Died On This Date (June 25, 1987) Boudleaux Bryant / Wrote Many Pop Hits
themusicsover Boudleaux Bryant
February 13, 1920 – June 25, 1987
Along with his wife, Felice, Boudleaux Bryant wrote such early pop hits as “Bye Bye Love,” “Rocky Top,” and “All I Have To Do Is Dream,” the last two being big hits for the Everly Brothers. The future Mr. & Mrs. Boudleaux met in 1945 and so began a successful songwriting partnership (and marriage) that would last some forty years. During that time, they wrote songs for a virtual who’s who of popular music. That list includes Tony Bennett, the Grateful Dead, Dean Martin, Ray Charles, Nazareth, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Elvis Costello, Simon & Garfunkel, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly and Sarah Vaughan. Together they penned over 1500 recorded songs which obviously landed them into several songwriter halls of fame. Boudleaux Bryant passed away from natural causes on June 25, 1987
Johnny Mercer was a popular songwriter whose many songs made stars out of their singers during the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s. He gave us such standards as “Days Of Wine And Roses,” “P.S. I Love You,” “Jeepers Creepers,” “Day In, Day Out,” and “Hooray For Hollywood” to name just a few. Mercer moved to Hollywood in 1935 and became one if the most in-demand songwriters in film. In 1942 he along with Buddy DeSylva and Glen Wallichs started Capitol Records where I used to work. In 1975, Mercer learned he had an inoperable brain tumor which lead to his death on June 25, 1976.
Tim Krekel was perhaps best known as part of Jimmy Buffett’s band for nearly ten years. Both on tour and on record, Krekel contributed to Buffett’s success, particularly on his Son Of A Son Of A Sailor. Over the years, Krekel also toured with 
Peter Laughner was a founding guitarist for Cleveland cult faves, Pere Ubu. Helping form the band in 1975, Laughner and company are considered to be one of the foundations of Cleveland’s alternative rock scene. His tenure with the band didn’t last long due to his struggles with drug addiction. Laughner was also a contributor to the legendary Creem magazine. He died of pancreatic at the age of 24.
