Rock

Died On This Date (October 9, 2009) Jon Pettis / Bankrupt and the Borrowers

Jon Pettis
January 1, 1981 – October 9, 2009

Jon Pettis was a founding member of the popular Austin rock band, Bankrupt and the Borrowers.  With Pettis on multiple instruments and vocals, the band, which had moved to Austin from Massachusetts in 2006, quickly immersed itself into the thriving Austin music scene and built itself a strong following.  Sadly however,  Jon Pettis died of smoke inhalation from an electrical fire at his home on October 9, 2009.

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Beers On the Bible - Bankrupt and the Borrowers

Died On This Date (October 8, 2007) Nicky James / ’60s British Rocker

Nicky James (Born Michael Nicholls)
April, 1943 – October 8, 2007

NickyjamesNicky James was a British singer-songwriter whose career began in the early ’60s when he formed the Lawmen.  In 1963, he joined forces with Denny Laine in a band they called Nicky James with Denny and the Diplomats.   He was in and out of the band over the next few years, and was gone for good just before they changed their name to the Moody Blues and got signed to Decca Records.  James soon signed to Columbia Records with his Nicky James Movement, a band that would be the early home to such  pre-fame musicians as John Bonham, and Bev Bevans.   In 1966, James worked as a talent scout for Dick James Music where he signed the young songwriting team of Elton John and Bernie Taupin.  As a songwriter, James collaborated with Allan Clarke and Graham Nash.  On October 8, 2007, Nicky James died of a brain tumor at the age of 64.



Died On This Date (October 8, 1990) Barrie “BJ” Wilson / Procol Harum

Barrie “B.J.” Wilson
March 18, 1947 – October 8, 1990

B.J. Wilson was an English drummer best remembered for his work with Procol Harum.  He joined the group however, just after they recorded their hit, “Whiter Shade Of Pale.”  Besides leader Gary Brooker, Wilson was the only consistent band member from 1967 until they broke up in 1977.  As a session player, Wilson can be heard playing on Frankie Miller’s Double Trouble, AC/DC’s Flick The Switch, and the film score of Rocky Horror Picture Show.  He also toured in Joe Cocker‘s band during the early ’80s and was the drummer on his hit record “With A Little Help From My Friends.”  Barrie Wilson passed after battling an undisclosed illness at the age of 43.

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Procol Harum

Died On This Date (October 7, 2009) Steve Ferguson / NRBQ

Steve Ferguson
November 21, 1948 – October 7, 2009

fergusonSteve Ferguson is best remembered as a founding guitarist of the New Rhythm and Blues Quintet (later Quartet), or NRBQ.  Formed in 1967 in Miami, Florida, the group has amassed a fanatical cult following for its musical gumbo of R&B, jazz, rockabilly, blues, country, and bar-band rock ‘n roll.  After playing on just two albums, including a collaboration with Carl Perkins, Ferguson left the group to launch a solo career.  Over the next couple of decades, Ferguson kept busy either playing solo, collaborating with former NRBQ band mates, or  producing the likes of Johnnie Johnson, Chuck Berry’s former pianist.  Although not a name that is recognizable to most music fans, Steve Ferguson is considered one of the era’s greatest and perhaps most underrated guitar players.  He died of cancer at the 61 on October 7, 2009.

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NRBQ

Died On This Date (October 7, 1966) Johnny Kidd \ ’60s British Rock Star

Johnny Kidd (Born Frederick Heath)
December 23, 1935 – October 7, 1966

Johnny Kidd was the lead singer and songwriter for Johnny Kidd and the Pirates, a British band that was building momentum just before the Beatles broke, but soon became overshadowed by them.  There sound was the blueprint from which garage rock was built.  In 1960, the band released the Kidd-written “Shakin’ All Over” which shot to the top of the UK charts.  The Guess Who had a hit in the US with it in 1965, and the Who’s 1970 live version from Live At Leeds ultimately became the recognizable version of it.  Johnny Kidd was 30 years old when he was killed in a car accident on October 7, 1966.

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Johnny Kidd & The Pirates