Died On This Date (January 15, 2009) Leroy Cooper / Jazz Sax Great
themusicsover Leroy Cooper
August 31, 1928 – January 15, 2009
Leroy Cooper was a jazz saxophonist who is perhaps best remembered for his nearly two decades playing with Ray Charles. During his time with Charles, at times as bandleader, Cooper played on such classic recordings as “Crying Time,” “In the Heat of the Night,” and his iconic version of “America the Beautiful.” Cooper also played with the likes of Joe Cocker, Lowell Fulson, Dr. John, Lightnin’ Hopkins and the Righteous Brothers. Leroy Cooper was 80 when he died of heart failure on January 15, 2009.
Thanks to Craig Rosen from Number1Albums for the assist.
Dee Murray was a respected bassist who played in Elton John’s original band. After a short stint in the Spencer Davis Group, Murray was hired by John in 1970. He played on Tumbleweed Connection, 11-17-70, John’s masterpiece, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, and finally, Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. After parting ways with John in 1975, Murray found work as a session player, most notably with Rick Springfield. He was hired into Procal Harum’s touring band in 1977, and reunited to tour with John in 1981. Dee Murray was 45 when he suffered a fatal stroke on January 15, 1992.
