Died On This Date (July 10, 2012) Lol Coxhill / English Jazz Saxophonist

George “Lol” Coxhill
September 19, 1932 – July 10, 2012

Lol Coxhill was a world-renowned free-improv saxophonist from Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK.  In 1968, legendary English disc jockey, John Peel reportedly took note of Coxhill while he was busking on London’s South Bank.  That lead to gigs throughout the storied Canterbury scene of the late ’60s and ’70s.  During those years, Coxhill played in such jazz rock combos as Delivery and Kevin Ayers and the Whole World.  Although he ultimately made his mark as an unpredictable improv soloist, Coxhill performed more traditionally while backing up many visiting American blues and soul singers during the ’60s.  That list includes Champion Jack Dupree, Lowell Fulson, and Rufus Thomas.  He also collaborated with a wide range of artists including Mike Oldfield, Django Bates, Fred Frith, and even the Damned.   Lol Coxhill was 79 when he passed away on July 10, 2012.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

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

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Ear of Beholder - Lol Coxhill

 

 

Died On This DAte (July 10, 2012) Maria Hawkins Cole / Jazz Singer; Wife Of Nat King Cole; Mother of Natalie Cole

Maria Hawkins Cole
1922 – July 10, 2012

Maria Hawkins was a popular jazz vocalist who began her career singing for the likes of Count Basie and Duke Ellington.  In 1946, Hawkins launched her solo career and began singing at the legendary Club Zanzibar in New York City.  She soon met the great Nat King Cole and the two married in 1948.  Throughout the ’50s, Hawkins Cole traveled and performed with husband.  In 1950, Hawkins Cole gave birth to their daughter, Natalie Cole who went on to become a multi-Grammy award-winning R&B singer.  Maria Hawkins Cole died on cancer on July 10, 2012.  She was 89.

Thanks to Harold Lepidus for the assist.