Musician

Died On This Date (August 13, 1982) Joe Tex / Early R&B Hit Maker

Joe Tex (Born Joseph Arrington)
August 8, 1933 – August 13, 1982

Joe Tex was an American soul singer and songwriter who is best remembered for his four hit singles in the ’60s and ’70s.  1965’s “Hold What You’ve Got” sold over a million copies and reached #5 on the Billboard singles chart.  His “Skinny Legs And All,” released in 1967 also sold more than a million copies, while 1972’s “I Gotcha” peaked at #2 on the pop charts.  And 1977, Tex released “Ain’t Gonna Bump No More (With No Big Fat Woman),” his last sizable hit, which went to #12 on the charts.  He had a unique style of singing at the time, a preacher-style of talking over the songs – he called it “rap” and many music historians agree that it was one of the early foundations of rap and hip hop.  In the mid ’60s, Tex converted to the Muslim religion and changed his name to Yusuf Hazziez, and in the ’80s, he more or less retired from music and devoted his time to his religion.  Joe Tex died of after a heart attack at the age of 48.

 

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Joe Tex

Died On This Date (August 13, 2010) Esteban “Steve” Jordan / Acclaimed Tejano Musician

Esteban Jordan
February 23, 1939 – August 13, 2010

Known as the “Jimi Hendrix of the accordion,” Esteban Jordan was also remarkably adept at over 30 other instruments.  While the traditional rhythms of Norteño stayed close to his heart, he often stretched his own boundaries by dabbling in zydeco, rock, jazz, country and mambo.  Jordan was nominated for a Grammy in 1986 and could be heard on Cheech Marin’s popular single, “Born In East L.A.”  Throughout his career he’s performed with Carlos Santana, Jerry Garcia, and David Byrne, to name just a few.  Esteban Jordan was 71 when, on August 13, 2010, he died as a result of liver cancer.

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Esteban

Died On This Date (August 13, 2009) Allen Shellenberger / Founding Drummer Of Lit

Allen Shellenberger
DOB Unkown – August 13, 2009

shellenbergerAllen Shellenberger was the founding drummer for Orange County alternative rock band, Lit.  Formed in 1990 as Razzle, the band built a following based on their live shows and a self released EP.  In 1996, the band changed its name to Lit and soon signed with major label, RCA Records.  The band’s 1999 album, A Place In The Sun sold over 1 million copies thanks in part to the hit single, “My Own Worst Enemy.”  In May of 2008, the band announced that Shellenberger was diagnosed with with a malignant brain tumor.  He passed away as a result of the tumor at the age of 39.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist

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Platinum & Gold Collection - Lit

Died On This Date (August 13, 1971) King Curtis / Saxophone Legend

“King Curtis” Ousley
February 7, 1934 – August 13, 1971

King Curtis was a revered tenor saxophonist who, as a session man, played on hits by the likes of the Coasters, Aretha Franklin, and Buddy Holly.  His most famous playing can be heard on “Yakety Yak” by the Coasters.   He also released several albums on his own before his career was tragically cut short.  According to reports, Ousley was carrying an air conditioner up to his New York apartment during a sweltering heat wave.  En route, he was met by two men doing drugs who wouldn’t let him pass.  In the resulting scuffle, Juan Montanez fatally stabbed Ousley.  Sam Moore has claimed that he and Aretha Franklin witnessed the attack as they were arriving to visit Ousley.  Franklin and Stevie Wonder each performed at his funeral.

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King Curtis - Live At Fillmore West - King Curtis

Died On This Date (August 12, 2010) Richie Hayward / Drummer For Little Feat

Richie Hayward
February 6, 1946 – August 12, 2010

Richie Hayward is perhaps best remembered as the founding drummer for legendary southern rock band, Little Feat.  Formed by Lowell George in 1969, the band quickly built a sizable following thanks to their seamless merging of rock, jazz, blues, country and R&B.  Albums like Little Feat, Sailin’ Shoes and Dixie Chicken are now classic rock staples while there 1978 live album, Waiting On Columbus, is widely considered one of the greatest live albums ever released.  Hayward also kept very busy outside of Little Feat.  As a session player, he worked with the likes of Bob Dylan, Peter Frampton, Bob Seger, the Doobie Brothers, Robert Palmer, Warren Zevon, and many more.  Richie Hayward was 64 when he died of liver cancer on August 12, 2010

Thanks to Ed Maxin for the assist

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Waiting for Columbus (Live) - Little Feat