Died On This Date (June 30, 2002) Richard “Pistol” Allen / Motown’s Funk Brothers
themusicsover Richard “Pistol” Allen
August 12, 1932 – June 30, 2002
Richard “Pistol” Allen was a drummer for Motown’s Funk Brothers, the acclaimed session band the provided the sound for many of the greatest songs in American history. His shuffle style drumming could be heard on such classics as the Supremes’ “Baby Love,” Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” and the Four Tops’ “I Can’t Help Myself.” During the ’50s, Allen began playing in clubs throughout Detroit, and it was there that he befriended Motown’s legendary drummer, Benny Benjamin who ultimately helped him get into the Motown family in 1961. In 2002, Allen was a key figure in the critically acclaimed documentary on the Funk Brothers, “Standing In The Shadows Of Motown.” He died of cancer a short time later.
What You Should Own
Park Yong-ha was a handsome Korean television and singer who quickly became popular throughout Asia. He reached fame as a teenager thanks in part to his starring role in Winter Sonata. As for his musical career, he is perhaps best remembered for singing the popular theme song for the Japanese program, Just For Yesterday. Over the course of his career, Yong-ha released a several records, earned numerous acting and music awards, and was a popular concert draw across Korea and Japan. Park Yong-ha was found dead in his home of an apparent suicide by hanging on June 30, 2010. He was 33.