Died On This Date (September 2, 2008) Arne Domnerus / Swedish Jazz Great

Arne Domnerus
December 20, 1924 – September 2, 2008

As an alto saxophonist and clarinetist, Arne Domnerus was one of Sweden’s most influential jazz musicians.  Domnerus came to prominence during the ’50s, in part because he would invite American musicians who were touring in Sweden to play on his recordings.  Such collaborators included James Moody, Art Farmer and Clifford Brown.  He also performed with such greats as Clark Terry, Quincy Jones and Charlie Parker.  In declining health in recent years, Arne Domnerus passed away at the age of 83.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.

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Arne Domnerus

Died On This Date (September 2, 2003) Bruce Waibel / Firehouse, Allman Brothers

Bruce Waibel
July 9, 1964 – September 2,2003

Bruce Waibel was a rock bass guitarist who played for numerous bands, but most notably, the Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker, and Firehouse.  Basically a professional musician by the time he turned 13, Waibel began his career as a roadie for Gregg Allman who later added him to the band, first as guiarist then ultimately, their bassist.  Waibel also played with Rick Derringer and Stevie Ray Vaughan.   In 2000, he was invited to join Firehouse, with home he played for the next three years, when he left the band to spend more time with his family.  On September 2, 2003, Bruce Waibel was found dead in his home of an apparent suicide.



Died On This Date (September 2, 2009) Guy Babylon / Played Keyboards For Elton John

Guy Babylon
December 20, 1956 – September 2, 2009

guyGuy Babylon was a composer and keyboardist who, in 1989 was hired by Elton John to tour and record with him.  He won a Grammy in 2001 for his work on Aida, a rock musical by John and Tim Rice.  While swimming in a pool on September 2, 2009, Guy Babylon suffered a fatal heart attack.  He was 52.



Died On This Date (September 1, 2008) Jerry Reed / Popular Counrty Singer

Jerry Reed (Born Jerry Hubbard)
March 20, 1937 – September 1, 2008

Jerry Reed was a country singer, songwriter and musician who may be just as well known for his string of supporting actor roles throughout the ’70s and ’80s.  Reed was already writing music while in high school and by the time he was 18, he already had a publishing deal.  His first breakthrough came when Gene Vincent made his “Skinny Legs” a rockabilly hit in 1958.  After a two-year term in the military, Reed headed to Nashville where his career really took off.  He became a popular session player and his songs were starting to get noticed.   He released his first significant country hit with “Guitar Man” in 1967.  Elvis Presley soon covered it, making it an even bigger hit.  Presley would go on to record three more of Reed’s songs.   Reed went on to have many big country hits over the couple of decades including “Amos Moses,” “When You’re Hot You’re Hot,” “Lord Mr. Ford,” and “She’s Got The Goldmine (I Got The Shaft.”  In the mid ’70s, began a film career that included the three popular Smokey and The Bandit films alongside his friend, Burt Reynolds.  Reed died of emphysema at the age of 71.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.

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The Essential Jerry Reed - Jerry Reed

Died On This Date (September 1*, 2005) Barry Cowsill

Barry Cowsill
September 14, 1954 – September 1*, 2005

barrycowsill

Barry Cowsill was drummer (and later, guitarist) brother of the Cowsills, the real life inspiration for the Partridge Family.  The family began playing together in the late ’50s and began making records in 1965.  In 1967, the group was signed to MGM Records.  Their first album included the single, “The Rain, The Park and Other Things” which climbed to #2 on the pop charts and sold in the neighborhood of three million copies.  Over the next few years, the group scored million-selling hits with “Indian Lake” and “Hair.”  In 1969, the family were offered their own sitcom playing themselves, but that the part of mother, Barbara Cowsill, would be played by actress, Shirley Jones.   They declined the offer without Barbara, so the show was re-cast and re-christened The Partride Family.   Barry eventually settled in New Orleans where he performed in local clubs and was apparently working on making a comeback of sorts when Hurricane Katrina hit the city.  Barry Cowsill was last heard from on September 1st, 2005.  His body was discovered when it washed up on a New Orleans wharf on December 28.  Cause of death was ruled a drowning at the hands of Katrina.  Date of passing is assumed to be September 1, 2005.

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20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of The Cowsills - The Cowsills