Died On This Date (August 13, 2013) Jon Brookes / Drummer For The Charlatans
themusicsover Jon Brookes
DOB Unknown – August 13, 2013
Jon Brookes is best remembered as the drummer for English alternative rock band, the Charlatans (or Charlatans UK, as they are known in the US). A founding member of the band, Brookes stayed with them until his passing. Formed in 1989, the band had hits with “Weirdo,” “The Only One I Know,” and “Can’t Get Out Of Bed.” They had more than 20 Top 40 hits in the UK. While performing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2010, Brookes collapsed on stage leading doctors to discover a brain tumor. He reportedly had surgery to treat the tumor in July of 2013 but ultimately died as a result of it on August 13, 2013. He was 44. The Charlatans original keyboardist, Rob Collins, died in 1996.
What You Should Own
Eydie Gormé was an American vocalist who, with her longtime husband and singing partner, Steve Lawrence, made some of the most popular recordings of the mid-20th century. Born in New York City, Gormé made her first record fronting the Tommy Tucker Orchestra in 1950. During her early years, Gormé worked with several big bands including that of the great Tex Beneke. In 1953, she appeared on The Tonight Show with Steve Allen, which kicked her career into high gear. She also met Lawrence who was also booked on the show that day. The couple went on to become one of Las Vegas’ must enduring live acts while making countless television appearances and numerous albums. She and Lawrence were presented with a Grammy in 1957 and Gormé earned a second one in 1967. Throughout her career, she released some 50 singles – solo and with Lawrence – many of which charted. Her most popular recording was 1962’s “Blame It On The Bossa Nova.” Gormé began blogging on her website in 2006 and continued to perform until she retired in 2009. Eydie Gormé was 84 when she passed away on August 10, 2013. 
Jody Payne was a country singer and musician who spent decades as Willie Nelson‘s guitarist on album and in concert. Nelson formed his perennial back-up band, the Family in 1973, and Payne was by his side until he retired in 2008. Born in Kentucky, Payne was singing with his sister as far back as five years old. He learned to play the mandolin around that time as well. A gig at his older (yes older) sister’s 1st grade graduation was his first gig. He could be heard singing on a local radio station by the time he was 11. He hit the road with a bluegrass band in 1951, and after being discharged from the Army in 1961, he went on to tour with Merle Haggard, and later recorded with the Emmylou Harris, 
James Gray is perhaps best remembered as the one-time keyboardist for successful Canadian alt-country band, Blue Rodeo. Gray joined the group during the early ’90s, just in time to play on their hit album of 1993, Five Days In July. The video for the album’s “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet” quickly became a staple on MTV helping them gain a foothold in the US. Over the next decade, Gray toured and recorded with the band as they grew in popularity in both Canada and around the world. His last album with the group was 2005’s Are You Ready. Outside of Blue Rodeo, Gray played with such outfits as Hopping Penguins, Whitenoise, and Vital Signs. James Gray died unexpectedly from a heart attack on August 5, 2013. He was 52.