Died On This Date (July 28, 2010) John Aylesworth / Co-Created “Hee Haw”

John Aylesworth
DOB Unknown – July 28, 2010

John Aylesworth was a television writer and producer who’s biggest mark on popular music came with the hit country music infused program, Hee Haw.  Aylesworth moved from Canada to the U.S. in the late ’50s and quickly found himself as a writer for the popular music program, Your Hit Parade.   He went on to write for other music programs like Hullabaloo and specials for Frank Sinatra, Perry Como and Judy Garland, to name a few.  During the late ’60s, Aylesworth and partner, Frank Peppiatt developed a show that married the best elements of Laugh-In to those of The Beverly Hillbillies, and Hee Haw was born.   The show, hosted by Buck Owens and Roy Clark,went on to become one of the most popular programs for many years thanks to its down home humor and weekly performances by the biggest names in country music.   John Aylesworth was 81 when he died from complications of pneumonia on July 28, 2010.



Died On This Date (July 28, 1995) Eddie Hinton / Muscle Shoals Guitarist

Eddie Hinton
June 15, 1944 – July 28, 1995

Eddie Hinton was one of those great unknowns. As a session guitarist within the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Rhythm Section, his brilliance can be heard on hits by the likes of Wilson Pickett, Arthur Conley, Aretha Franklin, Joe Tex, Solomon Burke, Percy Sledge, The Staple Singers, The Dells, Johnnie Taylor, Elvis Presley, the Box Tops, Boz Scaggs, and Otis Redding. And as a songwriter, he penned a few hits as well, including “Breakfast In Bed” which has been recorded by the Pretenders, Dusty Springfield and UB40. During the early ’80s however, Hinton’s career and personal life took a drastic turn for the worse, at one point, leading him to a life on the streets. But with the help of friends, he was able to rebound and get back to doing what he did best – writing, recording and touring. Things were going pretty smooth for Hinton until July of 1995. He had just come of the road and was finishing up a new album when he suffered a fatal heart attack on July 28. He was 51.

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Eddie Hinton

Died On This Date (July 28, 2008) Papa Wendo / Father of Congolese Rumba

Papa Wendo (Born Antoine Kolosoy)
April 25, 1925 – July 28, 2008

“Papa” Wendo Kolosoy was a Congolese musician who successfully blended cha-cha, rumba, and tango, endearing him to world music fans around the globe.  He was affectionately called the “Father of Congolese Music.”  Kolosoy began singing when he was in his early teens working as a sailor along the Congo River – he used his talents to entertain the other passengers.  By the mid ’50s he was one of the most popular Congolese musicians throughout Africa and beyond.  In 1965, Kolosoy began a long hiatus claiming his dislike at politicians using music and musicians to advance their agendas.    Kolosoy returned to music in 1997 after a change in political power in the Congo.  Papa Wendo passed away on July 28, 2008 at the age of 83.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at  Number 1 Albums for the assist.

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Marie Louise - Wendo Kolosoy

Died On This Date (July 27, 2009) George Russell / Respected Modern Jazz Musician

George Russell
June 23, 1923 – July 27, 2009

georgeGeorge Russell was just seven years old when he walked on a stage for the first time and sang “Moon Over Miami” with Fats Waller.  Growing up to be a respected musician and theorist, he is said to have influenced Miles Davis and John Coltrane.  Throughout his career, he’s played with the likes of Benny Carter, Bill Evans, Art Pepper and Eric Dolphy.  Russell died of Alzheimer’s Disease at the age of 86.

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Ezz-thetics (Keepnews Collection) [Bonus Track Version] - George Russell

Died On This Date (July 27, 2008) Graeme Crallan / White Spirit; Tank

Graeme Crallan
1958 – July 27, 2008

Grame Crallan on left

Graeme Crallan was a British heavy metal drummer who first came to prominence during the New Wave of British Metal of the mid ’70s. In 1975, he and future Iron Maiden guitarist, Janick Gers formed White Spirit who released one Deep Purple influenced album in 1980.  They parted ways about a year later.  A few years later, Crallan joined another metal band, the more aggressive Tank who’s fate was not much different from that of White Spirit’s.  Graeme Crallan died of head injuries he sustained when he collapsed and fell while walking along a London street.  The cause of his collapse is unknown.

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Tank