themusicsover

Died On This Date (September 25, 2009) Alfred McMoore / Artist Who Inspired The Black Keys

Alfred McMoore
DOB Unknown – September 25, 2009

alfredAlfred McMoore was an Akron, Ohio based non-traditional, or “outsider” artist whose pieces have been displayed in galleries from Ohio to New York City to France.  A community fixture around Akron, McMoore could usually be found riding around town on a bus or bicycle, or at a one of thousands of funerals he had attended for people he didn’t even know.  He also enjoyed leaving random (yet non-threatening or unoffensive) telephone messages on people’s answering machines.  Many such messages were left for Jim Carney, local journalist and father of the Black Keys’ Pat Carney.   In these messages, McMoore would sometimes say, “This is Alfred McMoore. Your black key is taking so long.”   McMoore and that phrase would eventually inspire Pat Carney and bandmate, Dan Auerbach to call their band, the Black Keys.  Alfred McMoore passed away at the age of 59.  Cause of death is not known, though likely related to apparent health issues he suffered over the years.

Thanks to Fred Osuna at Spitball Army for the assist.



Died On This Date (September 23, 2007) Gary Primich / Legendary Blues Harmonica Player

Gary Primich
April 20, 1958 – September 23, 2007

Gary Primich was an Austin-based blues harmonica wiz who stood out in a city full of some of the best musicians in the country.  He moved to Austin during the ’80s and formed the Mannish Boys with Jimmy Carl Black, a former drummer for Frank Zappa.  Primich recorded eight solo albums over his career, one of which, Mr. Freeze, was called one of the twenty best blues albums of the 1990s by Chicago paper, New City.  Gary Primich died at the age of 49 on September 23, 2007.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

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Mr. Freeze - Gary Primich

Died On This Date (September 23, 1974) Robbie McIntosh / Drummer For Average White Band

Robbie McIntosh
May 6, 1950 – September 23, 1974

Robbie McIntosh was a founding member of and drummer for the Average White Band, possibly the most famous Scottish mostly-White funk band in history.  Their 1973 album AWB was a massive hit and included “Pick Up The Pieces,” one of the signature songs of the era.  Sadly, McIntosh died of a heroin overdose not long after its release. He was just 24.

Thanks to Linda for the assist.





Died On This Date (September 22, 2009) Lucy Vodden / Inspired “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds”

Lucy Vodden (Born Lucy O’Donnell)
1963 – September 22, 2009

lucyLucy Vodden was known by her maiden name, Lucy O’Donnell when she was a classmate of Julian Lennon, son of John Lennon.  The story goes that one day, the four-year-old Julian came home from school with a drawing he made.  He told his father that it was Lucy in the sky with diamonds.  John, who was working with the other Beatles on Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club band took those words and that image and wrote their classic song, “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds.”  Early on, many believed the song was actually about L.S.D. – “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds.”  Vodden was diagnosed with Lupus in recent years, and when Julian discovered that in early 2009, he reconnected with her for the first time since childhood.  He helped her deal with the illness by corresponding with her and sending her gift certificates for her local nursery since she had a fondness for gardening.  Lucy Vodden was 46 when she passed away.



Died On This Date (September 22, 1989) Irving Berlin / Iconic Songwriter

Irving Berlin
May 11, 1888 – September 22, 1989

berlinMost agree that Irving Berlin was one of the greatest songwriters in history.  A very prolific writer, he reportedly wrote over 1500 songs over a career that spanned some 60 years.  Many of his songs became standards loved the world over.  That list includes “White Christmas,” “God Bless America,” “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” and “Puttin’ On The Ritz.”  He also wrote the scores to nearly 40 Broadway shows and major Hollywood films, earning him eight Oscar nominations.  Irving Berlin died in his sleep at the age of 101.