Died On This Date (January 19, 2013) John Braheny / American Songwriting Great

John Braheny
December 9, 1938 – January 19, 2013

john-brahenyKnown throughout the industry as “The Songwriter’s Best Friend,” John Braheny was a successful songcrafter as well as the author of to best-selling manual, The Craft and Business of Songwriting.  Braheny began his career during the late ’60s as a recording artist – his only album, Some Kind of Change came out in 1970.  S0me may argue that this album was the birth of the Laurel Canyon country rock scene since its “December Dream” was later popularized by Linda Ronstadt and the Stone Poneys.  In 1971, Braheny co-founded the Los Angeles Songwriters Showcase which at one point or another showcased such future greats as Stevie Nicks, Dianne Warren, Janis Ian, and Warren Zevon.   As a journalist, Braheny had upwards of 600 interviews and features published in numerous magazines and newspapers.  In later years, Braheny taught songwriting classes at UCLA and other Los Angeles area schools.  He also served on numerous music industry organization boards throughout his career.  John Braheny was 74 when he passed away on January 19, 2013.

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Died On This Date (January 18, 2013) Steve Knight / Keyboardist For Mountain

Steve Knight
1935 – January 18, 2013

Steve Knight at far right
Steve Knight at far right

Steve Knight is best remembered as the original keyboardist for American hard rock band, Mountain.  Formed in 1967 by bassist and famed Cream producer, Felix Pappalardi, the band, which also included singer and guitar great, Leslie West,  went on to have one of the era’s most familiar songs, “Mississippi Queen.”  Climbing!, their debut album from which it came, reached #17 on the Billboard charts and achieved Gold status.  Their two follow-up albums failed to produce any hit singles but did achieve Gold status as well.  In 1969, Mountain was one of the highlights of Woodstock with just their fourth live performance ever.  Although they can be heard on the album, they did not appear in the legendary film of the event.  After Mountain broke up in 1972, Knight returned to his first love, traditional jazz.  He enjoyed a long musical career as a sound engineer, author, songwriter and session player.  He was known to pop up on stage with West from time to time as well.   During the mid 90s, Knight settled in Woodstock, New York, where he was active in local politics, serving two terms on the Woodstock Town Board.  Steve Knight died of Parkinson’s disease on January 18, 2013.

Thanks to David Plastic from erockphotos.com for the assist.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com
Click to find at amazon.com