Died On This Date (April 2, 2012) Jimmy Little / Australian Aboriginal Singer-Songwriter

Jimmy Little
March 1, 1937 – April 2, 2012

Jimmy Little was a popular Australian aboriginal singer-songwriter who, over a career that spanned some 60 years, became one of the first indigenous musicians to find mainstream success in that country. Influenced by the likes of Nat King Cole, Jim Reeves, and Johnny Mathis, Little’s repertoire seemed to know no bounds. He was equally at home whether he was performing folk, country, or even reggae.  Although he released no fewer than 30 albums since he was first signed to a Regal Zonophone Records in 1956, his most popular proved to be 1999’s Messenger, which reached #26 on the Australian albums chart.  A tireless supporter of education for indigenous children, Little spent many hours teaching and mentoring.  He also started the Jimmy Little Foundation to promote good health and diet for the indigenous.  In 2004, the Australian people voted him a National Living Treasure, and in 2010, the APRA Awards recognized him for Outstanding Services To Australian Music.  Jimmy Little was 75 when he died of various health conditions on April 2, 2012.

Thanks to Henk de Bruin at 2+ Printing for the assist.

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Died On This Date (March 23, 2012) Eric Lowen / Celebrated Singer-Songwriter; Lowen & Navarro

David Eric Lowen
October 23, 1951 – March 23, 2012

Eric Lowen is perhaps best remembered as one half of the much beloved duo, Lowen & Navarro. Formed with Dan Navarro first as a songwriting team during the early ’80s, Lowen and Navarro went on to pen songs for the likes of David Lee Roth, the Bangles, Dave Edmunds, the Four Tops, and the Temptations.  Their biggest hit as tunesmiths came in 1984 with Pat Benatar’s Grammy-nominated version of their beautiful song, “We Belong.”  In the early ’90s, Lowen & Navarro made the transition from songwriting to performing and recording together.   Many of their songs became staples of what would later be called Triple A radio while their intimate performances wowed audiences around the world.  In 2004, Lowen learned he was suffering from ALS, or as it’s commonly know, Lou Gehrig’s Disease.  Rather then give in to the disease, the duo made three more albums, including 2004’s All The Time In The World, which is, by most accounts, their best.  They also went on to perform upwards of 200 shows over the next five years, culminating in their final performance together on June 6, 2009.   After that, Navarro forged on alone while Lowen kept the duo’s legacy alive online and by overseeing the release of archival performances.  Eric Lowen ultimately died of complications from ALS on March 23, 2012.  He was 60.

Thanks to Tracy Bachman for the assist.

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Lowen & Navarro

Died On This Date (January 25, 2012) Dick Kniss / Bassist For Peter, Paul & Mary and John Denver

Dick Kniss
DOB Unknown – January 25, 2012

Dick Kniss was a talented bassist who is best remembered for his tenure with both singer-songwriter, John Denver,  and legendary folk trio Peter, Paul & Mary, with whom he played for the better part of 50 years.  As a member of Denver’s first band during the ’70s, Kniss co-wrote one of his biggest hits, “Sunshine On My Shoulder.”  The list of artists he also worked with includes jazz luminaries Woody Herman and Herbie Hancock.  Dick Kniss died of pulmonary disease on January 25, 2012.  He was 74.



Died On This Date (January 9, 2011) Debbie Friedman / Jewish Folk Singer

Debbie Friedman
DOB Unknown – January 9, 2011

Debbie Friedman was a popular folk singer-songwriter whose songs were mostly populated with Jewish faith themes.  She began writing when she was at camp during the ’70s and went on to release over 20 albums throughout her long career.  Her most famous songs are “Mi Sheberach,” “The Aleph Bet Song,” and “I Am A Latke.”  In 2007, she began teaching at The Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.  Debbie Friedman died of pneumonia on January 9, 2011.  She was 59.

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Renewal of Spirit - Debbie Friedman

Died On This Date (December 18, 2011) Johnny Silvo / Folk Singer

Johnny Silvo (Born John Woods)
1936 – December 18, 2011

Johnny Silvo was a folk singer who fronted the Johnny Silvo Folk Four during the late ’60s.  The group also included Sandy Denny who went on to bigger fame with Fairport Convention.  Silvo continued entertaining crowds and making records until recent years.  He passed away on December 18, 2011.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Paul Bearer for the assist.