Musician

Died On This Date (July 29, 2008) Jack Sanbower / Respected Bluegrass Picker

Jack Sanbower
September 14, 1960 – July 29, 2008

Known as “Maryland’s Five String King,” Jack Sanbower and his No Leeway Band have been entertaining bluegrass fans for over 15 years.  Teaching himself to play the banjo, guitar and bass at an early age, Sanbower quickly built a name for himself throughout the northeast due to his fierce picking on the 5-string banjo.  In 1990, Sanbower formed the No Leeway Band who, over the next 15 years, dazzled audiences along the east coast bluegrass circuit and recorded close to a dozen albums for the Buck Hallow label.  In 2006, Sanbower joined Rattlesnake Hill, quickly becoming their on-stage focal point for his rapid fire picking and lively antics.   But the fun would not last long as Sanbower soon became diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus.  He died as a result of the cancer on July 29, 2008.  He was 47.



Died On This Date (July 28, 2010) Derf Scratch / Founding Bassist Of Fear

Derf Scratch (Born Fred Milner III)
DOB Unknown – July 28, 2010

Derf Scratch is best remembered as the founding bassist for legendary Los Angeles hardcore punk band, Fear.  Formed with Lee Ving in 1977, the band would become one of the foundations on which hardcore was built.  During their early years, Fear found a fan in John Belushi who championed them enough to get them a coveted spot on a 1981 episode of Saturday Night Live.  That performance became that on which rock legends are built, as it quickly devolved into a partially planned mini-riot.   Meanwhile, Scratch and Belushi became good friends and partners in substance abuse.   Later that year, Scratch and the band were prominently featured in Penelope Spheeris’ landmark punk documentary, The Decline of Western Civilization.  In May of 1982, Fear released its debut album, The Record,  which generally lands high upon lists of the most influential punk, if not overall rock albums, ever recorded.  Scratch and the band parted ways later that year.  On July 28, 2010, Derf Scratch passed away reportedly following a long illness.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.

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The Record - Fear

Died On This Date (July 28, 1995) Eddie Hinton / Muscle Shoals Guitarist

Eddie Hinton
June 15, 1944 – July 28, 1995

Eddie Hinton was one of those great unknowns. As a session guitarist within the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Rhythm Section, his brilliance can be heard on hits by the likes of Wilson Pickett, Arthur Conley, Aretha Franklin, Joe Tex, Solomon Burke, Percy Sledge, The Staple Singers, The Dells, Johnnie Taylor, Elvis Presley, the Box Tops, Boz Scaggs, and Otis Redding. And as a songwriter, he penned a few hits as well, including “Breakfast In Bed” which has been recorded by the Pretenders, Dusty Springfield and UB40. During the early ’80s however, Hinton’s career and personal life took a drastic turn for the worse, at one point, leading him to a life on the streets. But with the help of friends, he was able to rebound and get back to doing what he did best – writing, recording and touring. Things were going pretty smooth for Hinton until July of 1995. He had just come of the road and was finishing up a new album when he suffered a fatal heart attack on July 28. He was 51.

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Eddie Hinton

Died On This Date (July 28, 2008) Papa Wendo / Father of Congolese Rumba

Papa Wendo (Born Antoine Kolosoy)
April 25, 1925 – July 28, 2008

“Papa” Wendo Kolosoy was a Congolese musician who successfully blended cha-cha, rumba, and tango, endearing him to world music fans around the globe.  He was affectionately called the “Father of Congolese Music.”  Kolosoy began singing when he was in his early teens working as a sailor along the Congo River – he used his talents to entertain the other passengers.  By the mid ’50s he was one of the most popular Congolese musicians throughout Africa and beyond.  In 1965, Kolosoy began a long hiatus claiming his dislike at politicians using music and musicians to advance their agendas.    Kolosoy returned to music in 1997 after a change in political power in the Congo.  Papa Wendo passed away on July 28, 2008 at the age of 83.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at  Number 1 Albums for the assist.

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Marie Louise - Wendo Kolosoy

Died On This Date (July 27, 2009) George Russell / Respected Modern Jazz Musician

George Russell
June 23, 1923 – July 27, 2009

georgeGeorge Russell was just seven years old when he walked on a stage for the first time and sang “Moon Over Miami” with Fats Waller.  Growing up to be a respected musician and theorist, he is said to have influenced Miles Davis and John Coltrane.  Throughout his career, he’s played with the likes of Benny Carter, Bill Evans, Art Pepper and Eric Dolphy.  Russell died of Alzheimer’s Disease at the age of 86.

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Ezz-thetics (Keepnews Collection) [Bonus Track Version] - George Russell