Musician

Died On This Date (July 30, 2012) Bill Doss / Olivia Tremor Control

Bill Doss
1968 – July 30, 2012

Bill Doss is perhaps best remembered as a co-founder of the popular Louisiana indie-rock band, Olivia Tremor Control.  He also helped form the Elephant 6 Recording Company, or Elephant 6, an indie rock supergroup of sorts which also included members of Neutral Milk Hotel, the Apples In Stereo, Beulah, Elf Power, of Montreal, and Circulatory System.  Formed in 1992, Olivia Tremor Control released several critically acclaimed albums, EPs, and singles and performed at such popular music fests as All Tomorrow’s Parties and the Pitchfork Music Festival.  In later years, Doss played with the Sunshine Fix and produced other bands in his own studio.  He also played keyboards on the road for the Apples In Stereo since 2006, and can be heard on their New Magnetic Wonder and Travellers In Space And Time albums.   The latter lists him as a member of the band.   Bill Doss was 44 when he passed away on July 30, 2012.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

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Music From The Unrealized Film Script: Dusk At Cubist Castle - The Olivia Tremor Control

Died On This Date (July 27, 2012) Tony Martin / Popular American Actor & Singer; Career Spanned 76 Years

Tony Martin (Born Alvin Morris)
December 25, 1913 – July 27, 2012

Photo by Richi Howell

Tony Martin was a beloved American actor and singer who, over a career that ran from 1933 until his retirement in 2009 appeared in over two dozen films and released some 45 hit records.  On par with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, Martin built a sizable – mostly female – following thanks to his warm baritone croon.  Martin was just 10 when he was given a saxophone by his grandmother, and when he got into high school, he formed his first band.  He soon joined a local orchestra where he performed alongside future jazz legend, Woody Herman.    After graduating from college, Martin moved to Hollywood where he set his sights on acting.  Over the next several years, he worked in films with the likes of Fred Astaire and the Marx Brothers.  During the late ’30s and  early ’40s, Martin made numerous records for Decca and later recorded for Mercury.  His hits included “I Hadn’t Anyone Till You,” “It’s A Blue World,” and “I Get Ideas.”  After WWII, Martin hosted his own variety show for NBC and went on to star in many popular musicals of the day.  In 1948, he married actress Cyd Charisse with whom he stayed until her passing in 2008 – 60 years.  Tony Martin retired after 76 years in show business in 2009,  and died of natural causes on July 27, 2012.  He was 98.

Thanks to Paul Bearer for the assist.

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Tony Martin

Died On This Date (July 24, 2012) Larry Hoppen / Co-Founder Of Orleans

Larry Hoppen
1951 – July 24, 2012

Larry Hoppen was the founding guitarist and singer for Orleans, a popular soft rock band that formed in Woodstock, New York in 1972.  The band is best remembered for their ’70s pop hits, “Still the One” and “Dance With Me.”  As early as 1977, “Still the One” has been played on numerous television shows and films.  Throughout their early years, Orleans were a popular opening act for the likes of Jackson Browne, Little Feat and Melissa Manchester.  Hoppen was beloved by fans for his beautiful tenor voice, and was the only original member to stay with the group until his passing.  Their last album with him was 2008’s Obscurities.  Hoppen released two solo albums as well, HandMade and Looking For The Light.   Larry Hoppen was 61 when he passed away on July 24, 2012.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

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Died On This Date (July 17, 2012) Danny American / West End Crooks

Danny American (Born Danny Abromovitz)
DOB Unknown – July 17, 2012

Danny American was the bassist for up-and-coming Arizona punk band, West End Crooks.  Formed on the west side of Phoenix, the band was reportedly working on new material at the time of American’s passing.  American was a well-liked member of the local music scene and was also in his third year at the Phoenix College of Law where he excelled in his classes.  He was the recipient of two legal scholarships.  Danny American was 32 when he died unexpectedly in his sleep.  Cause of death was not immediately released.



Died On This Date (July 16, 2012) Bob Babbitt / Legendary Motown Funk Brothers Bassist

Bob Babbitt
DOB Unknown – July 16, 2012

Bob Babbitt was a Pittsburgh-born journeyman bassist who can rightfully claim to have played on more than 25 gold and platinum albums along with over 200 top 10 hits.  As part of the legendary Motown house band known as the Funk Brothers from 1966 to 1972, Babbitt can be heard playing on such timeless classics as Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” the Temptations‘ “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me),” Edwin Starr’s “War,” and Smokey Robinson & the Miracles‘ “The Tears Of A Clown” to name just a few. Prior to his stint at Motown, Babbitt played on several Del Shannon records, including “Little Town Flirt” and “I Go To Pieces.”  Following his run at Motown, Babbitt continued his hit-record contributions as part of Philadelphia International Records’ answer to the Funk Brothers, MFSB. Within that capacity, for instance, he played on several hits by the Spinners.  Babbitt also recorded or performed live with such superstars as Jimi Hendrix, Phil Collins, Jim Croce, Elton John, Frank Sinatra, Barry Manilow, and Bonnie Raitt.  During the ’80s, he played on several prominent commercial jingles and even dabbled in jazz with Herbie Mann and Stanley Turrentine. In 2002, he was profiled in the award-winning Funk Brothers documentary, Standing In The Shadows Of Motown.  In March of 2011, Babbitt made his last television appearance with Jacob Lusk during American Idol’s Motown Week.  Bob Babbitt died of brain cancer on July 16, 2012.  He was 74.

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