Died On This Date (January 5, 2010) Willie Mitchell / Legendary Memphis Producer

Willie Mitchell
March 23, 1928 – January 5, 2010

Willie Mitchell is best remembered as the esteemed producer who helped develop the Memphis soul sound of the ’60s and beyond.  Mitchell learned to play the trumpet as a child and by the time he was in high school he was playing in local jazz bands.  He soon formed his own band that reportedly performed at numerous New Years Eve parties at Elvis Presley’s home.  He later went to work at Hi Records, first as a musician, then a producer, and ultimately running the company.  It was under his watch that the label achieved its most success with releases by such legends as Bill Black, Al Green, Ann Peebles, and Mitchell himself.   Willie Mitchell, age 81, died on January 5, 2010 as a result of cardiac arrest he suffered in December of 2009.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number 1 Albums for the assist.


Died On This Date (January 5, 1998) Sonny Bono / Sonny & Cher

Salvatore “Sonny” Bono
February 16, 1935 – January 5, 1998

Sonny Bono was a successful singer, songwriter, producer and actor who came to the world’s attention in the mid ’60s when he partnered with his wife, Cher to form the singing and comic duo, Sonny & Cher.  One of Bono’s first jobs in the music business was assisting producer, Phil Spector.  He was also writing songs, penning such pop classics as “Things You Do To Me” (Sam Cooke), “Needle and Pins” (the Searchers, Jackie DeShannon, Tom Petty), and of course, “I Got You Babe,” “The Beat Goes On” and many more made famous by Sonny & Cher.  In 1971, CBS debuted The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour which was a top 20 hit for its four-season run.  Sonny and Cher split both professionally and personally in the mid ’70s, afterwhich Bono periodically made television guest star appearances into the ’90s.  In 1988, Bono was elected mayor of Palm Springs, California, an office he held until 1992.  By all accounts he did a great job and was very popular in the position.   On January 5, 1998,  Sonny Bono died of injuries he sustained from accidentally skiing into a tree at near Lake Tahoe.

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The Beat Goes On: Best Of - Sonny & Cher



Died On This Date (January 5, 2011) Jose “Crunchy” Espinosa / Ozomatli

Jose Espinosa
DOB Unknown – January 5, 2011

Jose “Crunchy” Espinosa was a founding member of Los Angeles Latin rock/funk/hip-hop collective, Ozomatli.  Formed in 1995, the band, which has counted as many as many as 10 members, quickly became local favorites thanks in part to their highly energetic shows and dance friendly message songs.  With a sound rooted deep in Latin folk and lyrics in both Spanish and English, it was no doubt they’d become hometown favorites.  The band is also highly regarded for using its popularity to lend a voice to people of struggle.   During the 2000 Democratic Convention, Ozomatli staged a large protest concert outside of the event.  In 1998 they released their self-titled debut that included the uptempo song “Como Ves” which became a film and TV staple and helped the band build its sizable following outside of Southern California.  They have since released several more records, toured the world many times over, and wowed audiences at the biggest music festivals across the United States.  Their fans range from lovers of traditional Latin music, Salsa, hip-hop, jamband, and alternative rock.   Outside of Ozomatli, Espinosa collaborated with the likes of the Black Eyed Peas, Ubalaye, Money Mark, and the Salvador Santana Band.  Jose “Crunchy” Espinosa died of cancer on January 5, 2011.

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Ozomatli - Ozomatli


Died On This Date (January 4, 2010) Sandro / The Argentine Elvis

Sandro de America (Born Roberto Sanchez)
August 19, 1945 – January 4, 2010

Sandro de America was an Argentine singer and actor who rose to prominence during the ’60s.  He began his career imitating Elvis Presley, but soon evolved into a style that raised him above the pack and garnered him millions of fans worldwide.  By doing so, he became known as the “father of Spanish rock.”  As an actor, Sandro appeared in popular telenovelas  (Spanish soap operas), and approximately two dozen films.  In the early ’70s, he became the first Latino performer to sell-out Madison Square Garden, and he did so four other time.  One such concert in April of 1970 was broadcast worldwide via satellite, marking it the first time any singer had ever done so.  On January 4, 2010 Sandro de America died of complications from a heart and lung transplant he received on November 20, 2009.  He was 64 years old.

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Died On This Date (January 4, 1986) Phil Lynott / Thin Lizzy

Phil Lynott
August 20, 1949 – January 4, 1986

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Phil Lynott was the lead singer, bassist and primary songwriter for the popular ’70s Irish rock band, Thin Lizzy.   Formed in 1969, the band gained international fame during the mid ’70s with such rock hits as “The Boys are Back in Town,” “Jailbreak,” and “Dancing in the Moonlight (It’s Caught Me in its Spotlight).”  Their 1978 live album, Live and Dangerous sits alongside Frampton Comes Alive and Kiss Alive as one of the definitive albums of its generation and one of the best live rock albums of all time.  Lynott released a handful of solo albums beginning in 1980, the best of which being Solo in Soho.  Thin Lizzy called it quits in 1984.  On Christmas Day, 1985, Lynott collapsed in his home, and was brought to an area hospital where it was discovered he was suffering from a kidney and liver infection, a result of his drug and alcohol abuse.   He died while still in the hospital’s intensive care unit on two weeks later as a result of heart failure and pneumonia.  Phil Lynott was 36 when he passed away on January 4, 1986.

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