John Stockfish was the original bassist for iconic Canadian singer-songwriter, Gordon Lightfoot. Stockfish, who received his training at the esteemed Royal Conservatory Of Music in Toronto, was hired by Lightfoot in 1965. He recorded and toured with him for four years and can be heard on such songs as “Sundown,” Song For A Winter’s Night,” and “Black Day In July.” Throughout his career, Stockfish also worked with Jim Croce, Mel Torme, and Cab Calloway, to name a few. John Stockfish was 69 when he died of natural causes on August 20, 2012.
Bill Tillman was a gifted saxophone player and flutist who is perhaps best remembered for his three years playing in popular American rock band, Blood, Sweat & Tears. Like contemporaries, Chicago, BS&T pioneered the use of a horn section as a lead instrument in rock music. Tillman played in the group’s horn section between 1974 and 1977 and can be heard on eight of their albums. Born and raised in Texas, Tillman was recognized by the Texas Public School Board as the most outstanding musician of 1965. He soon hit the road, playing tours for the likes of Gladys Knight – as music director, the Coasters, Chuck Berry, and Roy Orbison. In 1978, Tillman began a two-year run as a soloist for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. He also released a handful of his own albums beginning in the ’80s and culminating with 2000’s Altogether. On August 29, 2012, Bill Tillman passed away after reportedly hitting his head during a fall in his bathroom. He was 65 and was awaiting a was apparently on a waiting list for a kidney transplant.
Stuart Swanlund was a guitarist who is best remembered as the longtime slinger for southern rock legends, the Marshall Tucker Band. Joining the group in 1985, Swanlund held the longest tenure outside of founding member, Doug Gray. He can be heard on such albums as Southern Spirit, Still Smokin’, and Walk Outside The Lines. Swanlund also played in Chicago rock band, Tone Generators. Stuart Swanlund was 54 when he reportedly died in his sleep of natural causes. He was preceded in death by other Marshall Tucker Band members, George McCorckle, Tommy Caldwell, Toy Caldwell, Frankie Toler, and Bruce Waibel.
Gary Cox is best remembered as the founding lead guitarist for legendary American power pop band, Artful Dodger. Formed in Fairfax, Virginia in 1973, the band enjoyed a brush with fame and a loyal cult following thanks to their Beatles/Stones/Faces influenced sound. They were often compared to the Raspberries. In 1975, the band was signed to Columbia Records who released their debut self-titled album which was produced by Jack Douglas of Aerosmith fame. Even though the album was a critical fave and the band toured nearly non-stop – even opening several 1976 dates for KISS, the album failed to sell much beyond their core fan base. A couple more albums followed before Cox left the group in 1981. He rejoined the Artful Dodger for a reunion in 1991 and then again in the mid 2000s. In between, Cox ran his own professional event disc jockey service and worked as a physical therapy assistant. Gary Cox died of a brain tumor on August 12, 2012. He was 59.
Scott McKenzie (Born Phillip Blondheim) January 10, 1939 – August 18, 2012
Scott McKenzie is perhaps best remembered for his 1967 hit, “San Francisco (Be Sure To Where Flowers In Your Hair).” Written by John Phillips of the Mamas & the Papas, it took the song less than a month to reach the Top 5 of the US singles chart and went on to sell some 7 million copies worldwide. It also topped the charts in the UK as well as other countries around the world. More than just a pop hit, the song was a calling card for the hippie lifestyle that was flourishing in San Francisco at the time and was credited for bringing 1000s of young people to the city during the late ’60s. Any respectable collection of songs from the era is incomplete without it. Born in Florida, McKenzie became friends with Phillips while the two were still children growing up in Virgina. The two played together from time to time through high school, and in 1961, Phillips invited McKenzie to join a band he was forming, the Mamas & the Papas. McKenzie declined since he was more interested in pursuing a solo career. Two years later, he signed to Lou Adler’s Ode Records. McKenzie’s debut album included “San Francisco” which was co-produced by Phillips who also played guitar on it. That release was followed by another minor hit or two before McKenzie retired from making records in the early ’70s. During the mid ’80s, he toured with a re-formed version of the Mamas & the Papas, and continued to do so until his retirement in 1998. McKenzie co-wrote “Kokomo,” a #1 hit for the Beach Boys in 1988. Scott McKenzie was 73 when he passed away in his home on August 18, 2012. Cause of death was not immediately released but he had reportedly been ill prior to his death.