Died On This Date (April 30, 2024) Duane Eddy/The King Of Twang

Duane Eddy
April 26, 1938 – April 30, 2024

Photo by By Raph_PH via wikimedia

As reported by the Associated Press, Duane Eddy, the groundbreaking guitar virtuoso whose distinctive, reverberating sound defined an era of rock ‘n’ roll, passed away at age 86. He died of cancer on Tuesday, April 30, at Williamson Health hospital in Franklin, Tennessee, as confirmed by his wife, Deed Abbate.

Eddy’s raucous rhythms, punctuated with backing hollers and hand claps, propelled him to sell over 100 million records worldwide. His unique approach to recording, favoring the resonant bass strings of the guitar for their tape presence, became synonymous with his signature sound.

Born in Corning, New York, Eddy spent his formative years in Phoenix, Arizona, where he began playing guitar at the tender age of 5. His career took flight in 1958 with the release of “Rebel Rouser” on Jamie Records of Philadelphia, launching him into stardom and paving the way for a lasting impact on music history. Eddy’s influence extended far beyond his own hits, inspiring artists like George Harrison and Bruce Springsteen. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.

From his debut album Have Twangy Guitar Will Travel to the comprehensive anthology Twang Thang: The Duane Eddy Anthology, Eddy’s music encapsulated the essence of rock ‘n’ roll, earning him a reputation as a pioneer of the “Twang” sound. Throughout the 1970s, Eddy contributed behind-the-scenes in music production, notably in Los Angeles. He moved to Nashville in 1985 after a period of semi-retirement in Lake Tahoe, California. A notable collaborator, Eddy worked with icons like Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson, John Fogerty and the Art of Noise with whom he joined forces to reimagine “Peter Gunn” in 1986, Eddy’s first dance hit!

Duane Eddy’s impact on the music industry transcended generations, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of rock ‘n’ roll. His technical prowess and innovative approach continue to resonate with musicians and fans alike. Eddy’s contributions endure as a testament to his remarkable talent and enduring influence on the evolution of popular music.

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Died On This Date (April 24, 2024) Mike Pinder / The Moody Blues

Mike Pinder
1941 – April 24, 2024

As reported by Tom Breihm at Stereogum, Mike Pinder, the original keyboardist of the highly successful British band the Moody Blues, has passed away at the age of 82. He was the last surviving founding member of the group, following the recent death of his former bandmate Denny Laine also of Wings. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.

Growing up in Birmingham, Pinder teamed up with local musicians to form the M&B 5 in 1964, which later became known as the Moody Blues. Their rendition of Bessie Banks’ “Go Now” quickly soared to the top of the UK charts in 1965. Pinder took the lead vocals on James Brown’s “I Don’t Mind” for their debut album the same year.

As the band evolved, shifting from blues covers to a more psychedelic sound, Pinder delved into the ethereal possibilities of the Mellotron and contributed vocals and songwriting on more experimental tracks like the raga-infused “Om” in 1968.

In 1971, Pinder collaborated with his friend John Lennon on several tracks for Lennon’s solo album Imagine. The Moody Blues’ breakthrough in the US came with the 1972 re-release of their single “Nights In White Satin,” which reached No. 2 on the charts. Their ambitious album Seventh Sojourn was recorded at Pinder’s studio the same year.

Following a hiatus in 1974, Pinder relocated to California and released his solo debut The Promise in 1976. He briefly returned to the Moody Blues for their 1978 album Octave but departed after its completion, replaced by Patrick Moraz.

In California, Pinder worked as a consultant for Atari and released two more solo albums in the 1990s. In 2018, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Moody Blues.

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Died On This Date (April 21, 2024) Alex Hassilev / The Limeliters

Alex Hassilev
July 11, 1932 – April 21, 2024

Photo credit: Jack de Nijs via wikimedia

As reported by Clay Risen at The New York Times, the last original member of the Limeliters, Alex Hassilev, passed away on April 21 at the age of 91.

During the early ’60s, American audiences couldn’t get enough of the harmonies and traditional sounds of folk music. Among the most beloved acts of that era were the Limeliters – a trio comprised of Alex Hassilev, Glenn Yarbrough, and Lou Gottlieb. Hassilev, a skilled musician fluent in multiple languages, played banjo, guitar, and sang baritone for the group.

