Died On This Date (November 13, 2011) Charlie Phillips / Hampton Grease Band

Charlie Phillips
DOB Unknown – November 13, 2011

Photo by Phil Libben

Charlie Phillips was a beloved bassist and drummer who, during the ’60s, played in several bands, including the Hampton Grease Band. The group was fronted by Bruce Hampton and included Phillips’ brother, Glenn Phillips.  Hampton Grease Band built a sizable underground following for their unconventional blues rock sound and shared the stage with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, the Allman Brothers and the Grateful Dead.  They have been likened to Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart. Outside of music, Phillips worked as a teacher, played competitive softball, and practiced law, working with many bands and musicians over the years.  Charlie Phillips was 65 when he passed away in his sleep on November 13. 2011.  Cause of death was initially believed to be heart failure.

Thanks to Steve Cabral for the assist.

Died On This Date (November 13, 2011) Doyle Bramhall / Influential Texas Singer-Songwriter & Drummer

Doyle Bramhall
February 17, 1949 – November 13, 2011

Doyle Bramhall was a much respected Texas singer-songwriter and drummer who was a fixture of the Austin music scene since the 1970s.   Bramhall was still in high school when he joined fellow Texan, Jimmy Vaughan in the Chessmen, whose biggest claim to fame was opening for Jimi Hendrix in Dallas.  During the early ’70s, Bramhall moved to Austin where he formed the Nightcrawlers which also included Vaughan’s younger brother, Stevie Ray Vaughan on guitar.  Bramhall went on to contribute several songs to Stevie Ray’s albums, including “Dirty Pool” and “Life By The Drop.”  He also played drums on the Vaughan Brothers’ album, Family Style.  Bramhall recorded a handful of his own albums over the years as well, including 2003’s Fitchburg Blues which reached #6 on the Billboard Blues Chart, as well as 2007’s Grammy-nominated Is It News.  His son, Doyle Bramhall II is a respected Texas musician as well.  Doyle Bramhall was 62 when he passed away in his home on November 13, 2011.  Cause of death was not immediately released, but reports indicate that he had been ill.

Thanks to Harold Lepidus for the assist.

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Is It News - Doyle Bramhall

Died On This Date (November 13, 2011) Yvonne “Miss Dixie” Fasnacht / Iconic New Orleans Gay Club Owner

Yvonne Fasnacht
DOB Unknown – November 13, 2011

Yvonne Fasnacht was an accomplished New Orleans clarinet and saxophone player, as well as the proprietor of Dixie’s Bar Of Music, one of the city’s most revered jazz clubs.  Fasnacht first learned to play her instruments while attending trade school, and before she knew it, she was playing in such all girl outfits as Southland Rhythm Girls and the Smart Set.  These gigs afforded her the opportunity to tour the US and even appear in a Hollywood short film.  In 1949, Fasnacht opened Dixie’s Bar of Music which quickly became one of New Orleans’ hottest clubs where rich and poor; gay and straight; and celebrity and common folk could all co-mingle and have a good time.  The club has been cited as one of the country’s first openly gay bars, and it was Fasnacht who created a safe and accepting environment, even in the face of local authorities who raided the joint fairly regularly.  The club, which operated until 1964, became a magnet for Hollywood elite as well. It was not uncommon to find the likes of Truman Capote, Rock Hudson, Gore Vidal, or Danny Kaye sitting at a table.  The club’s place in New Orleans history is so well-regarded, that the 35-foot mural of jazz greats that hung on one of its walls is now on display at the New Orleans US Mint as part of the Louisiana State Museum.  As reported by WWLTV, Yvonne Fasnacht passed away on November 13, 2011.  She was 101.

Thanks to Henk de Bruin at 2+ Printing for the assist.