Musician

Died On This Date (November 27, 2009) Al Alberts / The Four Aces

themusicsover November 27, 2009 No Comments

Al Alberts
August 10, 1922 – November 27, 2009

Al Alberts was a popular singer who came to fame as a founding member and lead singer of the 1950s pop vocal group, the Four Aces. Formed with friend Dave Mahoney in 1950 after the two got out of the navy, the Four Aces released a series of million selling singles, including “Three Coins in the Fountain,” and their signature song, “Love is a Many Splendored Thing,” which won an Academy Award for best song in 1955. Alberts was also a television star of the day, hosting his own talent show, Al Alberts Showcase. Andrea McArdle of Annie fame, Teddy Pendergrass and Sister Sledge all performed on the program to help launch their careers. The show ran from 1962 until Alberts’ retirement in 1994. Al Alberts, 87, died of apparent kidney failure on November 27, 2009.

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Folk Musician Singer Songwriter

Died On This Date (November 27, 2009) Bess Lomax Hawes / Folk Musician & Folklorist

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Bess Lomax Hawes
January 21, 1921 – November 27, 2009

Bess Lomax Hawes was a folk musician, educator and folklorist. As the daughter and sister of noted folk historians, John A. Lomax and Alan Lomax, Hawes was never far from the American folk music that she would eventually build her life around. After graduating from college during the ’40s, Dawes moved to New York City where she immersed herself in the thriving folk scene. She became a guitarist and singer for the politically charged Almanac Singers, a folk group that included Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and future husband, Butch Hawes. During WWII, Hawes worked as a radio programmer for the United States Office of War Information. During the ’50s, she moved to the Los Angeles area where she continued to play local clubs and began teaching at a college that would later become California State University, Northridge. In later years, Hawes worked for the Smithsonian Institute and the National Endowment for the Arts. As a songwriter, her most famous song was 1948’s “M.T.A.,” co-written with Jacqueline Steiner. It later became a hit for the Kingston Trio. Bess Lomax Hawes was 88 when she died following a stroke on November 27, 2009.

Composer Musician Rock Songwriter

Died On This Date (November 26, 1973) John Rostill / The Shadows

themusicsover November 26, 2009 3 Comments

John Rostill
June 16, 1942 – November 26, 1973

John Rostill was an English musician and songwriter who is perhaps best remembered as a bassist for one of England’s most successful rock groups, the Shadows. With 69 UK charting singles (including 17 #1s) they have been recognized as England’s third most successful charted singles act in history. Only Cliff Richard and Elvis Presley sit above them. They are also credited for being one of the very first and most influential rock bands to come to prominence in the years leading up to the Beatles. After playing around London, at times backing such visiting acts as the Everly Brothers, Rostill was hired by the Shadows as a replacement for Brian Locking. He played with the band from 1963 to 1968. After the group broke up in 1968, Rostill performed in Tom Jones’ touring band during the early ’70s. He was also a successful songwriter, having been recorded by Presley and Olivia Newton-John (“Let Me Be There,” “If You Love Me, Let Me Know,” and “Please Mr. Please”). By late 1973, the Shadows had reformed and Rostill was about to join back with them when tragedy struck. On November 26, 1973, John Rostill, 31, was accidentally electrocuted while working in his home studio.

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Composer Jazz Musician

Died On This Date (November 26, 1956) Tommy Dorsey / Jazz Icon

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Tommy Dorsey
November 10, 1905 – November 26, 1956

tommy

Tommy Dorsey was a trombonist and band leader who came to prominence during jazz’s swing era. He was also the younger brother of another jazz great, Jimmy Dorsey with whom he found success as the Dorsey Brothers. Beginning his career in the Scranton Sirens at just 15, Dorsey backed such performers and Rudy Vallee and Paul Whiteman. He formed his first band in 1935 and began touring nationally. But as many big bands did in the aftermath of WW2, Dorsey broke up his band due to economics of the times. Dorsey also released numerous hit records during his career, including 17 that topped the charts. His biggest hit was “I’ll Never Smile Again” which featured Frank Sinatra on vocals. Tommy Dorsey, 51, died while choking in his sleep on November 26, 1956. Reports indicate that after eating a big meal, he took some sleeping pills and retired to bed. The dosage was apparently strong enough to not allow him to wake up while he choked to death.

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tommy-dorsey-music — Click to find at amazon.com

Metal Musician

Died On This Date (November 26, 2009) Mat Arluck / Guitarist For Sweet Cobra

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Mat Arluck
1970 – November 26, 2009

Mat Arluck was the guitarist for Chicago metal band, Sweet Cobra. Diagnosed with cancer in 2006, the respected guitarist, who also played in Cooler By The Lake and Closing In, continued to play up until about one year prior to his death. Arluck also played bass for Stabbed By Words. Mat Arluck was 39 when he passed away at his parents’ home on November 26, 2009.

Musician

Died On This Date (November 27, 2009) Al Alberts / The Four Aces

What You Should Own

Died On This Date (November 27, 2009) Bess Lomax Hawes / Folk Musician & Folklorist

Died On This Date (November 26, 1973) John Rostill / The Shadows

What You Should Own

Died On This Date (November 26, 1956) Tommy Dorsey / Jazz Icon

What You Should Own

Died On This Date (November 26, 2009) Mat Arluck / Guitarist For Sweet Cobra

What You Should Own

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