Died On This Date (January 11, 2005) Spencer Dryden / Jefferson Airplane

Spencer Dryden
April 7, 1938 – January 11, 2005

dryden

Spencer Dryden is best remembered as a drummer for ’60s rock bands, Jefferson Airplane and New Riders of the Purple Sage.  Born to a half-brother of Charlie Chaplin, Dryden grew up in Los Angeles where his father worked for the actor.  Much of Dryden’s childhood was spent on movie sets and later, jazz clubs that his father frequented.  In 1966, Dryden was hired by the Jefferson Airplane to replace Skip Spence who had left to form Moby Grape.  Because of his background, Dryden brought some jazz improv into the band’s live sets.  After Jefferson Airplane’s infamous altercation with the Hell’s Angels at the Altamont concert, Dryden decided to leave the group.  From 1970 to 1977, Dryden played in New Riders of the Purple Sage, and soon thereafter, for psychedelic supergroup, the Dinosaurs.  He retired in 1995.  Spencer Dryden was reportedly living in poverty during the final years of his life and died of colon cancer on January 11, 2005.

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Surrealistic Pillow - Jefferson Airplane

Died On This Date (January 11, 2010) Mick Green / ’60s British Guitar Slinger

Michael “Mick” Green
February 22, 1944 – January 11, 2010

Mick Green was an English guitarist and songwriter who came to prominence as lead guitarist for Johnny Kidd & the Pirates during the ’60s.  The band is considered one of the foundations of garage rock, with their “Shakin’ All Over” being a rock music staple which has been covered by the likes of the Guess Who and the Who.  In 1964, Green left the group and resurfaced as a member of popular Mersey Beat/British Invasion band, Billy J. Kramer & the Dakotas.   In later years, he played guitar for the likes of Van Morrison, Paul McCartney, and Bryan Ferry.  Mick Green was 65 when he passed away on January 11, 2010.



Died On This Date (January 10, 2009) Billy Brown / Rockabilly Pioneer

Billy Brown
July 22, 1929 – January 10, 2009

billybrown

Billy Brown was an American rockabilly guitarist and singer who launched his career upon his return from the Korean War.  Brown released a handful of singles before he was signed by Columbia Records in 1957.  A young Jerry Reed played on a few of those early Columbia recordings.  None of his releases sold particularly well.  Billy Brown was 79 when he passed away on January 10, 2009.


Died On This Date (January 10, 1997) Kenny Pickett / The Creation

Kenny Pickett
September 3, 1947 – January 10, 1997

Kenny Pickett at front

Kenny Pickett was the lead singer of British mod band, the Creation.  With a sound and style similar to the Kinks and the Who, many have wondered why they were never more popular.  They had solid songwriting, a great vocalist and a guitarist who Pete Townshend once asked to join the Who.  At one point Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones was in the band.  Their “Making Time” is one of the greatest rock songs of the era.  Although they never really caught on in the UK or the US, they were pretty popular in Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. And the great independent label, Creation Records is said to be named after them.  Pickett suffered a fatal heart attack on January 10, 1997.

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Our Music Is Red - With Purple Flashes - The Creation

Died On This Date (January 3, 2009) Greg Pineda / Producer; Sang With Aluminum Marshmallow

Greg Pineda
April 20, 1954 – January 3, 2009

greg-pinedaGreg Pineda, was the lead singer and guitarist for Southern California band,  Aluminum Marshmallow.   Originally formed by Pineda and Tom Behrens back while still in elementary school in 1967, the group had reunited several years ago.  Since then, they have become local favorites in Sierra Madre, California.   Pineda also owned and operated a recording studio, All Media Services, in Westlake Village, California.  It was there that he produced a series of music videotapes called The Hollywood Music Store with the help of Chuck Negron, as well as members of Ambrosia, REO Speedwagon, Chicago and more.  Greg Pineda was 54 when he passed away on January 3, 2009.  He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just a few months earlier.

Thanks to Sierra Madre Sue for the help