January 2016 – The Music's Over

Died On This Date (January 28, 2016) Paul Kantner / Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship

themusicsover January 28, 2016 2 Comments

Paul Kantner
March 17, 1941 – January 28, 2016

Paul-Kantner Paul Kantner was the original lead guitarist for influential ’60s counterculture rock band, Jefferson Airplane. Although the group was founded by singer, Marty Balin, Kanter quickly took over running things, and when Balin left, he lead its new incarnation, Jefferson Starship to even greater heights. Formed in San Francisco in 1965, Jefferson Airplane was arguably the flash point of what would become known as psychedelic rock – rock music that was created to help enhance the experience of acid, and in particular, LSD. Along with bands like the Grateful Dead the Jimi Hendrix Experience, and Big Brother and the Holding Company, Jefferson Airplane came to represent all that was associated with the Summer of Love. But of all the bands on the scene, it was Jefferson Airplane that was the first to gain worldwide fandom and huge success. Besides being the only band to play at all three major American rock festivals of the era – Monterey, Woodstock, and Altamont, they scored early hits with “White Rabbit” and “Somebody To Love.” In spite of their initial success, the band suffered from turmoil from within. When the original Jefferson Airplane disbanded in the early ’70s, Jefferson Starship resurfaced and went to release such hit albums as Red Octopus, Earth, Spitfire and Freedom at Point Zero. Their hit singles during this period included, “With Your Love,” “Jane,” “Miracles,” and “Count on Me.” They broke up in 1984, but Kantner and Balin reformed it in 1991, with Kanter continuing to perform and record under this moniker as recently as 2013. In 1996, Kantner and his Jefferson Airplane band mates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In March of 2015, Kantner suffered a serious heart attack but was able to take the stage with the band later that year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jefferson Airplane. In January of 2016, Kantner again suffered a heart attack but this time it led to his death just days later. He died of multiple organ failure on January 28, 2016. He was 74.

Thanks to Harold Lepidus for the assist.

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Died On This Date (January 24, 2016) Jimmy Bain / Bassist For Dio, Rainbow & More

themusicsover January 24, 2016 0 Comments

Jimmy Bain
December 19, 1947 – January 24, 2016

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Jimmy Bain was a rock bassist who is best remembered for his years playing with Rainbow and Dio. Born in Highland, Scotland, Bain caught the attention of Ritchie Blackmore when Bain was playing a gig at London’s Marquee. Blackmore quickly hired him to play on Rainbow’s 1976 metal masterpiece, Rising and on the tour that followed. That tour, with Bain on bass, was recorded for Rainbow’s popular On Stage album that came out the following year. After leaving Rainbow in 1978, Bain formed Wild Horses who received moderate success with two albums. During the early ’80s, Bain co-wrote songs for Phil Lynott‘s two solo albums and toured as part of his backing band. In 1983, he joined forces with former Rainbow singer, Ronnie James Dio in the latter’s new band, Dio. Bain wrote several of the band’s hits, including “Holy Diver” and “Rainbow In The Dark.” He played on The Last In Line and Dream Evil, among other Dio classic albums. In 1985, Bain founded Hear ‘n Aid which was metal’s effort to raise money for famine relief. The all-star collective recorded, “Stars,” co-written by Bain, which reportedly raised over $1 million in its first year of release. Bain continued to record and tour with various members of metal’s elite up until the time of his death. It was while traveling as a performer on Def Leppard‘s Hysteria On The High Seas cruise on January 24, 2016, that Jimmy Bain passed away unexpectedly His cause of death was not immediately released and was believed to have been health related. He was 68.

