Died On This Date (January 25, 2012) Dick Kniss / Bassist For Peter, Paul & Mary and John Denver
themusicsover 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.
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.
Johnny Silvo was a folk singer who fronted the Johnny Silvo Folk Four during the late ’60s. The group also included 
Bill Tapia was arguably the greatest if not longest working ukulele player the world has ever known. Born in Honolulu, HI, Tapia was only 10 when he was entertaining American troops who were stationed in Hawaii during WWI. Before he knew it, Tapia was touring with vaudeville shows and playing on steam ships between Hawaii and the mainland. When the ukulele became all the rage during the ’40s and ’50s, Tapia was the teacher to the stars, tutoring the likes of Shirley Temple, Clark Gable, and 