Died On This Date (August 31, 2009) Eddie Higgins / Noted Jazz Pianist

Eddie Higgins
February 21, 1932 – August 31, 2009

eddie_higginsEddie Higgins was a respected jazz pianist who came to prominence while entertaining crowds in jazz clubs throughout Chicago during the ’50s and ’60s.  It has been said that many headlining acts did not want to take the stage after Higgins brilliantly warmed up the crowd.  Although known primarily as a soloist, Higgins has played with such jazz giants as Coleman Hawkins and Freddie Hubbard.  Eddie Higgins died of lung and lymphatic cancer at the age of 77.

Thanks to Gary Case for the assist.

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Christmas Songs - Eddie Higgins

Died On This Date (August 31, 2002) Lionel Hampton / Jazz Legend

Lionel Hampton
April 20, 1908 – August 31, 2002

Although he started his career as a drummer in the late ’20s, Lionel Hampton went on to become one of jazz’s premier vibraphonists, playing with Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong and Quincy Jones to name just a few. By the early ’40s, Hampton was fronting his own group, the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, who would become one of the most popular big bands of the ’40s and ’50s.  Over the years, his band would feature several performers who achieved their own fame.  That list includes Dinah Washington, Charles Mingus, and Wes Montgomery.  Hampton continued to perform and record through the ’80s, but a stroke in 1991 lead to his retirement.  He died of congestive heart failure at the age of 94.

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The Lionel Hampton Quintet - Lionel Hampton Quintet

Died On This Date (August 31, 2009) Jesse Fortune / Chicago Blues Singer

Jesse Fortune
February 28, 1930 – August 31, 2009

Jesse_FortuneSinger Jesse Fortune was a Chicago blues mainstay since the 1950s.  Known as “Fortune Tellin’ Man,” had a minor hit with “Too Many Cooks” in 1962.  Discovered by Willie Dixon, Fortune went on to record with such luminaries as Buddy Guy and Big Walter Horton.  While performing on a Chicago club stage on August 31, 2009, Jesse Fortune collapsed and later died at an area hospital.  Cause of death was coronary atherosclerosis.  He was 79 years old.



Died On This Date (August 30, 1995) Sterling Morrison / Velvet Underground

Holmes Sterling Morrison
August 28, 1942 – August 30, 1995

Sterling Morrison was a founding guitarist of the Velvet Underground. While studying at Syracuse University, Sterling struck up a friendship with  fellow English student, Lou Reed. Over the next couple of years they drifted apart but then reconnected in New York City where they, along with John Cale, formed the band. In 1971, Morrison earned a Ph.D in medieval studies and decided he no longer wished to continue with VU.   Living in Texas and primarily focussing on academia during the early ’80s,  Morrison played around town casually for the most part, but also found time to captain a Houston based tug boat.  In 1992, the Velvet Underground reformed to tour Europe, opening many dates with U2.  But due to inner-turmoil within the band, the short-lived reunion was over by the end of the tour.  Morrison learned he had non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 1994, and died from it the following year.  He was 53 years old.

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The Velvet Underground / Nico (Deluxe Edition) - The Velvet Underground

Died On This Date (August 30, 1988) Thomas “Papa Dee” Allen / War

Thomas “Papa Dee” Allen
July 18, 1931 – August 30, 1988

allenPapa Dee Allen was a pianist, vibist and soprano saxophonist who is best remembered as a percussionist for American R&B/Funk/Rock band, War.   The band was immensely popular thanks to such classic staples as “Low Rider,” “Cisco Kid” and “Spill The Wine.”  Allen wrote one of the bands other big hits, “The World Is A Ghetto.”  While performing with the band in concert, Papa Dee collapsed and never recovered.  He was 57 when he passed away.

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The World Is a Ghetto - War