Singer

Died On This Date (February 28, 1985) David Byron / Uriah Heep

David Byron (Born David Garrick)
January 29, 1947 – February 28, 1985

David Byron is best remembered as the original lead singer of Uriah Heep, a popular British rock band during the early ’70s.  He fronted the band from its inception in 1969 until 1976.  He helped propel the band to super-stardom with his  impressive vocal range and charismatic stage presence.  Songs like “Easy Livin” have become staples of classic rock radio.  In 1976, Byron and Uriah Heep parted ways.  His attempts to match his early acclaim with the formation of other bands and solo projects proved unsuccessful.   In 1980, he refused a request to reunite with Uriah Heep.  David Byron was 38 when he died of epilepsy and a liver condition that was reportedly a result of excessive alcohol consumption.

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Demons and Wizards - Uriah Heep

Died On This Date (February 28, 1974) Bobby Bloom / One Hit Wonder With “Montego Bay”

Bobby Bloom
1946 – February 28, 1974

bobby-bloomBobby Bloom was a singer, songwriter and musician who scored a big pop hit with “Montego Bay” in 1970.  The song reached #8 in the U.S. and #3 in the U.K.  As a songwriter, Bloom co-penned the Bobbie Gentry and Billy Idol hit, “Mony Mony,” as well as “Sunshine,” a hit for the Archies.  On February 28, 1974, Bloom was accidentally shot and killed during an altercation over a woman.  His assailant was never caught.



Died On This Date (February 27, 2010) Larry Cassidy / Lead Singer of Section 25

Larry Cassidy
1953 – February 27, 2010

larry-cassidyLarry Cassidy was the front man of influential post punk band, Section 25.  Formed with his brother in 1978, Section 25 quickly signed with legendary Manchester, England label, Factory Records.  Along with such label mates as Joy Division and New Order, the group provided the blue print for future generations of techno and electronic acts.  Section 25’s first single, “Girls Don’t Count” was produced by Ian Curtis of Joy Division.    The band released three albums before calling it quits in 1986.  Those records spawned such popular singles as “Crazy Wisdom,” and their biggest hit, 1984’s “Looking From a Hilltop.”      Factory released a fourth Section 25 album in 1988.  After the group’s break up, Cassidy, who was married to band mate, Jenny Ross, went to school to become a teacher.   They reformed Section 25 in 2001, but tragedy struck with Ross died of cancer in 2004.  Cassidy soldiered on and continued to release music with the band.  On February 27, 2010, while working on a release of re-mixes, Larry Cassidy died at the age of 56.  Cause of not was not initially released.

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From the Hip (Remastered) - Section 25

Died On This Date (February 26, 2008) Buddy Miles / Played Drums For Jimi Hendrix

Buddy Miles
September 5, 1947 – Februay 26, 2008
buddy-miles

Buddy Miles was 60 years old when, on February 26, 2008, he died from congestive heart failure. Miles was the great drummer behind Jimi Hendrix’s Band of Gypsys. Prior to that he spent his teens playing in such bands as the Ink Spots, the Delfonics and with Wilson Pickett. In the mid-’80s, Miles was introduced to a whole new generation as the voice of The California Raisins in the popular ad campaign. It is his voice that was heard singing “I Heard It Through The Grapevine.” His drums could be heard throughout his career behind the likes of Carlos Santana, Cheech & Chong and even Phish.  He also released several mind-blowing albums of his own throughout the years.  Mitch Mitchell, drummer for Jimi Hendrix Experience was found dead in a hotel room on November 12, 2008.

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Died On This Date (February 26, 1977) Bukka White / Blues Legend

Booker “Bukka” White
November 12, 1909 – February 26, 1977

bukka-whiteBukka White was an influential Delta blues singer, songwriter and guitarist.  He began making records in 1930, and about a decade later, he recorded for noted folklorist, Alan Lomax.  During the mid ’60s, White enjoyed a career renaissance thanks, in part, to Bob Dylan who covered his “Fixin’ to Die Blues.”  It was around that time that he also got a helping hand from John Fahey who “rediscovered” him just in time to take advantage of the folk and blues revival of the period.  Bukka White was 70 years old when he died of cancer on February 26, 1977.

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Bukka White