Died On This Date (November 25, 2011) Ross MacManus / English Musician & Singer; Father of Elvis Costello
themusicsover Ronald “Ross” MacManus
October 20, 1927 – November 25, 2011
Ross MacManus was an English musician and singer who made his mark performing with the Joe Loss Orchestra beginning in 1955. He had several children, including pop music icon, Elvis Costello. For a decade beginning in 1973, MacManus could be heard on British television singing the jingle he penned for R. White’s Lemonade. A young Costello is featured playing drums and singing back-up on the track. MacManus also sang and penned several songs for the British film, Secrets of a Superstud (1975). In 1997, he released the album Elvis’ Dad Sings Elvis, but in this case the Elvis he honored was Elvis Presley. Of his son’s albums, MacManus played on Out Of Our Idiot and Mighty Like A Rose. Ross MacManus passed away following a long illness on November 25, 2011. He was 84.
Thanks to Harold Lepidus for the assist.
What You Should Own
Coco Robicheaux was a popular New Orleans blues musician who built a loyal following for his Tom Waits-like gravelly voice, swampy guitar, and mystical subject matter. A familiar face throughout the clubs that lined the streets of Crescent City, Robicheaux entertained both on and off the stage thanks to his colorful personality. He often held court outside nightclubs for tourists and locals alike when he wasn’t performing. Beloved by New Orleans music and blues fans around the world, Robicheaux was a popular draw at festivals far and wide – particularly the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the French Quarter Festival. Over the years, he released several albums and appeared on recordings by the likes of Dr. John. In 2010, he made a memorable appearance on HBO’s Treme, where he sacrificed a “live” chicken over the air of a local radio station. He also played a musician on USA’s Big Easy series. On November 25, 2011, Coco Robicheaux collapsed while in hanging out at a New Oleans club. He died after being taken to a hospital. Cause of death was not immediately released. He was 64.
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