
Khia Edgerton, aka DJ K-Swift was a popular Baltimore area DJ. She died after fracturing her neck in what was ruled a swimming accident when she dived into her backyard pool. Edgerton first interned at local radio station 92Q, while in college, and soon went to work for them full time. In 1998, she began co-hosting a program which became Baltimore’s highest rated radio show. Edgerton was also a popular draw at the local clubs and owned her own label, graphics company and management company. She was 27 when she died.
Roy Hamilton was a popular and influential R&B singer in the ’50s. A former heavy weight Golden Gloves boxer, Hamilton began his musical career as part of the gospel group, the Searchlight Singers in the late ’40s. Over the course of his career as a solo artist, Hamilton scored several Top 15 hits including, “Unchained Melody,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and “Don’t Let Go.” He is said to have been a direct influence on the Righteous Brothers and 
Artie Traum, was an award winning guitarist who has recorded with the likes of the Band, David Grisman,