Musician

Died On This Date (December 17, 2010) Pascual Saura / Bassist For Spanish Rock Band, M-Clan

Pascual Saura
DOB Unknown – December 17, 2010

Pascual Saura was the longtime bassist for the popular Spanish rock band, M-Clan.  Formed as Murcielagos Clan in 1992, the band built a sizable following around the world.  Saura has been with M-Clan since 1993.  He died unexpectedly on Friday, December 17, 2010.  Cause of death was not immediately released, but he had suffered a brain hemorrhage in recent months.

Died On This Date (December 10, 2010) Sherrill “Shaun” Nielsen / Sang With Elvis

Sherrill “Shaun” Nielsen
DOB Unknown – December 10, 2010

Shaun Nielsen was a singer, songwriter, producer, and pianist who is perhaps best remembered for his time singing with Elvis Presley.  Besides performing on stage with Presley, Nielsen dueted with him on “Softly As I Leave You,” which was nominated for a Grammy in 1978.  It was during those years that he sang with Voice, the Gospel group who opened for Presley.  Nielsen was also part of such Gospel groups as the Singing Speers, the Imperials, and the Statesmen.  All were inducted into the Gospel Hall Of Fame, making Nielsen the only person to be done so three different times.  Sherrill “Shaun” Nielsen died of cancer on December 10, 2010.  He was 68.



Died On This Date (December 9, 2010) James Moody / Jazz Icon

James Moody
March 26, 1925 – December 9, 2010

James Moody was an influential jazz saxophonist and flautist who is perhaps best remembered for his 1949 hit recording, “Moody’s Mood For Love.”  Moody learned to play the sax at an early age, and after his discharge from the U.S. Navy in 1946, he landed himself a two-year gig playing with Dizzy Gillespie.  Over the course of a career that spanned over an astonishing 60 years, Moody performed with the likes of Quincy JonesMiles Davis, Max Roach, and Kenny Barron to name a few.  He recorded upwards of  50 albums for such respected labels as Blue Note, Vanguard, Prestige, and Mercury.  In later years, he devoted much of his time and money to music education.  In 2010, he received a Grammy nomination for his Moody 4B album.  On December 9, 2010, James Moody died following nearly a yearlong struggle with pancreatic cancer.  He was 85.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com

Moody 4B - James Moody, Kenny Barron, Todd Coolman & Lewis Nash

Died On This Date (December 7, 2010) Reid English / Guitarist For Sudden Impact

Reid English
DOB Unknown – December 7, 2010

Reid English was a guitarist in Toronto, Canada hardcore band, Sudden Impact.  Formed in 1984, Sudden Impact built a sizable following across eastern Canada and the neighboring States below.  After taking a hiatus in 1991, the band reformed in 1995 and continued playing through recent years.  In 2007, they released No Rest For The Wicked.  Reid English was 46 when he passed away on December 7, 2010.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Mike Woodford for the assist.



Died On This Date (December 7, 1982) Dave Torbert / New Riders Of The Purple Sage

Dave Torbert
June 7, 1948 – December 7, 1982

Dave Torbert was a bassist who is perhaps best remembered for his time playing in the New Riders of the Purple Sage.  He was also a founding member of Kingfish who, at one point or another also employed Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, and Danny DeGennaro.   Grateful Dead fans may be familiar with Torbert’s talent since he played on American Beauty’s “Box Of Rain.”  Dave Torbert was 34 when he died of a heart attack on December 7, 1982.