Died On This Date (January 20, 2011) Jim Williamson / Legendary Nashville Recording Engineer

Jim Williamson
DOB Unknown – January 20, 2011

Jim Williamson was a respected Nashville recording engineer who worked on several of the most iconic recordings in pop music history.  His behind-the-board talent can be heard on such records as Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man,” Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” Lynn Anderson‘s “Rose Garden,” and Bob Dylan’s “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35.”  He also worked on recordings by Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and Kris Kristofferson, to name a few.  Jim Williamson passed away from pulmonary disease on January 11, 2011.  He was 75.

Thanks to Jon Grimson for the assist.



Died On This Date (January 19, 2011) James O’Gwynn / Popular Country Singer Of Late ’50s

James O’Gwynn
January 26, 1928 – January 19, 2011

James O’Gwynn, known to fans as “The Smiling Irishman,” was a country singer who made a name for himself during the late ’50s and early ’60s.  Over the course of his career, O’Gwynn recorded for labels like United Artists and Mercury, charting no less than six times on the country singles chart.  His most famous song was the #7 hit, “My Name Is Mud.”  James O’Gwynn was 82 when he passed away on January 19, 2011.



Died On This Date (January 17, 2011) Don Kirshner / Influential Producer, Publisher & Television Host

Don Kirshner
April 17, 1934 -January 17, 2011

Don Kirshner was a music publisher, producer, songwriter-manager, and television host who rightfully earned the nickname, The Man With The Golden Ear.  His music career began during the ’50s when he and his partner, Al Nevins, launched Aldon Music, a publishing company that included such future superstar talent as Neil Diamond, Bobby Darin, Carole King, Gerry Goffin, and Neil Sedaka.   Kirshner also owned three successful record labels during the early part of his career.  In the early ’60s, the creators of a new NBC television program enlisted Kirshner to provide songs for that show.  The influential sit-com followed the fictional adventures of an up-and-coming band as it bounced from one loony situation to another while performing catchy pop songs along the way.  The show was called The Monkees, and Kirshner brought songs like “I’m A Believer,” “Last Train To Clarksville,” and several others that would become hits that help define the era.  He later helped create an animated version of that same concept with The Archies. Then in 1973, Kirshner became a television star in his own right with the launch of Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert.  The late night show offered full live performances of songs by current rock stars, making it unique in a time where lip syncing on television was the norm.  For many rock music fans in a pre-MTV, pre-youtube era, it was THE only way to enjoy your favorite bands live.  Along with being executive producer, Kirshner introduced each act in a monotone manner that was later popularly parodied by Paul Shaffer on Saturday Night Live. The show’s premiere episode included the Rolling Stones and and the series continued at that pace hosting the likes of Alice Cooper, the Allman Brothers Band, Black Sabbath, Aerosmith, Rush, the Eagles, the Ramones, KISS, and Kansas.  It quickly became serious competition for other late night programs like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.  The show ran until 1981.  Don Kirshner was 76 when he died of heart failure on January 17, 2011.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the help

Died On This Date (January 16, 2011) Steve Prestwich / Drummer For Australian Rock Band, Cold Chisel

Steve Prestwich
March 5, 1954 – January 16, 2011

Steve Prestwich was a drummer and songwriter who was the long-time member of Cold Chisel, one of Australia’s most popular rock bands of the late ’70s and ’80s.  Born in Liverpool, Prestwich and his family moved to Adelaide, South Australia while still in his teens.  He was soon playing in a few local bands before settling in with up-and-coming pub rock greats, Cold Chisel in 1974.  The band also included Jimmy Barnes who would find solo success years later.  Prestwich wrote several songs for the group, including their hits, “Forever Now” and “When The War Is Over.”  After leaving Cold Chisel in 1983, Prestwich briefly played for Little River Band and later released a couple of solo albums.  He also reunited with Cold Chisel on a few occasions.  In early 2011, Steve Prestwich discovered he had a brain tumor and died as a result on January 16, 2011, less than two weeks later.  He was 56.

Thanks to Anne Bentley for the assist.

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Cold Chisel


Died On This Date (January 16, 2010) Joe Forrester / Played With Bill Monroe

Joe Forrester
March 21, 1919 – January 16, 2011

Joe Forrester was a bluegrass pioneer.  He is perhaps best remembered for playing alongside his brother, Howdy Forrester, in Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys.  In 1935, Forrester moved to Nashville where he had the opportunity to play at the Grand Ole Opry.  He could also be heard playing on radio stations in Tulsa, OK and Tuscola, IL.  After taking a break to serve his country during World War II – he landed on Utah Beach on D-Day, Forrester returned to music and performed with the likes of Gene Autry, Georgia Slim, and  Art Davis.  Joe Forrester was 91 when he passed away on January 16, 2011.