Died On This Date (August 2, 2012) Jimmy Jones / Early ’60s Hit Maker
themusicsover Jimmy Jones
June 2, 1930 – August 2, 2012
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Jimmy Jones got his start in show business as a tap dancer after he moved with his family to New York City as a teen. By the mid ’50s, Jones was singing in local doo-wop groups, but soon went solo. In 1959, he recorded “Handy Man,” a song that he co-wrote, for Cub Records. The record soared to #3 on the US singles chart and topped the charts in the UK as well. That was quickly followed by “Good Timin,'” which did nearly as well. Each sold over a million copies. In later years, both Del Shannon and James Taylor had hits with “Handy Man.” Jones continued to perform and record, though with no other major hits, until the time of his death. He has been cited as popularizing the use of a falsetto voice in pop music, a style that was later used by the likes of Frankie Valli and the Bee Gees. During the ’90s, Jones enjoyed a resurgence in popularity thanks to the Northern Soul movement in the UK. Jimmy Jones was 82 when he passed away on August 2, 2012.
Thanks to Henk de Bruin for the assist.
What You Should Own
Tony Sly is best remembered as the longtime front man of San Jose, California punk band, No Use For A Name. Formed in 1987, NUFAN welcomed Sly into the fold in 1989. What started out as a hardcore band soon grew into a more melodic skate punk outfit as their fan base grew. With albums like The Daily Grind, Leche Con Carne, and Making Friends on the respected independent label, Fat Wreck Chords, the band built a loyal legion of fans the world over. In 2004, Sly released a split acoustic album with label mate and Lagwagon lead singer, Joey Cape. At least one review of the album referred to duo as punk rock’s Simon and Garfunkel. In 2008, Sly toured as a solo folk punk act and followed that two years later with 12 Song Program. That lead to another solo album in 2010. What would ultimately be his final album with No Use For A Name was 2008’s The Feel Good Album Of The Year. Tony Sly was 41 when he passed away on August 1, 2012. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Bill Doss is perhaps best remembered as a co-founder of the popular Louisiana indie-rock band, Olivia Tremor Control. He also helped form the Elephant 6 Recording Company, or Elephant 6, an indie rock supergroup of sorts which also included members of Neutral Milk Hotel, the Apples In Stereo, Beulah, Elf Power, of Montreal, and Circulatory System. Formed in 1992, Olivia Tremor Control released several critically acclaimed albums, EPs, and singles and performed at such popular music fests as All Tomorrow’s Parties and the Pitchfork Music Festival. In later years, Doss played with the Sunshine Fix and produced other bands in his own studio. He also played keyboards on the road for the Apples In Stereo since 2006, and can be heard on their New Magnetic Wonder and Travellers In Space And Time albums. The latter lists him as a member of the band. Bill Doss was 44 when he passed away on July 30, 2012. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Larry Hoppen was the founding guitarist and singer for Orleans, a popular soft rock band that formed in Woodstock, New York in 1972. The band is best remembered for their ’70s pop hits, “Still the One” and “Dance With Me.” As early as 1977, “Still the One” has been played on numerous television shows and films. Throughout their early years, Orleans were a popular opening act for the likes of Jackson Browne, Little Feat and Melissa Manchester. Hoppen was beloved by fans for his beautiful tenor voice, and was the only original member to stay with the group until his passing. Their last album with him was 2008’s Obscurities. Hoppen released two solo albums as well, HandMade and Looking For The Light. Larry Hoppen was 61 when he passed away on July 24, 2012. Cause of death was not immediately released.