Died On This Date (September 23, 2005) Sam Fields / Los Angeles Radio DJ
themusicsover Sam Fields
1950 – September 23, 2005
Sam Fields was a popular and longtime Los Angeles area radio disc jockey. For over three decades, he spun records at such influential stations as KMET, KROQ, KLAC, KKGO and KKJZ. But it was his love and knowledge of jazz that made him stand out above all the rest. He hit the L.A. airwaves in 1972 and was most recently heard at Long Beach’s respected KKJZ where he was recognized for bringing blues to the jazz station’s playlist. Sam Fields was 55 when he passed away in his home on September 23, 2005. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Thanks to Micaela Pierce for the assist.
Eddie Fisher was a singer who became one of the world’s most popular entertainers during the 1950s. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Fisher started winning local amateur contest while still just a child. By the mid ’40s, he was fronted various regionally popular big bands, and was soon discovered by Eddie Cantor who helped him land a record deal with RCA Victor. After serving in Korea, where he fronted the Army Band, he began turning up on TV variety shows, helping him become one of the most popular pre-rock ‘n roll singers. He went on to sell millions of records, co-star in several motion pictures, and host his own television show. He continued making albums up until the mid ’80s. Eddie Fisher was married to Debbie Reynolds, Elizabeth Taylor and Connie Stevens. His children include actresses Carrie Fisher, Joely Fisher, and Tricia Leigh Fisher. On September 9, 2010, Eddie Fisher broke his hip, and died two weeks later of complications from hip surgery. He was 82.
Rual Yarbrough was a respected banjoist who performed and recorded with some of biggest names in bluegrass. Proficient on the banjo, Yarbrough formed his first band, the Dixie Gentlemen, during the mid 50s. After the group broke up in 1966, Yarbrough went on to play in 
Geoffrey Burgon was a British composer who is best remembered for his television and film scores. Burgon learned to play the trumpet in grade school and until the age of 30, he played professionally as part of various jazz bands. Growing tired of it, he turned to his other love, composing. His first piece of note was 1976’s Requiem. He found his most success on British television, composing award winning music for the likes of Brideshead Revisted and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. He also created music for Monty Python’s Life Of Brian, Doctor Who, and The Chronicles Of Narnia. His music could be heard on the BBC and ITV over the past four decades. Geoffrey Burgon was 69 when he passed away on September 21, 2010. Cause of death was not immediately release.
Leonard Skinner was a Jacksonville, Florida high school gym teacher who, during the late 1960s sent a group of his students to the principal’s audience for wearing their hair too long. A few years later, those school friends,