Died On This Date (October 27, 2011) David Rea / Influential Folk Singer-Songwriter
themusicsover David Rea
October 26, 1946 – October 27, 2011
David Rea was folk singer, songwriter, and guitarist who, although he was born in Ohio, became a longtime fixture of the Canadian folk scene. Over a career that spanned four decades, Rea collaborated with the likes of Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Judy Collins, Skip James, Mississippi John Hurt, Tom Rush, and perhaps most famously, Ian & Sylvia, and Gordon Lightfoot. He can be heard on Lightfoot’s debut album as well as tapes from his early shows. For Ian & Sylvia, Rea played on So Much For Dreaming, Nashville, and Full Circle. The duo recorded a handful of Rea’s songs as well. As a songwriter, Rea’s biggest hit came with Mountain’s “Mississippi Queen” which he co-wrote with Leslie West, Felix Pappalardi, and Corky Laing. He recorded several respectable albums of his own over the years as well. As reported by Spinner, 66-year-old David Rea passed away on October 27, 2011. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Thanks to Scott Miller for the assist.
Taz DiGregorio is perhaps best remembered as the keyboardist for the iconic country southern rock outfit, the Charlie Daniels Band. A member of the internationally famous group for over 40 years, DiGregorio also handled backing vocals and co-wrote many of the band’s hits, including “Simple Man,” “The Legend Of Wooley Swamp,” and their signature song, “The Devil Went Down To Georgia.” As reported by 
Kim Brown was a British guitarist and singer who fronted the ’60s Finnish rock band, the Renegades. The band released several albums that sold very well throughout Sweden and beyond. Their hits included “Matelot,” “Cadillac,” and “Thirteen.” In the mid ’70s, Brown formed an oldies band, Kim & the Cadillacs who also found popularity thanks in part to the nostalgia craze ushered in by Grease and Happy Days. Brown reunited the Renegades during the ’90s. Kim Brown died of esophageal cancer on October 11, 2011. He was 66.