Died On This Date (December 30, 1967) Bert Berns / Legendary Songwriter and Label Head

Bert Berns
November 8, 1929 – December 30, 1967

Photo From bertburns.com
Photo From bertburns.com

Bert Berns was a prolific songwriter and record producer whose impact on popular music cannot be denied.   His most celebrated songs as a songwriter include “Hang on Sloopy” (the McCoys), “Twist and Shout” (the Isley Brothers, the Beatles), “Tell Him” (the Exciters), “I Want Candy” (the Strangeloves, Bow Wow Wow), “Piece of My Heart” (Emma Franklin, Janis Joplin), and “Here Comes the Night” (Lulu, Them, David Bowie).  He also produced such hits as Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” Them’s “Gloria,” and “Under the Boardwalk” by the Drifters.  Berns also ran his own Atlantic affiliated label, Bang Records who was the one-time home to Neil Diamond, Van Morrison, the McCoys and many more.  Bert Berns was just 38 when he died of heart failure on December 30, 1967.



Died On This Date (December 14, 2006) Ahmet Ertegun / Iconic Label Head

Ahmet Ertegun
July 31, 1923 – December 14, 2006

ahmet-ertegun

Ahmet Ertegun was arguably the most celebrated record label executives in the history of recorded music. In 1947, he and Herb Abramson formed Atlantic Records to focus on R&B, jazz and gospel music.  Over the next decade, they brought Ertegun’s brother, Nesuhi Ertegun, and Jerry Wexler on board, while building an artist roster that included Ray Charles, Ruth Brown, and Big Joe Turner.  By putting more focus on the development of their artists’ talents and careers, Atlantic Records quickly established itself as one of popular music’s premier labels.  When the ’60s hit, Ertegun and other head’s of the label decided to broaden its focus to include soul and rock, signing such acts as Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Led Zeppelin, and Crosby, Still, Nash & Young.  The Erteguns sold Atlantic to Warner Bros. in 1969, but Ahmet stayed involved for many years to come.  On October 29, 2006, Ertegun fell and hit his head on the concrete floor, while in the VIP backstage area of a Rolling Stones concert.  He sustained head injuries that eventually lead to a coma.  On December 14 of that same year, Ahmet Ertegun, 83, passed away.



Died On This Date (December 11, 1964) Sam Cooke / Soul Great

Sam Cooke
January 22, 1931 – December 11, 1964

sam-cookeSam Cooke was one of soul music’s most respected and influential artists.  Over a career that spanned just seven years, he placed almost thirty songs on the Top 40 charts.  More than that, Cooke was a savvy businessman and was a visible participant in the Civil Rights movement.  His hits included “A Change is Gonna Come,” “You Send Me,” “Twistin’ the Night Away,” and “Chain Gang.”  Cooke first came to prominence in 1950 as the singer for the influential gospel group, the Soul Stirrers.  By the mid ’50s, he began releasing crossover pop records, and in 1961, he started his own record company, SAR Records, which soon signed the likes of Johnnie Taylor and Bobby Womack.  Shortly thereafter, he formed his own publishing and management companies.  On December 11, 1964, Sam Cooke, age 33 was shot and killed.  That much we know.  Official reports concluded that the manager of a motel shot him in self-defense during an altercation in which she felt threatened by Cooke, who was acting deranged and was wearing just a jacket and shoe.    What officials finally surmised was that Cooke was at the motel with a woman who may or may not have been a hooker.  And after the woman ran off with his clothes and money to either rob him or escape an attempted rape, Cooke went into a rage which lead to the altercation with the hotel manager.  Although the case was closed as a “justifiable homicide,” many close to Cooke strongly believe that the reported events of the evening were fabricated to cover up his murder.

What You Should Own

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30 Greatest Hits - Sam Cooke Portrait of a Legend 1951-1964 (Remastered) - Sam Cooke

Died On This Date (December 9, 1996) Patty Donahue / The Waitresses

Patty Donahue
March 29, 1956 – December 9, 1996

Patty Donahue is best remembered as the lead singer of ’80s new wave act, the Waitresses.  Formed in 1978 in Akron, Ohio, the band made its mark on pop culture with three catchy songs during the early ’80s.  Their “I Know What Boys Like” from their debut album stands today as one of the most lasting  and instantly recognizable songs of the era, while their stab at a Holiday song, “Christmas Wrapping,” continues to be an annual favorite at modern rock stations around the world.  And in 1982, the group provided the theme song for the now cult classic American TV show, Square Pegs.   Much more than a pretty face with a sultry pop voice, Donahue blazed the trail for feminist-centric alternative rockers to follow.  That list includes Liz Phair and Ani DiFranco.  Following the break up of the Waitresses in 1984, Donahue moved over to the label side where she worked in A&R at MCA Records.  On December 9, 1996, Patty Donahue died of cancer.  She was 40 years old.

Thanks to Bob Bell for the assist.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com
Click to find at amazon.com



Died On This Date (December 4, 2008) David Ezrin / Canadian Rock Musician

David Ezrin
December 3, 1966 – December 4, 2008

ezrin

David Ezrin, the Canadian born son of famed record producer, Bob Ezrin, was a songwriter, keyboardist and label executive.  As a musician, he collaborated with Lita Ford, Lou Reed, Alice Cooper and Hanoi Rocks.  He was also the head of A&R at Soul Surfer Records, a label he co-founded.  His songs have been recorded by Vow Wow and Lita Ford.  David Ezrin was 42 when he passed away on December 4, 2008.  Cause of death was not immediately released.