Singer

Died On This Date (March 17, 2009) Mad Dog Lester Davenport / Chicago Blues Harpist

Lester Davenport
January 16, 1932 – March 17, 2009

Photo by David Bell
Photo by David Bell

“Mad Dog” Lester Davenport was born in Mississippi but settled in Chicago when he was 14 years old.  Throughout his career, Davenport played with Snooky Pryor, Arthur Spires, Homesick James and Bo Diddley.  In the 80s, Davenport hooked up with the Kinsey Report with whom he recorded and toured extensively.  He released his first album in 1992.  Davenport passed away on March 17, 2009 as a result of prostate cancer.

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Died On This Date (March 17, 1982) Samuel George / The Capitols

Samuel George
DOB Unknown – March 17, 1982

the-capitolsSamuel George was the lead singer and drummer for early ’60s soul vocal trio, the Capitols.  They were initially signed to Detroit’s Karen Records, and in 1963, they released their first single, “Dog and Cat.”  After the record failed to catch on, the group split up.  But in 1966, the group re-formed to record a song called “Cool Jerk” which was written to capitalize on a current Detroit dance craze.  Backed by Motown’s legendary house band, the Funk Brothers, the Capitols delivered a single that shot to #7 on the pop charts and #2 on the R&B charts.  The song remains a staple at oldies radio and has been covered by the likes of the Go-Go’s, Todd Rundgren and the Creation.  On March 17, 1982, Samuel George died of stab wounds suffered during a domestic dispute.

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The Capitols

Died On This Date (March 16, 2005) Jakson Spires / Blackfoot

Jakson Spires
DOB Unknown – March 16, 2005

jakson-spiresJakson Spires was the founding drummer for Southern rock’s Blackfoot.  Formed in 1970, the band had a handful of hit albums during the late ’70s and early ’80s.  Blackfoot went from being the house band at a Gainesville, Florida topless bar in 1970 to opening for the Who in 1979.  Spires either wrote or co-wrote almost every song in the band’s catalog, including hits, “Highway Song” and “Fly Away.”  As a session player, he recorded with the likes of Phil Lynott and Willie Dixon.  Jackson Spires died of a brain aneurysm on March 16, 2005.

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Strikes - Blackfoot

Died On This Date (March 16, 1975) T-Bone Walker / Blues Icon

Aaron “T-Bone” Walker
May 28, 1910 – March 16, 1975

T-Bone Walker was a highly influential Texas blues guitarist, songwriter and singer.  His electrifying blues solos laid the foundation for such future disciples as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Billy Gibbons, Chuck Berry, and Jimi Hendrix.  Walker learned to play the guitar while in his teens, getting a helping hand from family friend, Blind Lemon Jefferson.  He moved to Los Angeles and began making records in 1929.  He soon became a popular draw along the city’s fabled Central Avenue jazz scene.  He made several albums through the early ’70s, with his 1971 release, Good Feelin’ earning him his only Grammy.  Health issues dogged Walker during his later years which no doubt, lead to a stroke in 1974. In March of 1975, T-Bone Walker suffered a second stroke and ultimately died of bronchial pneumonia on March 16, 1975. He was 64 years old.

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Complete Imperial Recordings, 1950-1954 - T-Bone Walker

Died On This Date (March 16, 2008) Daniel MacMaster / Bonham

Daniel MacMaster
July 11, 1968 – March 16, 2008

Daniel MacMaster was a Canadian born singer who is best remembered as the voice of Bonham, the popular ’90s rock band that was founded by Jason Bonham, the son of Led Zeppelin drummer, John Bonham.  Formed in 1989, the band released its debut album, The Disregard of Time Keeping the following year.  That release quickly went gold.   They released one more album before calling it quits in 1992 but then reunited in later years.  MacMaster released a solo album in 2005 and was working on another project at the time of his death.  On March 16, 2008, 39-year-old Daniel MacMaster died of Group A streptococcal infection.

Thanks to Craig Rosen of Number1Albums for the assist.

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Bonham