Died On This Date (September 12, 2007) Bobby Byrd / Discovered and Performed With James Brown

Bobby Byrd
August 15, 1934 – September 12, 2007

Bobby Byrd was a young gospel and soul singer when, in 1952 while playing in a baseball game against the prisoners of a Georgia prison, he met inmate, James Brown.  Brown was reportedly singing for the other inmates.  Byrd was so impressed that he helped arrange for Brown’s parole.  Over the next 20 years, Byrd helped guide Brown’s career while singing and writing songs with him.  He was the leader of Brown’s back-up group, the Blue Flames.  Byrd released his own records in the ’70s.  His music has been sampled by the likes of Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest, and LL Cool J.  Bobby Byrd died of cancer at the age of 73.



Died On This Date (September 8, 2008) Hector Zazou / French Composer, Worked With Bjork, Siouxsie Sioux

Hector Zazou
July 11, 1948 – September 8, 2008

Hector Zazou was a much respected French composer and producer who has collaborated with Bjork, Mark Isham, Siousxie Sioux, David Sylvian, Suzanne Vega, Robert Fripp, Peter Buck and many more.  He was celebrated for his ability to fuse classical influences with electronic music.  Hector Zazou, age 60, passed away after after falling ill earlier in the year.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at  Number1Albums for the assist

What You Should Own

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In the House of Mirrors - Hector Zazou & Swara