but the songs live on forever

Musician

Musician R&B Singer

Died On This Date (December 29, 2011) Robert Dickey / James & Bobby Purify; Had Hit With “I’m Your Puppet”

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Robert Dickey
September 2, 1939 – December 29, 2011

Robert Dickey was an R&B singer who is perhaps best remembered as the original “Bobby” of James & Bobby Purify, who scored a huge hit with “I’m Your Puppet” in 1966. Formed by Dickey’s cousin, James Purify, in 1965, the duo released several charting singles while recording for Bell Records – that list “Shake A Tail Feather,” “Let Love Come Between Us,” and of course, “I’m Your Puppet” which ultimately reached #6 on the Billboard pop charts.  In 1971, Dickey left the group due to health issues and was replaced by a second “Bobby,” Ben Moore.  Dickey retired from the music business in 1972 and spent many years working for the City of Tallahassee, Florida while singing and playing guitar in his church group.  Robert Dickey was 72 when he passed away on December 29, 2011.  Cause of death was not immediately released.



Blues Musician Rock Singer Songwriter

Died On This Date (December 28, 2011) Danny DeGennaro aka Dan Rio / Kingfish

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Daniel DeGennaro
DOB Unknown – December 28, 2011

Photo by William Johnson

Danny DeGennaro, who also performed as Dan Rio, was Philadelphia-area singer, songwriter, and guitarist who is perhaps best remembered as a former member of Kingfish, a band which also counted Bob Weir and New Riders of the Purple Sage bassist, Dave Torbert, as members.  Joining the outfit post-Weir in 1979, Rio played guitar and shared vocals until they disbanded following the death of Torbert in 1982.  Rio also performed or recorded with Billy Squier, Bo Diddley and Jorma Kaukonen, Clarence Clemons throughout his career.   In recent years, DeGennaro fronted his own 5-piece blues band, the Danny DeGennaro Band.  On December 28, 2011, Danny DeGennaro, age 56, was shot and killed in his yard in what appeared to have been a robbery.  Police had no suspects in the early weeks following the murder but indicated it likely was not a random attack.

 

Composer Jazz Musician

Died On This Date (December 26, 2011) Sam Rivers / American Jazz Saxophonist

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Sam Rivers
September 25, 1923 – December 26, 2011

Sam Rivers is best remembered as the influential jazz saxophonist  and composer who helped define the Free Jazz movement of the mid to late ’60s.  Born into a musical family, Rivers began playing at an early age.  After studying at the Boston Conservatory, Rivers went on to be an in-demand sideman, playing with the likes of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Freddie Hubbard.  As a band leader, Rivers released several highly regarded albums on such storied labels as Impulse! and Blue Note.  His tune, “Beatrice” from 1964’s Fuchsia Swing Song is widely regarded as tenor sax 101 for aspiring players.  During the ’70s, Rivers and his wife owned and operated a jazz performance studio in New York City.  He continued to perform and record until as recently as 2006’s Aurora.   Sam Rivers was 88 when he died of pneumonia on December 26, 2011.

Thanks to Paul Bearer for the assist.

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Dimensions & Extensions (Rudy Van Gelder Edition) [Remastered] - Sam Rivers

Musician Rock

Died On This Date (December 25, 2011) Jim “Motorhead” Sherwood / Frank Zappa’s Mothers Of Invention

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Jim Sherwood
May 8, 1942 – December 25, 2011

Photo by Petra Niemeier

Jim “Motorhead” Sherman was a saxophonist who spent many years playing alongside Frank Zappa in various bands. Sherwood and Zappa were still in high school when they are introduced because of their shared passion for record collecting.  The year was 1956 and before long, Sherwood was playing in Zappa’s first band, the Black-Outs.  When Zappa formed the Mothers Of Invention, Sherwood was first brought on as a roadie and occasional sound effect provider, but soon became a full-time member.  He can be heard on such classic albums as Freak Out!, Uncle Meat, and Burnt Weeny Sandwich.   He also played with Zappa-related bands like  Ruben and the Jets, the Grandmothers,  and Ant-Bee, as well as on several Zappa proper albums.  Jim Sherwood was 69 when he passed away on December 25, 2011.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Paul Bearer for the assist.

Bluegrass Musician Radio Songwriter

Died On This Date (December 24, 2011) Jody Rainwater / Bluegrass Pioneer

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Jody Rainwater (Born Charles Johnson)
1920 – December 24, 2011

Jody Rainwater was a bluegrass pioneer who found his calling as a teenager, at first playing the mandolin.  Before long, he and is brother were performing as Chuck and Slim, the Johnson Brothers.  The boys built a local following thanks in part to their comical on stage banter.  In 1937, they were hired by High Point, North Carolina radio station, WMFR to perform live every Thursday evening.  By 1945, the duo were no longer together, so Rainwater enlisted in the Marines and served during WWII.  Upon his discharge, he formed the Blue Ridge Mountain Boys with Woody Hauser and developed an onstage persona known as Little Jody.  By the late ’40s, they disbanded, and Rainwater was soon playing bass alongside Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs in the Foggy Mountain Boys.   The band had a hit with the Rainwater composition, “I’m Waiting To Hear You Call Me Darling.”  Upon doctor’s orders, Rainwater retired from the group in 1952 and went to work hosting a morning radio show on WSVS.  His program quickly became the biggest money-maker at the station and would continue to be until his retirement in 1984.   He also performed local gigs with his own group from time to time during this period.  Jody Rainwater was 92 when he passed away on December 24, 2011.

Thanks to Paul Bearer for the assist.



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