Michael “Rudy” Guess
February 27, 1953 – December 31, 2010
Rudy Guess was a talented guitarist, producer, and composer who is perhaps best known as the longtime touring guitarist for Carole King. He also helped produce many of King’s studio recordings. As a composer, Guess’ music has been featured on such television shows as Extreme Makeover, Law & Order, and The Practice. Rudy Guess was 57 when he passed away on December 31, 2010. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Norman Johnson, known professionally as General Johnson, was as Grammy-winning songwriter, as well as a producer and the lead singer of popular late ’60s/early ’70s soul group, Chairmen of the Board. Johnson was just 16 when he made his first recordings for the storied Atlantic Records. In those early days he fronted his own group, the Humdingers, and shortly thereafter, the Showmen. It was with the latter that Johnson first started cracking the R&B singles chart with such records as “39-21-40 Shape.” After a short and less fruitful run as a solo artist, Johnson formed the Chairmen of the Board. The year was 1967, and it was with that group that he went on to release such hits as “(You’ve Got Me) Dangling On a String,” “Pay the Piper,” and “Give Me Just a Little More Time,” which sold in excess of one million copies. In 1970, Johnson won a Grammy as the songwriter of the mega hit “Patches” as recorded by Clarence Carter. Jerry Reed, Honey Cone, and Freda Payne also had hits with songs penned by Johnson. As was the case with many R&B acts of the era, Johnson and Chairmen of the Board’s music fell out of favor with the general public. But during the ’90s, the group reformed and found renewed success touring the vibrant Beach Music circuit along the coastal towns of Southeast United States. Norman Johnson was 67 when he passed away on October 13, 2010. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Ian Morris was a respected musician, songwriter and producer from New Zealand. He is perhaps best remembered as the founding guitarist for early ’80s new wave band, Th’ Dudes. Formed in the late ’70s while the band mates were in college, Th’ Dudes quickly built a sizable following thanks in part to their catchy pop sound that has been compared to the likes of Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello. In 1979, the band were named New Zealand’s Group of the Year. The band experienced a resurgence in popularity during the ’90s and again in the mid 2000s, prompting them to reunite and tour from time to time. Outside of Th’ Dudes, Morris earned his living by writing commercial jingles and producing others. He also successfully recorded under the moniker, Tex Pistol. On October 7, 2010, 53-year-old Ian Morris died suddenly and unexpectedly. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Chuck Greenberg
March 25, 1950 – September 4, 1995
Chuck Greenberg was a musician, producer and composer who is best remembered as the leader of Shadowfax, a Grammy-winning band that is generally thought of as “New Age.” Greenberg launched his music career during the ’70s and was soon was tapped to perform in the Bee Gees’ back-up band on one of their U.S. tours. He soon moved to Los Angeles where he formed Shadowfax. The band built a loyal fanbase thanks to it’s ability to marry elements of rock, world, jazz and folk music. They would become one of the few New Age bands to cross over to a pop audience. The band traveled the world playing to adoring fans until Septembe 4, 1995 when Chuck Greenberg died unexpectedly of a heart attack. He was 44.
Wycliffe “Steely” Johnson
DOB Unknown – September 1, 2009
Steely Johnson was a keyboardist and noted Jamaican reggae producer who worked with Cleveland Browne as Steely & Clevie. Formed in the late ’80s while playing onBob Marley’sConfrontation, the dancehall production team went on to work which such artists as No Doubt, the Specials and Bounty Killer. Johnson’s first significant gig was playing with Sugar Minott during the ’70s. He also worked with Augustus Pablo and co-founded the Roots Radics. Suffering from diabetes and kidney problems, Johnson was in New York seeking treatment. He died of heart failure at Brookhaven Hospital on September 1, 2009.