themusicsover

Died On This Date (January 31, 1970) Slim Harpo / Blues Great

Slim Harpo (Born James Moore)
January 11, 1924 – January 31, 1970

slim-harpoSlim Harpo was one of the benchmark artists of “post-war rural blues” of the 1940s.  Beginning his career as Harmonica Slim in the clubs of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, his moniker was changed when he began recording for Excello Records in the late ’50s.  Harpo was considered one of the best harmonica players in blues and he proved it on such blues staples as “I Got Love If You Want It,” “Rainin’ In My Heart,” and “I’m A King Bee,” later recorded by the Rolling Stones.  He died of a heart attack at the age of 46.

What You Should Own

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The Excello Singles Anthology - Slim Harpo

Died On This Date (January 31, 2010) Pauly Fuemana / Lead Singer For OMC; Had Big ’90s Hit With “How Bizarre”

Pauley Fuemana
February 8, 1969 – January 31, 2010

Pauley Fuemana was the lead singer for OMC, or Otara Millioniares Club, a New Zealand duo who had an international hit with “How Bizarre.”  Formed with Alan Jansson in 1995, the group scored an instant smash with “How Bizarre.”  Even though the song received massive airplay, it was never released as a single in the U.S. , so never appeared on the singles charts.  The album from which it came sold over one million in the U.S. and in excess of four million worldwide.  The song has been cited as the biggest selling record of all times from a New Zealand act.  OMC broke up in 2000, but then reunited in 2007 and released “4 All of Us” which featured television actress, Lucy Lawless on vocals.  On January 31, 2010, Pauly Fuemana died after a short illness which has been reported to be neurological in nature.  He was 40 years old.



Died On This Date (January 30, 1980) Warren Smith / Rockabilly Pioneer

Warren Smith
February 7, 1932 – January 30, 1980

Warren Smith was a rockabilly pioneer who, in 1956, had a hit with his first record, “Rock & Roll Ruby.”  It was recorded by Sam Phillips for his Sun Records and ended up outselling the Sun debuts from Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins.  Smith continued to record for Sun through the ’50s, but only saw moderate success, likely due to the fact that the label was putting all of its promotional muscle behind his more famous label mates.  During the ’60s, Smith switched gears and released several country records for Liberty Records.  Smith’s career faltered due to drug and alcohol issues, but he found himself back in demand during the rockabilly revival of the late ’70s.   On January 30, 1980, Warren Smith, age 47, died of a heart attack on the eve of what would have been his comeback tour of Europe.

What You Should Own

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Warren Smith

Died On This Date (January 30, 1980) Professor Longhair /New Orleans R&B Icon

Professor Longhair (Born Henry Byrd; aka Roy Byrd)
December 19, 1918 – January 30, 1980

Photo by Lindsay Shannon

Professor Longhair was a New Orleans rhythm and blues pianist and singer whose career spanned some thirty years.  Longhair was a street hustler before turning his focus on playing the piano professionally in the late ’40s.  He made several albums throughout his career, mostly considered among the best of the New Orleans genre.  He was also a crowd pleasure at the most respected music festivals in the world, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Newport Jazz Festival and the Montreux Jazz Festival.  Longhair suffered a heart attack and died while asleep.  He was 61 years old.

What You Should Own

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Rock 'n' Roll Gumbo (Maison de Blues Series) - Professor Longhair

Died On This Date (January 30, 1982) Lightnin’ Hopkins / Blues Icon

Sam “Lightnin'” Hopkins
March 15, 1912 – January 30, 1982

Meeting Blind Lemon Jefferson at the age of eight was likely the moment that sent Lightnin’ Hopkins down the blues highway.   But it wasn’t until 1946 that Hopkins got his break when he was convinced by Aladdin Records to go to Los Angeles to record with pianist Wilson Smith.   It was the beginning of one of the most prolific runs in music history, as Hopkins made as many as 1000 recordings over the course of his career, believed to be the most of any bluesman.   During the ’60s, Hopkins benefited from the blues and folk revival that lead to him playing alongside Pete Seeger and Joan Baez at Carnegie Hall.    Lightnin’ Hopkins died of cancer on January 30, 1982.  He was 69 years old.

What You Should Own

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Lightnin' Hopkins: The Complete Aladdin Recordings - Lightnin' Hopkins