but the songs live on forever

Record Label

Blues Jazz Record Label

Died On This Date (November 1, 2008) Rosetta Reitz / Founder of Rosetta Records

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Rosetta Reitz
September 28, 1924 – November 1, 2008

Photo By Jill Lynne
Photo By Jill Lynne

Rosetta Reitz was a much-respected feminist and music authority who formed her own label, Rosetta Records in 1979.  The label specialized in lost recordings of female blues artist from the 1920s to the 1960s.  Over the years, she released sides by the likes of Ida Cox, Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey and Mae West.  Her packages were noted quality remasters, extensive liner notes and rare historical photos.  Reitz curated the Newport Jazz Festival’s “Women of Jazz” tributes in 1980 and 1981.  The programs included performances by Big Mama Thornton, Nell Carter and Koko Taylor.    Rosetta Reitz was 84 when she passed away on November 1, 2008.



Record Label

Died On This Date (November 1, 2008) Shakir Stewart / Def Jam Exec VP

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Shakir Stewart
April 12, 1974 – November 1, 2008

Shakir Stewart was a successful record company executive who was, most recently, Sr. VP of Island Def Jam Music Group as well as Executive VP of Def Jam.  In Stewart’s first job out of college, he signed Beyonce to a publishing deal as a staffer at Hitco Music Publishing.  From there he became an A&R consultant for LaFace Records, a label owned by Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and Antonio “L.A.” Reid. He brought Ciara to the label.  He later moved to the Def Jam family where he signed or oversaw such acts as Young Jeezy, Nas, LL Cool J and Rick Ross.  He quickly moved up the ranks within the company.  Shakir Stewart took his own life with a gun on November 1, 2008.  He was 34 years old.



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Arranger Composer Jazz Musician R&B Record Label Songwriter

Died On This Date (October 27, 2008) Ray Ellis / Noted Jazz Arranger

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Ray Ellis
July 28, 1923 – October 27, 2008

rayellis1

Ray Ellis was an accomplished musician, producer and arranger during the ’50s and ’60s.  He is best remembered for his work with Sarah Vaughan, Johnny Mathis, Emmylou Harris and most notably, on Billie Holiday’s Lady in Satin.  He also composed the Today Show’s theme song twice, one that was used throughout most of the ’70s and anoter that was used that was primarily used between 1987 and 1985.  And he composed soundtrack music for numerous cartoons and game shows over the years as well.  Ray Ellis, 85, died of  melanoma on October 27, 2008.



Record Label

Died On This Date (October 19, 1986) Moe Asch / Founder of Folkways Records

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Moses “Moe” Asch
December 2, 1905 – October 19, 1986

Photo by Diana Davies

Moe Asch was a Poland born, New York City raised musicologist who founded the legendary Folkways label in 1948.  The label specialized in folk and is considered an invaluable asset to American culture.  The label itself, was a major influence on the development of folk musicians for years to come.  Folkways released over 2100 recordings during Asch’s time.  They included new releases by the likes of Lead Belly, Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie was well as previously unreleased discoveries from the ’20s and ’30s.  Moe Asch died of natural causes at the age of 81. Following his death, the Smithsonian Institution acquired the Folkways catalog.



Record Label

Died On This Date (October 19, 2009) Colin Burn / Longtime UK Music Exec

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Colin Burn
DOB Unknown – October 19, 2009

Colin Burn was an executive with EMI Records UK for a quarter of a century, starting there during the years following World War 2.  Over the course of his career, he worked directly with the likes of the Beatles, the Beach Boys and the Supremes.  After ascending to the point of General Manager,  Burn left the company in the early ’80s and went to work with the Rolling Stones.  Colin Burn was 76 when he passed away on October 19, 2009.



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