Died On This Date (May 24, 2008) Sonny Okosun / Nigerian Pop Star
themusicsover Sonny Okosun
January 1, 1947 – May 24, 2008
Sonny Okosun was one of Nigeria’s most popular musicians through most of the ’70s and ’80s. His most popular song was 1977’s “Fire In Soweto,” which was featured on Little Steven’s anti-apartheid album, Sun City. Another of his songs, “High Life” was later featured on the soundtrack for 1986 film, Something Wild. By the mid 80s, Okosun had moved out of the pop arena and transitioned into gospel music. He died of colon cancer on May 24, 2008 at the age of 61.
Dalida was an Egyptian born pop singer who actually performed and recorded in over ten languages. She was award 55 gold records over her career. When she was in her 20s, Dalida worked as a model and won the Miss Egypt title in 1954. From there she moved to Paris with dreams of being an actress, but after that didn’t pan out, Dalida turned her focus on music. Her singing career exploded after the release of her second single, “Bambino,” which went on the become one of the biggest selling records in French history. Twenty years later, she released what is considered France’s first disco record. Dalida toured fairly regularly up until the mid ’80s, a popular draw in Europe and Asia. Despite all of her success, Dalida stuggled with internal demons leading to her suicide by barbiturates on May 3, 1987.
Jean Ferrat was a French singer songwriter who first achieved success throughout the French-speaking world during the 1960s. He has been called “The French Bob Dylan” due to his thought-provoking lyrics. Throughout his long career, he released nearly two dozen albums with his 1963 release, Nuit et Brouillard, earning him a coveted Grand Prix du Disque. His songs have been recorded by many French entertainers as well. Jean Ferrat passed away on March 13, 2010 following a lengthy illness. He was 79.
Johnny Alf was a Brazilian singer and pianist who is rightfully considered the “Father of Bossa Nova.” During his formative years of learning to play music, Alf took a particular liking of the jazz of early America. He later married that music with the Latin rhythms he grew up with to form a new style, soon to be called Bossa Nova. His “Rapaz de Bem” and “O Tempo e o Vento” are considered the birth of Bossa Nova. Johnny Alf was 80 years old when he died of prostate cancer on March 4, 2010.
