Died On Ths Date (April 14, 2013) George Jackson / Southern Soul Great
themusicsover George Jackson
1936 – April 14, 2013
George Jackson was an American southern soul singer and songwriter who penned a number of songs that became major hits throughout the ’70s and ’80s. Born in Greenville, Mississippi, Jackson eventually settled in Memphis where he wrote songs for such studios and labels as FAME, Goldwax, Muscle Shoals, Malaco and Hi Records. Over the years, Jackson released numerous records but none achieved the popularity of song of his that were recorded by others. In 1970, the Osmonds recorded his “One Bad Apple,” which ultimately topped the pop charts. And Bob Seger had a huge hit with “Old Time Rock And Roll” thanks in part to Tom Cruise’s iconic dance scene to it in the 1983 film, Risky Business. The song, co-written with Thomas Jones III, has since become a Classic Rock staple. Jackson’s “The Only Way Is Up” as performed by Yazz and Coldcut topped the US dance charts and UK charts in 1988. Others who have recorded his include Otis Clay, James Brown, Ike & Tina Turner, Z.Z. Hill, and Clarence Carter. George Jackson died of cancer on April 14, 2013. He was 68.
Thanks to Tom Ashburn of The Dark End Of The Street on KOOP 91.7FM for the assist.
What You Should Own
Annette Funicello was an American child actress who parlayed her popularity as one of the Mouseketeers on the original Mickey Mouse Club into a lifelong career in film, television and pop music. Trained in dance and music at an early age, Funicello was discovered by Walt Disney when she was 12 years old. She was one of a very few to have been selected by Disney himself. After the first show’s first season, she reportedly received over 6000 pieces of fan mail per month. After graduating from Disney, Funicello became a teen idol, starring with Frankie Avalon in popular beach movies like Beach Blanket Bingo, Beach Party, How To Stuff A Wild Bikini, and Muscle Beach Party. Throughout her career, she scored charting hits with “Tall Paul” (#7), “Pineapple Princess” (#11), “First Name Initial” (#20), and many more. In 1987, Funicello and Avalon reunited for Back To The Beach, a parody of their earlier beach movies. They also toured the U.S. singing their hits. In 1992, she revealed that she was suffering from Multiple Sclerosis to discount rumors that she was battling alcoholism. Annette Funicello ultimately died as a result of MS on April 8, 2013. She was 70.
Larry Robinson was a beloved San Diego-area singer-songwriter who, over the course of his career, released six albums, three of which as a member of the Dorados during the ’90s. Americana in vein, Robinson’s songs spoke of a California that unfortunately, many are too young to have known. During the ’60s, he played in the band, Things To Come who once shared the Whiskey A Go-Go stage with the Byrds. On March 22, 3013, 64-year-old Larry Robinson was bound and severely beaten during a robbery of Pete’s Music Store where he worked part-time in Temecula, California. He died of his injuries the next day . His assailant or assailants remained unidentified in the weeks following his death.
Bobby Smith, or as he sometimes went by, Bobbie Smith, was the lead singer of the Spinners since their inception in 1954. Born and raised in Ferndale, Michigan, Smith joined the group while they were still known as the Domingoes. They eventually changed their name to the Spinners based on a suggestion by Smith who, as a car buff, liked the use of the word for high-end hub caps. By 1961, the group was signed to 