Singer

Died On This Date (August 15, 2009) Jim Dickinson / Legendary Memphis Producer

Jim Dickinson
November 15, 1941 – August 15, 2009

jim_dickinson_1Jim Dickinson was a much respected Memphis musician and producer who is best remembered for his production work with the Replacements, Big Star, Alex Chilton, and Willy DeVille among others.  As a musician, he played piano on such landmark songs as the Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses,” and the Flamin’ Groovies “Teenage Head.”  He’s also worked with the likes of Bob Dylan and Ry Cooder.  Dickinson also released several acclaimed albums throughout his career. Talent runs in the Dickinson family, his sons Luther Dickinson and Cody Dickinson have a popular band, the North Mississippi Allstars.  Jim Dickinson died in his sleep following heart surgery.  He was 67.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist

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Jim Dickinson

Died On This Date (August 15, 1990) Lew DeWitt / Statler Brothers

Lew DeWitt
March 12, 1938 – August 15, 1990

dewittLew DeWitt is best remembered as a singer and guitarist in the Statler Brothers.  He also penned a handful of their songs, including “Since Then,” and “Flowers On The Wall” which made it to #4 on the Billboard singles chart in 1965.  The song found a new audience thanks to its prominent placement in Pulp Fiction in 1994.  In 1982, DeWitt left the group for health reasons.  In 1990, DeWitt passed away after years of struggle with  Chron’s disease.

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Statler Brothers: The Definitive Collection - Statler Brothers

Died On This Date (August 14, 2002) Dave Williams / Lead Singer Of Drowning Pool

Dave Williams
February 29, 1972 – August 14, 2002

Dave Williams was the original lead singer of Texas metal band, Drowning Pool.  Formed in 1996, the band built a sizable following thanks to well-received performances at Ozzy Osbourne’s early Ozzfests.  In 2001, the band released their first album, Sinner, which included the hit single and MTV staple, “Bodies.”  That exposure helped the album sell more than one million copies within the first year.   While on tour on August 14, 2002, Dave Williams collapsed and died on the band’s tour bus in Virginia.  Official reports concluded that he died of a heart muscle disease.  He was 30 years old.

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Sinner - Drowning Pool

Died On This Date (August 14, 1988) Roy Buchanan / Electric Blues Great

Roy Buchanan
September 23, 1939 – August 14, 1988

Roy Buchanan was a respected blues guitarist who rose to prominence in the late ’50s thanks in part to his prowess on the Telecaster. Rolling Stone placed him at #57 in their list of The 100 Greatest Guitarists Of All Time.  He got his professional start early, playing with Johnny Otis at just 15.  In the early ’60s, Buchanan began working with Ronnie Hawkins alongside Robbie Robertson who he reportedly tutored on the guitar.  In the early ’80s, Buchanan was the subject of a documentary entitled The Best Unknown Guitarist In The World, an opinion evidently shared by the likes of John Lennon and Eric Clapton.  He was soon offered a record deal with Polydor Records who released his first solo album in 1972.   Except for a four-year break beginning in 1981, Buchanan continued to record and perform until his death in 1988.   Buchanan struggled with substance abuse for many years and on August 14, 1988, he was arrested and placed in a Virginia jail for public drunkenness.  Some hours later, his lifeless body was found hanging by his shirt in his cell.  His death was officially ruled a homicide, but his family and friends have claimed there was evidence to the contrary.   He was 48 at the time of his death.

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Roy Buchanan - Roy Buchanan

Died On This Date (August 14, 2010) Abbey Lincoln / Influential Jazz Singer

Abbey Lincoln (Born Anna Marie Wooldridge)
August 6, 1930 – August 14, 2010

Photo by Lee Turner

Abbey Lincoln was an actress, jazz vocalist and songwriter who used her talents to raise awareness of the Civil Rights movement and racism in general.  She was one of the earliest jazz singers who actually wrote their own songs.  As an actress, she appeared in such films as Nothing But A Man, The Girl Can’t Help It, and Mo’ Betta Blues.  During the ’60s, she was married to Max Roach and sang on his landmark recording, “We Insist – Freedom Now Suite.”  Over the course of her long career, she collaborated with most of the biggest names in jazz.  Abbey Lincoln was 80 when she passed away on August 14, 2010.

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Straight Ahead - Abbey Lincoln