Died On This Date (November 30, 2011) Nelly Byl / Prolific Belgian Songwriter

Nelly Byl
March 25, 1919 – November 30, 2011

Nelly Byl was a Belgian songwriter who throughout her career, penned over 2000 songs.  Her most famous were “Raak me niet aan” in 1963, and “Que Sera Mi Vida” in 1980.  The definitive version of the former is by Conny Vandenbos, while the latter is by the Gibson Brothers.  Nelly Byl was 92 when she passed away on November 30, 2011.

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

Died On This Date (November 28, 2011) Tom Roady / Drummer For Ricky Skaggs

Tom Roady
DOB Unknown – November 28, 2011

Tom Roady was a much respected drummer and percussionist who is perhaps best remembered for his recent work with Ricky Skaggs.  Roady can be heard playing on Skaggs’ latest offering, A Skaggs Family Christmas, Volume 2, and was gearing up to go out on tour with Skaggs.  Throughout his long career, Roady played with the likes of Vince Gill, Martina McBride, Dixie Chicks, Joan Baez, Bob Seger, and Kenny Chesney.  Earlier in his career, Roady was a session player at the storied Muscle Shoals studio, working for Jerry Wexler, and playing on tracks by Lynyrd Skynrd, James Brown, Etta James, Wilson Pickett, and many more.  As reported by CMT, Tom Roady was 62 when he passed away in his sleep on November 28, 2011.  Cause of death was reportedly attributed to heart problems, although he had been battling cancer.



Died On This Date (November 27, 2011) Jovan Coleman aka J-1 / Drummer For Dam-Funk’s Master Blazter

J-1 (Born Jovan Coleman)
DOB Unknown – November 27, 2011

Know professionally as J-1 and The Dear, Los Angeles based musician and producer Jovan Coleman was the drummer in Dam Funk’s trio, Master Blazter which also counted Computer Jay as a member. Coleman also played in Animal Kingdom as well as Shafiq Husayn’s En’AFreeKa Ensemble. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Coleman ultimately settled in L.A. where he quickly became part of the city’s vibrant funk/soul/boogie scene.  He released The Yellow (EP) in June of 2011.  Jovan Coleman passed away in Sweden on November 27, 2011.  Cause of death was not immediately released.



Died On This Date (November 27, 2011) Ken Russell / Directed The Who’s “Tommy”

Ken Russell
July 3, 1927 – November 27, 2011

Ken Russell was a celebrated British director who courted controversy in both film and television for his use of sexuality and the church within his themes and imagery.  Russell made a huge mark on popular music as well with his 1975 rock film Tommy, based on the Who’s album of the same name.  The landmark movie starred the band’s Roger Daltrey as Tommy, Pete Townshend, Keith Moon, and John Entwhistle, along with Ann-Margret, Jack Nicholson, Oliver Reed, Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, and Elton John.  The film earned Margaret a Golden Globe as well as an Academy Award nomination, and Townshend an Academy Award nomination for the film’s score and adaptation.  It’s most memorable scenes include Turner as the Acid Queen, John as the Pinball Wizard, and of course, Margaret writhing erotically in a pool of baked beans.  The movie spent a record 14 weeks at number one and continued to be a box office draw for well over a year.  Following Tommy, Russell again directed Daltrey in Lisztomania, which portrayed 19th century composer, Franz Liszt as the first classical pop star.  The film also features Ringo Starr and Rick Wakeman who composed the score.  Other notable films by Russell include Altered States, The Devils, and Women In Love for which he won an Oscar.  Ken Russell passed away on November 27, 2011.  He was 84.

Thanks to Harold Lepidus for the assist.

What You Should Own

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Died On This Date (November 26, 2011) Keef Hartley / Replaced Ringo Starr in Rory Storm & The Hurricanes

Keith “Keef” Hartley
April 8, 1944 – November 26, 2011

Photo by Jan Persson

Keef Hartley was a British drummer whose first notable gig came when he replaced Ringo Starr in Rory Storm and the Hurricanes when Starr was hired away by the Beatles.  It wouldn’t be a stretch in fact, to call Storm and his band equally popular as the Beatles throughout England – albeit during their early days only.  Following his tenure with Storm, Hartley went on to play with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers.  He can be heard on such Mayall albums as The Blues Alone and Crusade.   Hartley went on to form the Keef Hartley Band – a jazz rock combo in the vein of Chicago.  In 1969, the group played Woodstock, but unfortunately followed Santana who had just played one of their greatest sets ever, so needless to say, they didn’t leave as lasting an impression as they might have otherwise.  Hartley went on to release several albums that did moderately well over the years.  Keef Hartley was 67 when he passed away on November 26, 2011.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

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

What You Should Own

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Keef Hartley Band