Died On This Date (February 25, 1993) Toy Caldwell / Marshall Tucker Band

Toy Caldwell
November 13, 1947 – February 25. 1993

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Toy Caldwell is best remembered as a founding guitarist for southern rock’s Marshall Tucker Band.  In 1973, he helped form the band with his brother, bassist and lead singer, Tommy Caldwell.   During the ten years with the group, Caldwell played on what would become the band’s most successful albums.  He also wrote most of the group’s  songs during their prime years.  After leaving the Marshall Tucker Band in 1983, he formed the less successful Toy Caldwell Band.  Toy Caldwell was 45 when he died of respiratory failure on February 25, 1993.

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The Marshall Tucker Band: Greatest Hits - The Marshall Tucker Band

Died On This Date (February 24, 2008) Larry Norman / The Father of Christian Rock

Larry Norman
April 8, 1947 – February 24, 2008

larry-normanLarry Norman has been called “The Father of Christian Rock.”  Before jumping into the Christian music arena, Norman was part of the Bay Area scene where he was afforded the opportunity to open for both Jimi Hendrix and the Doors. In 1969, his first Capitol Records release, Upon This Rock, became what many consider the first Christian rock album.  Not without controversy, Norman would live on the fringes of Christian music due in part to his long hair and outspoken political beliefs.   Larry Norman passed away from heart failure on February 24, 2008.

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Only Visiting This Planet (Remastered Bonus Track Version) - Larry Norman

Died On This Date (February 23, 2003) Howie Epstein / Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

Howie Epstein
July 21, 1955 – February 23, 2003

Before Howie Epstein became a member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers he was playing behind John Hiatt in the ’70s (Slug Line, Two Bit Monsters), and Del Shannon in the ’80s.  It was while working on a Petty-produced Del Shannon album, that Epstein was offered a spot in Petty’s band.  He jumped at the chance and made his live debut alongside Petty on September 1, 1982.  Four days later, he was playing in front of one of the biggest rock crowds in history at the legendary US Festival in Southern California.  In 1988, Epstein met and began a romantic and professional relationship with Carlene Carter who was the daughter of June Carter and Carl Smith, and recently divorced from Nick Lowe.  Epstein helped revive Carter’s career which included a Grammy nomination in 1991.  Epstein was also building a solid reputation as a producer, even earning a Best Contemporary Folk Album Grammy for John Prine’s The Missing Years.   Epstein died on February 23, 2003 from the effects of drug abuse, although not from an overdose.



Died On This Date (February 22, 2007) Ian Wallace / Accomplished Studio Drummer; King Crimson

Ian Wallace
September 29, 1946 – February 22, 2007

Ian Wallace was an accomplished session rock drummer who is most often remembered for his short stint in King Crimson during the early ’70s.  He can be heard playing on Islands and their live album, Earthbound.  Throughout the years, Wallace played with a who’s who of rock music.  He played on such albums as Bob Dylan’s Street Legal and At BudokonBonnie Raitt’s Nine Lives, Don Henley’s Building A Perfect Beast, Rodney Crowell’s Houston Kid, Stevie Nicks’ Wild Heart, and many more.  He released just one album, 2003’s Happiness With Minimal Side Effects.  Ian Wallace was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in August of 2006, and subsequently died of it on February 22, 2007.  He was 60.

Thanks to Jim McGathey for the help

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Happiness With Minimal Side Effects - Ian Wallace

Died On This Date (February 20, 2003) Ty Longley / Great White Guitarist; Died In Tragic Club Fire

Ty Longley
September 4, 1971 – February 20, 2003

tylongleyTy Longley was born in northwest Pennsylvania.  In 2001, he joined metal band, Great White, one of the top rock acts of the ’80s, as they were beginning to mount a comeback for the new millennium.  Unfortunately, their return to the national headlines was caused by a tragic event that claimed Longley’s life.  While on stage at The Station club in West Warwick, Rhode Island, on February 20, 2003, the band’s pyrotechnics accidentally set off a fire that quickly consumed the venue.  In all, 100 people perished in the fire, including 31-year-old Ty Longley.