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Died On This Date (January 18, 2016) Glenn Frey / The Eagles

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Glenn Frey
November 6, 1948 – January 18, 2016

Glenn Frey was best known for being a founding member of the hugely popular American rock band, the Eagles. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Frey initially studied the keyboards and formed his first band while still in high school. His first break came by way of local up-and-comer, Bob Seger, who asked Frey to play acoustic guitar and sing background vocals on his 1968 single, “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man.” Soon after, Frey moved to Los Angeles to further pursue his career and quickly gravitated toward a collective of musicians that were starting to make some noise with their twangy folk rock songs that would later be dubbed the “Laurel Canyon Sound.” In 1970, Linda Ronstadt was looking for a band to play one gig at Disneyland. As fate would have it, that band turned out to be Frey, Don Henley, Randy Meisner, and Bernie Leadon. Frey and Henley clicked, so after appearing on Ronstadt’s self-titled album, she encouraged them to form their own band, and the Eagles were born. With their country-tinged soft rockers, tight musicianship, and exquisite harmonies, the band took America by storm. They went on to become one of the most successful rock bands in the world with Frey writing or co-writing many of their biggest hits. That list of songs includes, “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Already Gone,” “New Kid In Town,” and “Tequila Sunrise.” But in less than a decade, their run was over. Frey went on to achieve a successful solo career fueled by hit singles he recorded for the soundtracks of Beverly Hills Cop (“The Heat Is On”), and Miami Vice (“You Belong To The City” and “Smuggler’s Blues”). His 1982 debut album, No Fun Aloud, did well also, hitting #32 on the US charts and achieving Gold status. During this period, Frey also dabbled in acting, most notably as a drug smuggler in the first season of Miami Vice. He also appeared on such TV shows as Wiseguy and Arli$$, and films, Let’s Get Harry and Jerry Maguire. The Eagles reformed to much acclaim in 1994 and have continued to tour on occasion ever since. In 2007, they reunited to record their first album since 1979, The Long Road Out Of Eden. Joining Frey and Henley on this album and tour to follow were fellow Eagles, Timothy B. Schmit and Joe Walsh. In late 2015, it was announced that Frey was suffering from serious health issues but was expected to recover, at least publicly. On January 18, 2016, Glenn Frey died from a combination of complications following an intestinal surgery in November. He was 67.

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Died On This Date (January 10, 2016) David Bowie

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David Bowie (Born David Jones)
January 8, 1947 – January 10, 2016

David Bowie was one the most revered rock stars the world has ever known. In fact, some have gone as far to call him the world’s ONLY rock star. What can’t be argued is that his originality, influence, creativity, and ability to adapt to, AND buck pop music trends for over four decades is beyond rival. Throughout his career, he sold over 140 million albums and received a staggering amount of awards and accolades. From the release of his first album, David Bowie, in 1967, through 2003’s Reality, Bowie created records that were for the most part embraced by fans and critics alike. His many hits included such pop music staples as “Heroes,” “Space Oddity,” “Changes,” “The Jean Genie,” “Young Americans,” “Rebel, Rebel,” “Let’s Dance,” and “China Girl.” In 2004, Bowie suffered a relatively minor heart attack which greatly curtailed his recording and performing output for the next several years. And then seemingly out of nowhere, on January 8, 2013 – his 66th birthday, Bowie surprised the masses with an announcement that an all-new album would be released that following March. The Next Day, was a welcome return to his art rock roots and quickly shot to the top of the UK charts and #2 on the US charts. The album was adored by fans and critics. In late 2015, it was this time announced, that his latest album, Blackstar would be released on his 69th birthday, January 8, 2016. Unbeknownst to most of the world, Bowie was diagnosed with liver cancer just 18 months prior. But rather than have us pity; rather than fade away, Bowie created his own poignantly personal eulogy by way of album and video for “Lazarus.” Again, the release came out to great praise. Two days later, David Bowie gone, having successfully elevated his own death to an art form like no other.

Died On This Date (January 28, 2016) Paul Kantner / Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship

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Died On This Date (January 24, 2016) Jimmy Bain / Bassist For Dio, Rainbow & More

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Died On This Date (January 18, 2016) Glenn Frey / The Eagles

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Died On This Date (January 10, 2016) David Bowie

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