but the songs live on forever

2010

Musician Rock Singer Songwriter

Died On This Date (July 7, 2006) Syd Barrett / Pink Floyd

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Roger “Syd” Barrett
January 6, 1946 – July 7, 2006

Syd Barrett was, most famously, a founding member and singer of Pink Floyd. Though only active in music for about seven years and heard on just two Pink Floyd albums, Barrett left an indelible mark on rock music and influenced countless followers. Even such contemporaries as Pete Townshend, Paul McCartney, Marc Bolan and David Bowie have acknowledged much respect for his work. Post-Barrett Pink Floyd albums, Wish You Were Here and Dark Side Of The Moon paid tribute to the man. Barrett left Pink Floyd in 1968 for what many believe was mental illness (perhaps schizophrenia) worsened by heavy drug use. After two solo albums, Barrett retired to a quiet and mostly secluded life of painting and gardening. In fact many were surprised to learn that was still alive when his passing was announced in 2006. Syd Barrett died of pancreatic cancer on July 7, 2006.

What You Should Own

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The Piper At the Gates of Dawn (40th Anniversary Complete Edition) - Pink Floyd

Producer Record Label Rock

On This Date (July 7, 2008) Hugh Mendl / Influential Decca Producder

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Hugh Mendl
August 6, 1919 – July 7, 2008

Hugh Mendl started his music career in the early ’40s when his grandfather, then chairman of Decca Records gave him his first job as a producer at the label.  He stayed there for some 40 years.  Over the years, the label followed Mendl’s great ear by signing such acts as Lonnie Donegan, the Moody Blues, Genesis, David Bowie and John Mayall.  One act that the label famously did ignore his pleas to sign was the Beatles.  Mendl eventually grew disillusioned with business and retired to become an antique dealer.  He passed away in 2008 at the age of 89.

Jazz Musician

Died On This Date (July 7, 1949) Bunk Johnson / New Olreans Jazz Musician

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Willie “Bunk” Johnson
December 27, 1889 – July 7, 1949

Bunk Johnson was a popular New Orleans Jazz trumpeter in the early part of the 20th century who gained an even bigger audience when his career was revived in the ’40s.  Johnson claimed he was born in 1879, but most sources indicate that he was actually born in 1889.  What IS known is that Johnson played his trumpet in and around New Orleans during the early 1900s, only to have his career cut short in 1931 when he lost his trumpet and front teeth in a fight at a dance.  In the late ’30s, two writers learned of Johnson during their interviews with Louis Armstrong and others.  Armstrong has cited him as an inspiration.  Intrigued by their praise, the men tracked down Johnson and later raised money for new dentures so he could play again.   He went into the studio in 1942 to make his first records.   With his career revived, Johnson toured more extensively than in years past.  Johnson died in 1949 following a stroke.

What You Should Own

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Bunk Johnson

Jazz Musician Record Label

Died On This Date (July 7, 2008) Bobby Durham / Drummer; Played With Ella Fitzgerald

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Bobby Durham
February 3, 1937 – July 7, 2008

Bobby Durham was a versatile jazz drummer who began his career at the age of sixteen by playing with popular doo-wop group the Orioles.  After serving in the military where he played in the military band, Durham settled in New York City where he went on to become one of the most respected drummers in jazz.  Over his career, he performed with the likes of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Ella Fitzgerald, who he accompanied for over ten years.  Bobby Durham died after a long struggle with lung cancer and emphysema.



Record Label

Died On This Date (July 7, 2008) Jason Gula / Marketing Executive

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Jason Gula
May 5, 1970 – July 7, 2008

Jason Gula was most recently the Executive Vice President of Marketing & Sales for 80/20 Music Entertainment where hew worked with such up and coming artists as Lisa Genee, Recession, Cellofourte, Izzy and Chris, and Brooke Annibale. Gula began his career at legendary midwest retailer, Camelot Music. He later landed in distribution, working for Sony out of the Chicago and Cleveland branches where he earned tremendous respect from the retail community for his hard work and knack for creative marketing promotions. Jason Gula died suddenly of a heart attack on July 7, 2008 at the age of 38.

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