Died On This Date (October 8, 2007) Nicky James / ’60s British Rocker
themusicsover Nicky James (Born Michael Nicholls)
April, 1943 – October 8, 2007
Nicky 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.
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 
Steve 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 
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.
