2012

Died On This Date (July 13, 2013) Maurice D. Davis / Motown’s Funk Brothers

Maurice D. Davis
June 9, 1941 – July 13, 2012

Maurice D. Davis was a respected trumpet player who, over the course of his long career, graced over 1500 recordings.  After graduating from Tennessee State University and teaching for two years at Rust College, Davis found himself in Detroit, Michigan.  The year was 1965, and Davis soon found himself playing in the legendary Motown session band, the Funk Brothers.  During his term that lasted until 1980, Davis played on recordings by or toured with the likes of the Supremes, the Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, and the Temptations on whose “Papa Was A Rolling Stone,” he particularly shined.  Beyond Motown, Davis played with Tony Bennett, Whitney Houston, Sammy Davis Jr., Dizzy Gillespie, and many more.  Through all this, Davis still found time to continue his teaching.  In 1997, he retired from the Detroit Public Schools after 32 years.  He also taught at Wayne State University from 1980 to 1995.  An ordained minister as well, Davis founded the Trumpeting High Praises Community Resources Center in Detroit in 1998.  In 2002, he was featured in the critically acclaimed documentary about the Funk Brothers, Standing In The Shadows of Motown.  Maurice D. Davis was 71 when he passed away on July 13, 2012.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

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Died On This Date (July 13, 2012) Bucky Adams / Canadian Jazz Legend

Charles “Bucky” Adams
1937 – July 13, 2012

Born into a musical family in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Bucky Adams was just a child when he at first picked up the trumpet.  And when he was just 11, he played for the Queen of England during a visit to Canada.  In those early years, Adams played the trumpet alongside his father, but when the trumpet could no longer keep him, he switched to the sax.  By the 1950s, Adams began fronting his own bands, and over the next three decades entertained audiences far and wide with the Rockin’ Rebels, Club Unusual, Generations, and Basin St. Trio, with whom he made his first recordings.  Throughout his long career, Adams played with or for such luminaries as Louis Armstrong, Oscar Peterson, Count Basie,  and Lionel Hampton.  Adams remained a vital part of the eastern Canadian jazz scene up until the time of his passing.  In later years, he was a headliner at prominent jazz festivals. He also found time to entertain children at numerous elementary schools throughout Nova Scotia.  Bucky Adams was 75 when he died of cancer on July 13, 2012.



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.

What You Should Own

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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.