Died On This Date (May 8, 2024) John Barbata / Drummer For The Turtles, CSNY, & More

John Barbata
April 1, 1945 – May 8, 2024

Photo Credit: Johny Barbata via wikimedia

As reported by Jeff Tarmarkin in Best Classic Bands, renowned drummer John Barbata, celebrated for his impactful contributions to iconic bands like the Turtles, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and both Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship passed away on May, 8, 2024. He was 79.

Born in Passaic, New Jersey, Barbata rose to fame within California’s rock scene of the 1960s and 1970s. His career began with the Sentinals, an instrumental surf band based in San Luis Obispo from 1961 to 1965.

Before long, Barbata joined the Turtles where he remained until 1969 before transitioning to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, replacing their drummer Dallas Taylor. His drumming is featured prominently on the group’s live album, 4 Way Street, and on various solo and collaborative projects by the band members.

During a hiatus of CSN&Y in 1972, Barbata was introduced to Jefferson Airplane by David Crosby, subsequently replacing their drummer Joey Covington. He contributed to the Airplane’s final studio album, Long John Silver, and the live record Thirty Seconds Over Winterland. Following the band’s evolution into Jefferson Starship, Barbata played on Dragon Fly, Red Octopus, Spitfire, and Earth.

In later years, Barbata was a sought-after session drummer, contributing to recordings by notable artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Ry Cooder, Johnny Rivers, John Sebastian, the Everly Brothers, and Judee Sill.

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Died On This Date (May 7, 2024) Steve Albini / Legendary Alt Rock Producer

Steve Albini
July 22, 1962 – May 7, 2024

Steve Albini performs at ATP vs. the Fans, Minehead, England, May 2007 via wikimedia

As reported by Nina Corcoran and Jazz Monroe in Pitchfork, Steve Albini, a true rock legend, passed away from a heart attack at 61.

Born in Pasadena, California, Albini’s musical journey began in high school when he learned to play bass, inspired by bands like the Ramones, Pere Ubu, and Devo. In 1981, he co-founded the influential band Big Black, followed by Shellac, both leaving an indelible mark on the underground rock scene.

Transitioning from performer to renowned recording engineer – a title he preferred over producer – Albini amassed an impressive portfolio of over 1500 albums. He famously recorded seminal works including Nirvana’s In Utero, PixiesSurfer Rosa, PJ Harvey’s Rid of Me, among others.

Outside of music, Albini pursued diverse interests. He maintained a cooking and food blog and was a skilled and highly ranked competitive poker player.

Steve Albini’s impact on the music industry was profound, not only through his groundbreaking recordings but also as a vocal critic of exploitative industry practices. His untimely passing comes as Shellac was preparing to tour their first album in a decade, To All Trains.

Died On This Date (May 3, 2024) Jim Mills / Revered Banjo Picker

Jim Mills
December 18, 1966 – May 3, 2024

Photo by David Toccafondi via wikimedia

As reported by Jim Lawless in Bluegrass Today, Jim Mills, a celebrated banjo picker and renowned vintage banjo collector, passed away from a heart attack at his residence in Durham, NC on May 3. He was 57.

Born into a legacy of banjo players, Mills’ destiny was sealed upon hearing the original recording of “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” as a child, sparking a lifelong passion for the instrument. Over a career spanning roughly three decades, he left an indelible mark with a banjo style inspired by legends like Earl Scruggs and J.D. Crowe.

While his musical journey is often associated with his 14-year tenure in Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder and his five years with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, his roots trace back to groups like Summer Wages and the Bass Mountain Boys. His formidable banjo prowess graced numerous albums, including nine with Skaggs, four with Lawson, and three acclaimed solo projects – Bound To Ride (1998), My Dixie Home (2002), and Hide Head Blues (2005).

Beyond Mills’ own releases, his expertise led to collaborations with icons like Dolly Parton and Dan Tyminski. He was an integral part of projects like Parton’s The Grass Is Blue and Little Sparrow, along with Tyminski’s Carry Me Across The Mountain.

A fixture at the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards, Mills’ banjo prowess earned him the Banjo Player of the Year accolade multiple times between 1999 and 2006.

In 2009, Jim authored a meticulously-researched book, Gibson Mastertone: Flathead 5-String Banjos of the 1930s and 1940s, documenting the rich history of Gibson banjos.

Transitioning from the spotlight in 2010, Mills focused on his passion for vintage Gibson banjos, cultivating a successful business centered on buying and selling these cherished instruments.

Jim Mills will be remembered not only for his remarkable musical contributions but also for his unwavering dedication to preserving and celebrating the heritage of bluegrass and vintage instruments. He leaves behind a legacy cherished by musicians and enthusiasts alike.

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Died On This Date (May 1, 2024) Richard Tandy / Longtime Electric Light Orchestra Keyboardist

Richard Tandy
March 26, 1948 – May 1, 2024

Photo credit: Todo.ua via wikimedia

As reported by Susan Knox at The Mirror, Richard Tandy, the renowned keyboardist of Electric Light Orchestra, has passed away at the age of 76. Jeff Lynne, Tandy’s longtime collaborator and close friend, announced his death in a heartfelt Facebook post stating, “It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of my long-time collaborator and dear friend Richard Tandy,” Lynne wrote. Describing Tandy as a “remarkable musician & friend,” Lynne expressed his deep appreciation for their shared lifetime of memories. He sent his love and condolences to Sheila & the Tandy Family.

A native of Birmingham, Tandy was the only other constant member alongside Lynne in all three line-ups of ELO. Joining shortly after the band’s formation in 1971, Tandy remained a pivotal member until Lynne disbanded the group in 1986 following the release of Balance Of Power. Lynne and Tandy revived ELO briefly in 2000 with the album Zoom, and again in 2014 during the band’s final reunion. These successful comebacks showcased their enduring musical partnership. Tandy’s contribution to ELO was profound. He played on nearly all of the band’s studio albums, initially hired as a live bassist before transitioning to become the band’s full-time keyboardist by 1972. His mastery of instruments like the Minimoog, Mellotron, Clavinet, and piano helped shape ELO’s distinctive sound. Tandy also contributed backing vocals and collaborated with Lynne on song arrangements.

In 1985, Tandy founded the Tandy Morgan Band with Dave Morgan and Martin Smith. His achievements culminated in his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, honoring his legacy as a vital member of ELO.

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