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.
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Mario Lanza was an American tenor vocalist and actor who was a household name during the ’40s and ’50s. He was arguably the biggest opera draw of his generation as well as a direct influence on 