Eddie Bo (Born Edwin Bocage)
September 20, 1930 – March 18, 2009
Eddie Bo was born in New Orleans and raised in the 9th Ward He was one of the last New Orleans junker-style pianists. Schooled in jazz, he is known for his blues, soul and funk recordings, compositions, productions and arrangements. He debuted from Ace Records in 1955 and since then he has released more single records than anyone else in New Orleans other than Fats Domino. Bo died suddenly of a massive heart attack on March 18, 2009. He was 79.
William “Alex” Chilton
December 28, 1950 – March 17, 2010
Even though Alex Chilton was one of indie rock’s biggest influences, many don’t realize he sang lead on one of the biggest pop hits of the ’60s. While still in high school in Memphis, Tennessee, 16-year-old Chilton was asked to join a local rock band that soon became known as the Box Tops. Later that year, the group released “The Letter” which quickly became a #1 hit around the world (Chilton’s lead vocal track was slowed down to make him sound older). That was soon followed by “Cry Like a Baby” and “Soul Deep,” both moderate hits also sung by Chilton. After leaving the Box Tops, Chilton joined Chris Bell in an up-and-coming power pop band, Big Star who made records that took the best pop elements of the British Invasion and spiced them with a dash of Memphis soul. In 1972, Big Star released #1 Album, which, although it was a commercial failure, was highly influential to the Replacements, R.E.M., Wilco, Counting Crows, Ryan Adams the Flaming Lips, and Teenage Fanclub. One of its songs, the Bell-Chilton penned, “In The Street,” was re-recorded by Cheap Trick in 1999 and used as the theme song for That ’70s Show. Chilton later helped form and produced Panther Burns with Tav Falco. He also released several influential solo albums throughout his career. In 1987, the Replacements included the great love letter to Chilton, “Alex Chilton,” on their Pleased To Meet Me album. In 2005, Chilton reformed Big Star for an album and tour. On March 17, 2010, Alex Chilton died of a heart attack. He was 59 years old.
As a much in-demand bass guitar journeyman, Rick Grech landed the ultimate rock dream job in 1969 when he was nabbed to play alongside Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, and Steve Winwood in the newly formed Blind Faith. After a disappointing start, Blind Faith disbanded so Grech stayed on with Winwood in the reformed Traffic. However, Grech’s drug use got in the way, so he was let go from the band and went on to do session work for the likes of Rod Stewart, Muddy Waters and Ronnie Lane. By the mid-70s, Grech grew frustrated with his career and tired of the music industry in general so he retired and went into the carpet business. His drug of choice became alcohol which reportedly led to his death from liver and kidney failure at just 43.
Rufus “Tee Tot” Payne
DOB Unknown – March 17, 1939
Tee Tot Payne was an early southern blues musician who indirectly inspired future generations of country and rock ‘n roll stars. It was during Hank Williams’ formative years that he learned about blues and other traditional Black music under the tutelage of Payne. Williams, in turn married those influences with hillbilly music to create a more appealing country sound that appealed to both Black and White audiences. Payne was never known much beyond his home region other than when referenced by Williams and his followers. Hank Williams Jr. gave a nod to Payne with his “The Tee Tot Song” of 2002. Tee Tot Payne died of unknown causes on March 17, 1939. He is believed to have been 55 years old.
Charlie Gillett
February 20, 1942 – March 17, 2010
Charlie Gillett was an influential British radio disc jockey, music historian and writer. During the mid ’60s, Gillett was working as a college professor when he began contributing weekly music-related articles to the Record Mirror. In 1970, he releasedhis first book, The Sound Of The City: The Rise of Rock and Roll, a comprehensive history of popular music that is still considered one of the best. He was soon contributing to Rolling Stone and New Musical Express magazines. In 1972, Gillett moved over to radio where he hosted a popular weekly program on Radio London. It was through that medium that he was the first to play early demos by the likes of Elvis Costello, Ian Dury, Graham Parker and Dire Straits, oftentimes leading to record deals for the artists. During this period, Gillett released his second book, and helped bring Cajun music to the U.K. through his newly formed Oval Records. Throughout his career Gillett also managed Dury, co-produced Lene Lovich’s popular debut album, and owned the publishing for such hit songs as Paul Hardcastle’s “19.” Charlie Gillett was 68 when he died of multiple health related problems on March 17, 2010.
Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number 1 Albums and Ed Hardy for the assist.