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Died On This Date (January 18, 2008) Eric Ferris / Marketing Executive; Hollywood Records

Eric Ferris
DOB Unknown – January 18, 2008

ferrisEric Ferris was a rising star in the record industry. He began his career in 1998 as an assistant at Creative Artist Agency (CAA), then moved over to the label side as an assistant at Virgin Records where he worked his way up to VP of Marketing. He helped build the careers of such artists as Lenny Kravitz, N.E.R.D., the Rolling Stones and Smashing Pumpkins. He later moved on the Hollywood Records to be their Sr. VP of Marketing. He passed away on January 18, 2008 from neuro-endocrine cancer.

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Died On This Date (January 18, 2010) Kate McGarrigle / Popular Folk Singer

Kate McGarrigle
February 6, 1946 – January 18, 2010

Kate McGarrigle, along with her sister Anna McGarrigle, made up the popular Canadian folk duo, Kate and Anna McGarrigle.  They began singing and playing in folk groups during the ’60s, but went off on their own during the early ’70s, releasing their debut album in 1975.  Over the course of their career together, they released ten albums, two of which won Juno Awards (Canada’s answer to the Grammys).  Their songs have been recorded by the likes of Linda Ronstadt, Billy Bragg, and Emmylou Harris.  They have also collaborated with Nick Cave.  Having been married once to Loudon Wainwright III, Kate is the mother of popular contemporary singer-songwriters, Martha Wainwright and Rufus Wainwright, with whom she made her final television appearance on a 2008 episode of Spectacle:  Elvis Costello with….  Diagnosed with cancer in 2006, Kate McGarrigle died of clear cell sarcoma on January 18, 2010.  She was 63.

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Kate & Anna McGarrigle - Kate & Anna McGarrigle

Died On This Date (January 17, 1998) Junior Kimbrough / Blues Great

David “Junior” Kimbrough
July 28, 1930 – January 17, 1998

Like Fat Possum label mate, R.L. Burnside, Mississippi bluesman, Junior Kimbrough found a career spike during the twilight of his life. Kimbrough picked up the guitar as a youngster and by the late ’50s, he came into his own as a performer and songwriter.  He made his first recordings in 1966 but all but disappeared during the ’70s and ’80s, resurfacing occasionally to make a record or two.  In the early ’90s, he opened his own juke joint, Junior’s Place.  The Chulahoma, Mississippi venue became a favorite diversion for members of U2 and the Rolling Stones during its heyday.  It wasn’t until 1992, that Kimbrough released his debut album, All Night Long, on Fat Possum.  The record was a critical smash and a hit with young blues and indie-rockers alike.  The Black Keys were such fans that they recorded an entire album, Culahoma, of songs written by Kimbrough.  He released two more albums before he passed away.  Junior Kimbrough suffered a fatal heart attack on January 17, 1998.  He was 67 when he died.

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You Better Run: The Essential Junior Kimbrough - Junior Kimbrough

Died On This Date (January 17, 1998) Cliffie Stone / Country Singer

Cliffie Stone (Born Clifford Snyder)
March 1, 1917 – January 17, 1998

Cliffie Stone was a country singer, musician and songwriter as well as a producer and A&R man for Capitol Records during the label’s early years.  As a bassist, he played in big bands that became popular throughout Southern California thanks to appearances on local radio shows.  In 1946, he was hired by Capitol where he signed Tennessee Ernie Ford and Hank Thompson, among others.  He released a handful of his own albums during the 1950s.  During the ’60s, Stone found more success with his own publishing company, Central Songs.  On January 17, 1998, Cliffie Stone died of a heart attack at the age of 81.

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Cliffie Stone

Died On This Date (January 17, 1970) Billy Stewart / R&B Singer

Billy Stewart
March 24, 1937 – January 17, 1970

Billy Stewart was an R&B singer who achieved some success during the late ’50s and early ’60s.  He started out in gospel before joining the Rainbows, a popular Washington DC area R&B vocal group.  In 1956, he was reportedly discovered by Bo Diddley who brought him on as a back-up singer.  He was soon signed by Chess Records where he released several hit R&B singles and albums throughout the ’60s.  Tragedy struck in 1970, when he lost control of a car while on tour in North Carolina.  The vehicle landed in a river, killing him and three members of his band.  Billy Stewart was 32 years old when he died.

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20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Billy Stewart - Billy Stewart