Died On This Date (January 26, 2013) Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner / Lead Singer For The Ohio Players

Leroy Bonner
DOB Unknown – January 26, 2013

leroy-sugarfoot-bonnerLeroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner was the longtime lead singer for arguably America’s  greatest funk band, the Ohio Players.  Formed in Dayton, Ohio as the Ohio Untouchables in 1959, it would be a few years before they regrouped as the Ohio Players and brought Bonner on board.   First the band’s lead guitarist, Bonner’s charisma on stage could not be denied, so he soon took over as front man as well.  It wasn’t until 1973 that the band hit its stride with the release of their first #1 R&B single, “Funky Worm.”  The record ultimately sold over 1 million copies and helped the group land a deal with Mercury Records.  Over the next three years, the Ohio Players scored seven Top 40 singles, two Gold Albums and three Platinum.  In all, they sold well over 4 million albums.  Their hits included such era definers as “Fire,” “Who’d She Coo?” “Skin Tight” and “Love Rollercoaster,” which claimed one of pop music’s greatest urban legends as well.  Mid way through the #1 hit, a high-pitched scream can be heard, leading many to believe that a woman was murdered in the studio with her scream unknowingly recorded.  Of several myths that were spawned, the most absurd was that while the band was recording, the cover photo shoot of Playboy model, Ester Corbet, was taking place in an adjacent room.  Badly burned and disfigured by the hot honey which was poured on her, Corbet ran into the studio threatening to sue the band. The myth goes on to claim that the band’s manager stabbed her to death in the control room in order to shut her up.  All caught on tape, of course.  The problem with that scenario is that Corbet is still alive and apparently burn free as of this writing.  The reality is that keyboardist Billy Beck provided the infamous scream.  Meanwhile, the Ohio Players forged on through the ups and downs of their popularity with Bonner at the helm well into the 2000s.  Leroy Bonner was 70 when he passed away on January 26, 2013.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

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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.

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Died On This Date (January 15, 2013) Andrew Mazzone / Respected Boston Musician

Andrew Mazzone
DOB Unknown – January 15, 2013

andrew-mazzoneAndrew Mazzone was a respected journeyman bass player who was a fixture of the Boston music scene for many years.  A gifted musician from an early age, Mazzone found work during the ’70s as part of the backing band of a traveling variety show that featured Tiny Tim, Smokin’ Joe Frazier & the Knockouts, boxer Jake LaMotta and Sherman Hemsley of The Jeffersons fame.  In later years, he played with such Boston area acts as Robin Lane, the Twinemen, and Laurie Sargent.  He also toured with Mary Chapin Carpenter and Kim Richey. Mazzone also found time to study law.  As a lawyer, he helped many fellow musicians, and within that capacity, played a significant role in the creation of the Center for Arts at the Armory (Somerville, MA), and Hi-n-Dry Records and studio.  Andrew Mazzone was 57 when he died of melanoma on January 15, 2013.

Thanks to Steve Cabrel for the assist.


Died On This Date (January 10, 2013) Claude Nobs / Founder Of The Montreux Jazz Festival

Claude Nobs
February 4, 1936 – January 10, 2013

Photo by Lionel Flusin
Photo by Lionel Flusin

Claude Nobs will be fondly remembered as the man who created the historic Montreux Jazz Festival.  Born in the Swiss city that later hosted his annual event, Nobs organized the first installment while working for the Tourism Office of Montreux in 1967.  The inaugural one included sets from the likes of  Jack DeJohnette, Charles Lloyd, and Keith Jarrett.  The festival was quickly recognized as a premier gathering of jazz greats from the world over.  Nobs also made a mark on rock and roll as well.  As it turns out, Nobs was present when the Montreux Casino infamously burned down during a Frank Zappa concert. He heroically rescued several people who were taking cover in the casino. Deep Purple memorialized the event in song which included a lyrical cameo by Nobs – “Funky Claude was running in and out pulling kids out the ground.”  That song is “Smoke on the Water.”   During the ’70s, Nobs worked for the local branch of Warner, Elektra and Atlantic Records.  While the festival expanded to include musical acts beyond the jazz world, it swelled to over 200,000 attendees.  It is considered one of the most prestigious music festivals in the world today.  On December 24, 2012, Claude Nobs suffered a skiing accident that left him in a coma.  He was 76 when he died from those injuries on January 10, 2013.

Thanks to Harold Lepidus at the Bob Dylan Examiner for the assist.