Died On This Date (March 15, 1929) Pinetop Smith / Influential Blues Pianist
themusicsover Clarence “Pinetop” Smith
June 11, 1904 – March 15, 1929
Pinetop Smith was a blues pianist who blazed the trail for boogie-woogie players to follow. He launched his career around 1920 when he found work as part of a traveling vaudeville act with whom he sang, told jokes, and played the piano. It was during this time that he also played for Ma Rainey on occasion. In 1928, Smith made his first record, “Pine Top’s Boogie Woogie” which was one of the first boogie woogie hits. He was reportedly the first to use the phrase “shake that thing” on record. On the eve of his second recording, 24-year-old Pinetop Smith was shot and killed by an unknown assailant and for reasons never known. Since his death, Smith has been noted as an influence on the likes of Tommy Dorsey, Ray Charles, and of course, Pinetop Perkins.
There isn’t enough room here to list the world-class artists who have recorded or covered songs written by the great Doc Pomus. From 
Alan W. Livingston was the executive with Capitol Records who played a significant role in bringing two future pop culture icons to the world. First in 1946, he created the character, Bozo The Clown for a series of children’s records and sing-along books. It was his first duty at the fledgling company and it was the very first such learning tool for children. He has been credited for building the company from its $6 million a year beginnings into one of the industry’s powerhouses taking in over $100 million a year. When he was president during the ’60s, he led the company down a the path of rock ‘n roll by signing the likes of the Beach Boys, the Band, and his most celebrated “discovery,” the Beatles. Alan Livingston was 91 when he passed away on March 13, 2009.
Bill Bolick and his brother 
Jean Ferrat was a French singer songwriter who first achieved success throughout the French-speaking world during the 1960s. He has been called “The French Bob Dylan” due to his thought-provoking lyrics. Throughout his long career, he released nearly two dozen albums with his 1963 release, Nuit et Brouillard, earning him a coveted Grand Prix du Disque. His songs have been recorded by many French entertainers as well. Jean Ferrat passed away on March 13, 2010 following a lengthy illness. He was 79.