2010

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

Click to find at amazon.com

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.

Died On This Date (May 31, 2000) Tito Puente

Tito Puente
April 20, 1923 – May 31, 2000

Born in New York to Puerto Rican parents, Tito Puente became one of the most influential Latin Jazz and mambo musicians. His energetic albums and performances were revered the world over. After serving in the Navy during WWII, Puente returned to New York and used his GI Bill to study music at the Juilliard School Of Music, thus launching a career that would span 50 years. Over his career, he received five Grammys, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the Key to New York City, an induction into the National Congressional Record, a Smithsonian Medal, but perhaps most important, he was immortalized appearing as “himself” in The Simpsons’ famous “Who Shot Mr. Burns” episode. Puente suffered a heart attack following a show in Puerto Rico and died during heart surgery back in New York City on May 31, 2000.

What You Should Own

The Best of the Concord Years - Tito Puente

Died On This Date (May 31, 2008) Hugh Jarrett / The Jordanaires; Sang Back-Up For Elvis

Hugh Jarrett
October 11, 1929 – May 31, 2008

A a member of vocal group, the JordanairesHugh Jarrett added a rich bass to the many classic recordings of  Elvis Presley.  Recording over 50 albums with Presley, Jarret can be heard on such songs as “Love Me Tender,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Hound Dog,” and “Love Me Tender.”  Jarrett also toured with Presley and appeared in several of his films and television appearances, included his legendary debut on the Ed Sullivan Show.  An in-demand session singer, Jarrett also sang with the likes of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, Dottie West, Eddie Arnold, Patsy Cline, and Wayne Newton. Hugh Jarrett died of complications from an earlier automobile accident.