Blues

Died On This Date (January 23, 1993) Thomas A. Dorsey / The Father Of Gospel Music

themusicsover January 23, 2010 No Comments

Thomas A. Dorsey
July 1, 1899 – January 23, 1993

Thomas A. Dorsey was a ’20s era singer, musician and composer who has been called the “Father of Gospel.” Dorsey’s career began in jazz during the early ’20s, a time when he formed the backing band for Ma Rainey. In 1928, and going by the name, Georgia Tom, Dorsey teamed up with Tampa Red to record “Tight Like That” which went on to sell seven million copies. Over the course of his career, he is said to have written over 400 songs. During the mid ’20s, Dorsey set his focus creating a music that would become known as Gospel. He took standard Christian praise and married it with jazz and blues. Many of his gospel songs have become standards and have been recorded by greats of future generations of rock ‘n roll and R&B. Thomas A. Dorsey was 93 when he passed away on January 23, 1993.

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Blues Musician R&B Singer

Died On This Date (January 21, 1999) Charles Brown / Beloved Blues Singer

themusicsover January 21, 2010 No Comments

Charles Brown
September 13, 1922 – January 21, 1999

Charles Brown was a smooth blues singer and pianist who is best remembered by his hits, “Driftin’ Blues” and “Merry Christmas Baby.” He was partially responsible for bringing a softer tone and more relaxed feel to the blues. Brown was signed to Aladdin Records in 1945 and began releasing what would become a string of hit R&B recordings. He became a mainstay along Los Angeles’ storied Central Avenue scene, and is said to have influenced the likes of Ray Charles, Ivory Joe Hunter and Johnny Ace. When rock ‘n roll showed up, Brown’s music became out of style with the young crowds, so he all but retired from music for the next couple of decades. During the ’80s however, Bonnie Raitt, shined the spotlight on him and helped him mount a comeback tour which lead to more critically acclaimed recordings. On January 21, 1999, Charles Brown died of congestive heart failure. He was 76.

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Blues Musician Singer

Died On This Date (January 20, 2002) John Jackson / Piedmont Blues Legend

themusicsover January 20, 2010 No Comments

John Jackson
February 24, 1924 – January 20, 2002

John Jackson was a Piedmont blues musician who, although he had plenty of local fans dating back to the 1940s, was not introduced to a national audience until the folk and blues revival 1960s. His strong baritone voice, gentle acoustic picking, and occasional butter knife slide eventually endeared him to blues fans all over the world. He was one of the last surviving bluesmen of the original generation. John Jackson was 77 when he died of liver cancer on January 20, 2002.

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Blues Musician R&B Rock Singer

Died On This Date (January 19, 2010) C.T. Tucker / Beloved New Jersey Blues Musician

themusicsover January 19, 2010 No Comments

C.T. Tucker (Born Christopher Harshorne)
DOB Unknown – January 19, 2010

C.T. Tucker was a popular northwestern New Jersey R&B band leader and restaurateur. His band, Blue Sparks From Hell, formed in 1977 and played upwards of 250 shows a year while occasionally sharing the bill with the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Mel Tillis, Doc Watson, Willie Dixon and Muddy Waters. The band was a local favorite thanks to its lively shows that incorporated blues, R&B and swing. During the ’90s, Tucker opened Tucker’s Breakfast King which served breakfast and lunch during the day, and then re-opened as a venue in the evenings. Acts such as the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Loudon Wainwright III graced its stage. In later years, Tucker and his wife ran an animal casting business which provided critters for film and television. On January 19, 2010, C.T. Tucker died of lymphoma at the age of 57.

Thanks to Diane Schaer for the assist.

Blues Musician Singer Songwriter

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

themusicsover January 17, 2010 No Comments

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.

Died On This Date (January 23, 1993) Thomas A. Dorsey / The Father Of Gospel Music

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Died On This Date (January 21, 1999) Charles Brown / Beloved Blues Singer

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Died On This Date (January 20, 2002) John Jackson / Piedmont Blues Legend

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Died On This Date (January 19, 2010) C.T. Tucker / Beloved New Jersey Blues Musician

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

What You Should Own

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