Died On This Date (July 12, 2012) Perry Baggs / Jason & The Scorchers

Perry Baggs
DOB Unknown – July 12, 2012

Photo by Helen Comer/The Tennessean

Perry Baggs was a Nashville-based drummer who is perhaps best remembered for providing the back beat for influential cowpunk band, Jason & the Scorchers. Formed in 1981 by Jason Ringenberg, the band successfully married elements of classic country with the ferocity of punk rock.  Although country rock had been around for years, the Scorchers brought a frenzy to the sub-genre like no one before.  Sure, they might have been somewhat of a novelty around Nashville at first, but once audiences witnessed their feverish shows, they realized that this was no joke and when they witnessed them perform Hank Williams‘ “Lost Highway” it had none of irony of say, the Sex Pistols doing “My Way.”  And Baggs was right there pounding the drums into submission night after night. The band’s fan base quickly grew amongst college students, and EMI Records took notice.  The label released the appropriately titled, Fervor in 1983 and critics and new fans quickly took note.  It landed on several year-end lists and was noted particularly for its ramped up rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Absolutely Sweet Marie.”   A few more albums followed, but by 1990, the Scorchers, without the luxury of the “Americana” movement which was soon to follow, called it quits.  Around the same time, Baggs was diagnosed with diabetes.  During the mid 90s, however, the sounds of classic country was beginning to pop with some alternative rock bands, and the Americana, or alt-country movement was born thanks in part to the foundation built by the Scorchers.  Perhaps because of this, EMI Records released a retrospective of the which include some new tracks, so the Scorchers decided to give it another go to the delight of their sizable cult following around the world.  The band continued to record and tour on and off ever since.  In 2008, the Americana Music Association recognized them with a Lifetime Achievement Award.  On July 12, 2012, Perry Baggs, age 50, was found dead in his home.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Paul Bearer for the assist.

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Fervor / Lost & Found - Jason & The Scorchers

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.



Died On This Date (July 8, 2012) Uncle Lionel Batiste / New Orleans Jazz Great

 Lionel Batiste
February 1, 1931 – July 8, 2012

Photo by Carolyn Kaster

Uncle Lionel Batiste was a bass drummer, singer and assistant leader of the Treme Brass Band.  Batiste was just 11 when he began his career by playing his bass drum in the Square Deal Social & Pleasure Club.  A long time fixture on the streets of New Orleans, Batiste was an unofficial ambassador of the great city as well as a musical influence on countless musicians who have since devoted their lives to music as well.  When the streets of the Crescent City became flooded in the days following Hurricane Katrina, Batiste reportedly kept afloat by sitting on top of his bass drum.  A few years later, he could be seen from time to time performing with the marching band in the HBO series, Treme.  Lionel Batiste was 81 when he passed away on July 8, 2012

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Died On This Date (July 7, 2012) Dennis Flemion / The Frogs; Smashing Pumpkins

Dennis Flemion
June 6, 1955 – July 7, 2012

Keyboardist Dennis Flemion, along with his brother Jimmy Flemion made up the Milwaukee, Wisconsin lo-fi duo, the Frogs.  Formed in 1980, the band wrote and performed short pop songs that tended to invite controversy for their lyrical themes dealing with homoerotica, race, and religion.  Although they never really broke out of their cult status, that cult was very loyal and  included some of rock music’s most influential figures.  During the early to mid ’90s, the Frogs were invited to open for the likes of Pearl Jam Smashing Pumpkins, and MudhoneyKurt Cobain was said to be a big fan as well. Flemion appeared on three Smashing Pumpkins songs from Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness and Adore.  In 1996 and 1997, after the death of Pumpkins touring keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin, Flemion was invited to fill in for him on the road.  On July 7, 2012, Dennis Flemion was boating with his family on Wind Lake in Racine County, Wisconsin. During the afternoon, Flemion went for a swim but never resurfaced.  His body was recovered three days later in water that was 42 feet deep.  He was 57.

Thanks to Harold Lepidus for the assist.

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