Died On This Date (August 4, 2012) Johnnie Bassett / Detroit Blues Great
themusicsover Johnnie Bassett
October 9, 1935 – August 4, 2012
Johnnie Bassett was an American electric blues guitarist, singer and songwriter who, over the course of a career that spanned some 60 years, worked as a band leader as well as an in-demand session player for many of music’s biggest names. The list of those that the self-taught guitarist played with includes B.B.King, T-Bone Walker, John Lee Hooker, Smokey Robinson, and Ruth Brown. After moving from Florida to Detroit during the mid ’40s, Bassett began making a name for himself at area talent shows and backing local singers. After a stint in the Army, he found work back in Detroit as a session player for the great Fortune Records and later, Chess Records. It was while at Chess that Barrett played on The Miracles’ first single, 1958’s “Get A Job.” He eventually found himself in Seattle where he played with Ike & Tina Turner and Little Willie John. He also ran with a young local up-and-coming guitarist by the name of Jimi Hendrix. Bassett landed back in Detroit where, during the mid ’90s, he began releasing his own albums. His last album was the excellent I Can Make That Happen, released just a few weeks before he passed away. Johnnie Bassett died of cancer on August 4, 2012. He was 76.
Thanks to Harold Lepidus for the assist.
What You Should Own
Tony Sly is best remembered as the longtime front man of San Jose, California punk band, No Use For A Name. Formed in 1987, NUFAN welcomed Sly into the fold in 1989. What started out as a hardcore band soon grew into a more melodic skate punk outfit as their fan base grew. With albums like The Daily Grind, Leche Con Carne, and Making Friends on the respected independent label, Fat Wreck Chords, the band built a loyal legion of fans the world over. In 2004, Sly released a split acoustic album with label mate and Lagwagon lead singer, Joey Cape. At least one review of the album referred to duo as punk rock’s Simon and Garfunkel. In 2008, Sly toured as a solo folk punk act and followed that two years later with 12 Song Program. That lead to another solo album in 2010. What would ultimately be his final album with No Use For A Name was 2008’s The Feel Good Album Of The Year. Tony Sly was 41 when he passed away on August 1, 2012. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Bill Doss is perhaps best remembered as a co-founder of the popular Louisiana indie-rock band, Olivia Tremor Control. He also helped form the Elephant 6 Recording Company, or Elephant 6, an indie rock supergroup of sorts which also included members of Neutral Milk Hotel, the Apples In Stereo, Beulah, Elf Power, of Montreal, and Circulatory System. Formed in 1992, Olivia Tremor Control released several critically acclaimed albums, EPs, and singles and performed at such popular music fests as All Tomorrow’s Parties and the Pitchfork Music Festival. In later years, Doss played with the Sunshine Fix and produced other bands in his own studio. He also played keyboards on the road for the Apples In Stereo since 2006, and can be heard on their New Magnetic Wonder and Travellers In Space And Time albums. The latter lists him as a member of the band. Bill Doss was 44 when he passed away on July 30, 2012. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Larry Hoppen was the founding guitarist and singer for Orleans, a popular soft rock band that formed in Woodstock, New York in 1972. The band is best remembered for their ’70s pop hits, “Still the One” and “Dance With Me.” As early as 1977, “Still the One” has been played on numerous television shows and films. Throughout their early years, Orleans were a popular opening act for the likes of Jackson Browne, Little Feat and Melissa Manchester. Hoppen was beloved by fans for his beautiful tenor voice, and was the only original member to stay with the group until his passing. Their last album with him was 2008’s Obscurities. Hoppen released two solo albums as well, HandMade and Looking For The Light. Larry Hoppen was 61 when he passed away on July 24, 2012. Cause of death was not immediately released.