Died On This Date (January 28, 1983) Billy Fury / Early British Rock ‘n Roller
themusicsover Billy Fury (Born Ronald Wycherley)
April 17, 1940 – January 28, 1983
Billy Fury was an early British rock ‘n roll star who rivaled the Beatles with his 24 UK hit singles throughout the ’60s. During the mid ’50s. Fury fronted a popular skiffle band, playing a popular form of music that would heavily influence the Beatles. After scoring several hits fronting the Blue Flames (which included Georgie Fame), Fury fired the band and began auditioning for a new band. It was the early ’60s. When John Lennon and his Silver Beatles tried out, they were offered the gig, but only if Lennon fired Stu Sutcliffe. He declined, but only after securing an autograph of Fury. Fury went on to have many British hits and perform in front of countless adoring fans throughout the UK over the next several years. He also took a shot at acting, appearing in a handful of British films. In 1971, Fury underwent the first of three heart surgeries he’d have over the next several years. With his career all but over due to his health problems, Fury filed bankruptcy in 1980. In early days of 1983, Fury had a new album and tour in the works, but died of a heart attack on January 27, 1983. He was 42.
What You Should Own
Shirley Collie Nelson was a country singer who, over the course of her career, released a handful of hit country singles. An ambitious kid, she left home at the age of 14 to start a career in radio. By the late ’50s, Collie Nelson was a regular on the popular television program, Ozark Jubilee. During the ’60s, Collie Nelson released three hit country singles, “Dime a Dozen,” “Why Baby Why” (with 
Jane Jarvis was a jazz pianist who is perhaps best remembered as a longtime organist at New York’s Shea Stadium. Jarvis began playing the piano as a child, and even in those early years, she was recognized for her advanced talents. Jarvis began studying under college professors while still a child. One of her early professional jobs was as the staff pianist at a local Milwaukee television station. During the mid-50s, Jarvis was hired by the Milwaukee Braves to play between innings at their home games. In the early ’60s, Jarvis moved to New York City where she went to work for Muzak, the company that provided background music for retail stores. There, she worked as the staff composer and arranger. In 1964, the New York Mets hired Jarvis to play the organ at their home games. She became a local celebrity for her work at the stadium….particular for her rendition of “Meet the Mets.” She retired from the Mets in 1979, but stayed active throughout the New York jazz scene for many years. Jane Jarvis was 94 when she passed away on January 25, 2010.