Died On This Date (March 13, 2009) Alan W. Livingston / Signed The Beatles to Capitol Records
themusicsover Alan W. Livingston
October 15, 1917 – March 13, 2009
Alan W. Livingston was the executive with Capitol Records who played a significant role in bringing two future pop culture icons to the world. First in 1946, he created the character, Bozo The Clown for a series of children’s records and sing-along books. It was his first duty at the fledgling company and it was the very first such learning tool for children. He has been credited for building the company from its $6 million a year beginnings into one of the industry’s powerhouses taking in over $100 million a year. When he was president during the ’60s, he led the company down a the path of rock ‘n roll by signing the likes of the Beach Boys, the Band, and his most celebrated “discovery,” the Beatles. Alan Livingston was 91 when he passed away on March 13, 2009.
Bill Bolick and his brother 
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.
If jazz had a Mount Rushmore, Charlie “Bird” Parker would be front and center. Parker was a highly influential saxophonist and band leader who launched his career in 1937. And when jazz branched off into bebop during the 1940s, Parker rose to the top. Many of Parker’s songs have since become jazz standards, and just his image alone, has become synonymous with “hip.” Unfortunately as his fame and fortune grew, so did his use of drugs, alcohol, and ultimately, heroin. On March 12, 1955, Charlie Parker died of pneumonia and a bleeding ulcer, reportedly brought on by years of substance abuse. And even though he was just 34, the coroner apparently wrote down that he was in his 50s or 60s.