Elbert “Sonny” Forriest
May 21, 1934 – January 10, 1999
Sonny Forriest was an R&B and rock ‘n roll electric guitarist best remembered for his playing on records by the Coasters. He played on such hits as “Besame Mucho,” “Wake Me Shake Me,” and “Thumbin’ A Ride.” He also did studio work for the likes of Hank Crawford and Ray Charles. Sonny Forriest passed away on January 10, 1999.
Greg Pineda
April 20, 1954 – January 3, 2009
Greg Pineda, was the lead singer and guitarist for Southern California band, Aluminum Marshmallow. Originally formed by Pineda and Tom Behrens back while still in elementary school in 1967, the group had reunited several years ago. Since then, they have become local favorites in Sierra Madre, California. Pineda also owned and operated a recording studio, All Media Services, in Westlake Village, California. It was there that he produced a series of music videotapes called The Hollywood Music Store with the help of Chuck Negron, as well as members of Ambrosia, REO Speedwagon, Chicago and more. Greg Pineda was 54 when he passed away on January 3, 2009. He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just a few months earlier.
Thanks to Sierra Madre Sue for the help
Randy California (Born Randy Wolfe)
February 20, 1951 – January 2, 1997
Randy California was the original lead singer, guitarist and primary songwriter for the psychedelic rock band, Spirit. Formed in Los Angeles in 1967, the group is best remembered for their 1969 hit, “I Got A Line On You.” California mastered the electric guitar as a child and when he was just 15, he was invited to play in Jimi Hendrix’s Jimmy James & the Blue Flames. It was Hendrix who began calling him Randy “California” to distinguish him from the band’s Randy Palmer who then became known as Randy Texas. It is believed that California would have become a member of the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Since he was just 15 at the time, his parents would not allow him to go with the Blue Flames to Europe where Hendrix ultimately formed the Experience. California soon helped form Spirit who released their first album, Spirit, when he was still just 17. That album included the song, “Taurus,” a song that includes a California guitar part that many have accused Jimmy Page for lifting when he wrote Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.” By the early ’70s, California parted ways with Spirit and released his first solo album, but then reformed a new version of the group with original member, Ed Cassidy in 1974. They continued on until California’s tragic death. On January 2, 1997, Randy California drowned while rescuing his son from a powerful rip tide while swimming in the ocean off Hawaii. His son survived, but California was killed at the age of 46.
Woodward “Tex” Ritter
January 12, 1905 – January 2, 1974
Tex Ritter was a universally famous cowboy actor and country singer whose career spanned nearly 50 years. He was also the father of popular actor, John Ritter. His career began in the late ’20s when he appeared in such radio programs as Death Valley Days and the Lone Star Rangers. He soon graduated to motion pictures, making countless b-movie westerns that made him a star. He began making records in 1942 and landed his first hit, “I’m Wasting My Tears on You,” two years later. In 1953, he sang his hit “High Noon” on the very first televised broadcast of the Academy Awards, taking home the Oscar for Best Song that night. During the late ’60s he had moved to Nashville where he began working at the Grand Ole Opry while hosting country radio programs. Tex Ritter was 68 when he died on January 2, 1974 following a heart attack.
Nathanial “Nat” Adderley
November 25, 1931 – January 2, 2000
Nat Adderley was a respected cornet and trumpet player who made his mark in the hard bop style of jazz. He and his brother, Cannonball Adderley, worked together often during the ’40s and ’50s, playing with the likes of Ray Charles, Lionel Hampton, and J.J. Johnson. Adderley began releasing his own albums in 1955, and over the course of his career put out over three dozen. He was 68 when he passed away on January 2, 2000.
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