The Limeliters’ performances were marked by a unique blend of seriousness and humor, mixing traditional folk tunes like “The Hammer Song” with playful compositions such as “Have Some Madeira, M’Dear,” “The Ballad of Sigmund Freud,” and “Charlie the Midnight Marauder.” Before the Beatles came ashore, the trio were a powerhouse, playing an astonishing 300 shows a year and releasing multiple Billboard Top 10 albums, including Tonight in Person (1960) and The Slightly Fabulous Limeliters (1961).

Born in Paris to Russian Jewish immigrants Leonide and Tamara Hassilev, Alex Hassilev showed early promise as a student, attending Harvard after his military service. Disillusioned by what he perceived as elitism, he transferred to the University of Chicago and eventually found his way into acting and music, gravitating towards New York’s burgeoning folk scene in Greenwich Village.

The fateful meeting with Glenn Yarbrough at a party led to the formation of the Limeliters, who quickly gained popularity along the West Coast. Their official debut occurred after establishing a loyal following in San Francisco, leading to a recording contract with Elektra Records.

Despite their on-stage success, the Limeliters were famously known for their off-stage conflicts, earning them the nickname the Bicker Brothers. After Yarbrough’s departure following a plane crash in 1962, the group disbanded in 1965, with Hassilev pursuing solo projects in acting and record producing. His musical career continued with sporadic Limeliters reunions, solidifying in 1981 with a new lineup. Following the deaths of Lou Gottlieb in 1996 and Glenn Yarbrough in 2016, Alex eventually retired from the Limeliters in 2006.

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Died On This Date (April 20, 2024) Michael Cuscuna / Grammy-Winning Jazz Producer

Michael Cuscuna
September 20, 1948 – April 20, 2024

As reported by Thania Garcia at Variety, the jazz world lost one of its most revered figures, Michael Cuscuna, whose indelible mark on the industry will resonate for generations to come. Cuscuna, a luminary jazz producer renowned for his Grammy-winning endeavors and instrumental role in the inception of Mosaic Records, passed away at the age of 75, leaving behind an enduring legacy that enriches the fabric of music.

The news of Cuscuna’s departure was shared by Blue Note Records, a label that benefited immensely from his creative genius in reissues and studio productions. However, Cuscuna’s influence transcended the confines of Blue Note, as his expertise graced the catalogs of esteemed labels such as Impulse, Atlantic, and Arista, imprinting his distinct artistic vision across the spectrum of jazz.

Hailing from Stamford, Connecticut, Cuscuna passed away on April 20, succumbing to cancer in the comfort of his home. The poignant announcement was delivered by his dear friend and longtime collaborator, Billy Vera, underscoring the profound loss felt by the entire music community.

Born on September 20, 1948, Cuscuna’s love affair with music blossomed in his formative years, where his prodigious talents on drums, saxophone, and flute illuminated his path. His artistic journey traversed diverse landscapes, evolving from a trailblazing progressive rock DJ to a revered music journalist and historian. Yet, it was his unwavering dedication and encyclopedic knowledge of music that defined his legacy, evident in the meticulously crafted liner notes that adorned albums by luminaries such as Buddy Guy and Bonnie Raitt. In each note, Cuscuna’s passion for the art form radiated, leaving an indelible imprint on the annals of jazz history.

Died On This Date (April 18, 2024) Mandisa / Grammy-Winning Christian Singer

Mandisa Lynn Hundley
October 2, 1976 – April 18, 2024

Photo by By Jyle Dupuis via wikimedia

As reported by Lisa Respers France at CNN, soulful Christian artist Mandisa, known for her Grammy-winning vocals and initial rise to fame as a contestant on “American Idol” in 2006, has passed away at the age of 47. Born Mandisa Lynn Hundley, she hailed from Citrus Heights, California, where her journey in music began within the walls of her local church.

Her roots in music deepened as she pursued studies in vocal jazz at American River College in Sacramento, California. Later, she became a member of the renowned Fisk University Jubilee Singers during her time at Fisk University in Nashville.

In 2005, Mandisa auditioned for “American Idol” and subsequently became a contestant on the fifth season of the popular singing competition in 2006. Although she didn’t advance beyond the top 10, her passion for music persevered.

Undeterred by her “American Idol” journey, Mandisa released her debut album, True Beauty, in 2007. The album soared to No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart, marking the beginning of a successful career that included numerous Grammy nominations.

Throughout the years, Mandisa continued to release impactful albums, with highlights including Overcomer in 2013, which clinched her the Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2014. Her contributions to the gospel music scene will be remembered and cherished by fans worldwide.

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