Musician

Died On This Date (June 24, 2010) Fred Anderson / Noted Jazz Musician

Fred Anderson
March 22, 1929 – June 24, 2010

Fred Anderson was an influential Chicago jazz saxophonist who, over the course a career that spanned six decades, earned critical praise in the free jazz and avant garde styles.   After teaching himself to play the sax as a child, Anderson moved with his family to Chicago where he began his formal training.  By the late ’60s, he was the dean of Chicago’s underground jazz scene.  In the early ’80s, Anderson became the owner of the Velvet Lounge, a club that soon found itself at the center of the city’s thriving jazz scene.  Over the course of his career, he released several influential albums on such labels and Delmark and Okka.  Fred Anderson was 81 when, on June 24, 2010,  he died following a heart attack.

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21st Century Chase - Fred Anderson, Jeff Parker, Kidd Jordan, Harrison Bankhead & Chad Taylor

 

Died On This Date (June 23, 2008) Dave Carpenter / Jazz Bass Journeyman

Dave Carpenter
November 4, 1959 – June 23, 2008

Dave Carpenter was a much respected jazz bassist who,  most recently was playing in a trio alongside Peter Erskine and Alan Pasqua.  Born in Dayton, Ohio, Carpenter first took up the trumpet but switched to bass by his early teens.  After graduating from college, he played with three of jazz’s then living greatest talents, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson and Woody Herman.  By the late ’80s, Carpenter was living in Los Angeles working in the studio with the likes of Ringo Starr, Celine Dion, Herbie Hancock and Barry Manilow.  Dave Carpenter suffered a fatal heart attack in his home on June 21, 2008.  He was 48.

Died On This Date (June 23, 2010) Allyn Ferguson / Wrote Several TV Theme Songs

Allyn Ferguson
October 18, 1924 – June 23, 2010

Photo by Bob Chamberlin

Allyn Ferguson was an American pianist and composer, best remembered for his iconic ’70s TV theme songs.  Mostly collaborating with Jack Elliott, Ferguson created the theme songs for such popular shows as Barney Miller and Charlie’s Angels as well as episode music for Starsky and Hutch, The Rookies, S.W.A.T., and many more.  In 1985, he won an Emmy for his contributions to the TV film, Camille.  Over the course of his career, Ferguson also served as musical director for  Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, Julie Andrews, Johnny Mathis, as well as for the American Music Awards, The Grammy, Emmy and Academy Award broadcasts.   Allyn Ferguson was 85 when he passed away on June 23, 2010.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.


Died On This Date (June 22, 1982) Sonny Stitt / Jazz Great

Edward “Sonny” Stitt
February 2, 1924 – June 22, 1982

Sonny Stitt was an influential jazz saxophonist who amassed an incredible catalog of over 100 albums over his career.  He is considered one of the greatest musicians of the bebop and hard bop sub genres, often compared to Lester Young and Charlie Parker.    He began his career during the early ’40s, soon working with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, and later, Billy Eckstine, Dexter Gordon, Bud Powell, and Miles Davis. His first album came out in 1950, and he continued recording right up until he died of a heart attack on June 22, 1982.

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Sonny Stitt

 

Died On This Date (June 22, 1977) Peter Laughner / Pere Ubu Guitarist

Peter Laughner
August 22, 1952 – June 22, 1977

Peter Laughner was a founding guitarist for Cleveland cult faves, Pere Ubu.  Helping form the band in 1975, Laughner and company are considered to be one of the foundations of Cleveland’s alternative rock scene.  His tenure with the band didn’t last long due to his struggles with drug addiction.  Laughner was also a contributor to the legendary Creem magazine.  He died of pancreatic at the age of 24.