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Christian Gospel Musician Singer

Died On This Date (April 18, 2024) Mandisa / Grammy-Winning Christian Singer

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Mandisa Lynn Hundley
October 2, 1976 – April 18, 2024

Photo by By Jyle Dupuis via wikimedia

As reported by Lisa Respers France at CNN, soulful Christian artist Mandisa, known for her Grammy-winning vocals and initial rise to fame as a contestant on “American Idol” in 2006, has passed away at the age of 47. Born Mandisa Lynn Hundley, she hailed from Citrus Heights, California, where her journey in music began within the walls of her local church.

Her roots in music deepened as she pursued studies in vocal jazz at American River College in Sacramento, California. Later, she became a member of the renowned Fisk University Jubilee Singers during her time at Fisk University in Nashville.

In 2005, Mandisa auditioned for “American Idol” and subsequently became a contestant on the fifth season of the popular singing competition in 2006. Although she didn’t advance beyond the top 10, her passion for music persevered.

Undeterred by her “American Idol” journey, Mandisa released her debut album, True Beauty, in 2007. The album soared to No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart, marking the beginning of a successful career that included numerous Grammy nominations.

Throughout the years, Mandisa continued to release impactful albums, with highlights including Overcomer in 2013, which clinched her the Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2014. Her contributions to the gospel music scene will be remembered and cherished by fans worldwide.

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Americana Musician Songwriter Southern Rock

Died On This Date (April 18, 2024) Dickie Betts / The Allman Brothers Band

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Dickie Betts
December 12, 1943 – April 18, 2024

Photo Credit: Simone Berna via wikimedia

It’s with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Dickey Betts, whose incredible talent as a songwriter and guitarist, paired with Duane Allman‘s prowess, truly shaped the Southern rock scene of the ’60s and ’70s. He passed away on Thursday in Osprey, Fla., at the age of 80.

Back in 1969, Betts, along with bassist Berry Oakley, joined forces with members from other Florida bands, including Duane and Gregg Allman, Butch Trucks, and Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson. Together, they formed what would become the legendary Allman Brothers Band, making their mark from their base in Macon, Ga.

Known for their electrifying live performances and epic jams, especially on Betts’ masterpiece “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” the Allmans skyrocketed to fame with their iconic 1971 album At Fillmore East, which peaked at No. 13.

Even as Betts pursued solo projects, often under the name Great Southern, his contributions to the Allman Brothers Band remained undeniable. His solo debut, Highway Call, hit No. 19 in 1974, showcasing his individual brilliance amid the band’s peak popularity.

In 1995, Betts received the ultimate honor when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Allman Brothers Band. His legacy as a Southern rock pioneer will continue to resonate for generations to come.

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Musician

Died On This Date (March 11*, 2024) Eric Carmen / The Raspberries

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Eric Carman
August 11, 1949 – March 11*, 2024

Photo by Louise Palanker via Wikimedia

As reported by KiMi Robinson in USA Today, Eric Carmen, the lead singer and songwriter for the power-pop group the Raspberries, known for hits like “All By Myself” and “Hungry Eyes,” has passed away at the age of 74.

The cause of his death or *actual date of his passing has not been disclosed. The Raspberries, formed in 1970, gained fame for their coordinated outfits at a time when such fashion was uncommon in the music scene. Their album Fresh in 1972 was their most successful, reaching No. 36 on the charts and spawning hits like “I Wanna Be With You” and “Let’s Pretend.”

After the band disbanded in 1975 due to creative differences, Carmen continued his musical journey as a solo artist, producing iconic tracks through the ’70s and ’80s. His self-titled debut album featured the popular song “All By Myself,” which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. This song gained further recognition through its inclusion in various films, such as “To Die For,” “Clueless,” and “Bridget Jones’s Diary.”

Carmen’s influence extended beyond his solo career; his compositions were also featured in notable soundtracks. “Almost Paradise,” co-written by Carmen, was part of the Grammy-nominated Footloose soundtrack. Another hit, “Hungry Eyes,” gained prominence through its inclusion in “Dirty Dancing” and spent 25 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at No. 4.

In 2004, Carmen and the Raspberries reunited for several performances, leading to shows across the country and the release of the album Live on Sunset Strip. Their influence on the power-pop genre was recognized by music legend Bruce Springsteen, who hailed them as masters of the genre.

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Died On This Date (December 5, 2023) Denny Laine / Moody Blues and Wings co-founder

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Denny Laine
October 29, 1944 – December 5, 2023

Photo by Jim Summaria via wikimedia

As reported by CBS News, British musician Denny Laine, known for his roles as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist, passed away at the age of 79. Laine, recognized for his contributions to both the early incarnation of the Moody Blues and as a longtime collaborator with Paul McCartney in the band Wings, died on December 5, 2023, in Naples, Florida, due to interstitial lung disease.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Moody Blues, Laine’s career spanned decades, marked by significant milestones such as his involvement in McCartney’s acclaimed Band On the Run album, released almost exactly 50 years prior to his passing. Born Brian Frederick Arthur Hines, Laine adopted his professional name in his youth, partly inspired by the singer Frankie Laine.

In 1964, at the age of 20, Laine joined Ray Thomas and Mike Pinder to form the Moody Blues, where he notably sang lead on their breakthrough hit, “Go Now.” Despite early success, the band faced challenges, leading to Laine’s departure in 1967. He pursued a solo career and collaborated with various groups before reuniting with McCartney in Wings, a band formed in 1971 following the Beatles’ breakup.

Throughout Wings’ decade-long journey, characterized by lineup changes, Laine, McCartney, and Linda McCartney collaborated on several chart-topping singles, including “My Love,” “Listen to What the Man Said,” and the titular track from “Band On the Run.” Laine also co-wrote the hit “Mull of Kintyre.”

After Laine’s departure from Wings in the early 1980s, McCartney disbanded the group, but Laine continued to contribute to McCartney’s solo projects, such as Tug of War and Pipes of Peace, and lent his vocals to George Harrison‘s tribute to John Lennon, “All Those Years Ago.”

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Alternative Musician Post Punk Rock

Died On This Date (November 26, 2023) Geordie Walker / Killing Joke Guitarist

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Kevin “Geordie” Walker
December 18, 1958 – November 26, 2023

Photo by Tuomas Vitikainen via wikimedia

As originally reported by Ben Beaumont-Thomas in The Guardian, Kevin “Geordie” Walker, the influential guitarist of industrial rock band Killing Joke, whose distinctive and textured guitar tones resonated across generations of musicians, passed away at the age of 64, having succumbed to a stroke.

Walker’s guitar style was a complex tapestry that bridged the shoegaze movement with the urgency of punk, the melodic sensibilities of pop, and the weight of heavy metal. Alongside frontman Jaz Coleman, he stood as the only constant member of Killing Joke since its inception in 1978.

Born in County Durham in 1958 and raised in Buckinghamshire, where he earned the affectionate nickname “Geordie,” Walker responded to Coleman’s advertisement in the music press, proclaiming himself as the greatest guitarist despite having only played in his mother’s bedroom. Coleman recalled their first meeting, noting, “When he did play, it was like a fire from heaven.”

The band’s self-titled debut album, released in 1980, garnered critical acclaim and cracked the UK Top 40. Following a period in Iceland, where they dabbled in unconventional activities, including hashish dealing, Walker and Coleman returned to London, refining their sound and achieving commercial success with the 1985 album Night Time, featuring the hit single “Love Like Blood.”

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