Died On This Date (July 21, 2005) Long John Baldry / British Blues Great
themusicsover John Baldry
January 12, 1941 – July 21, 2005
Long John Baldry was an English born blues singer who played a pivotal role in the British blues rock scene of the 1960s. A towering presence at 6′-7”, Baldry was nicknamed Long John and had a booming voice to go with it. He was one of the first British singers of note to perform in blues clubs. As part of Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated during the early ’60s, Baldry sang on the first ever British blues album, R&B From The Marquee. During those early years, Baldry performed with a who’s who of future rock superstars including Rod Stewart, Jack Bruce, Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards. In fact, it is Baldry voice you hear introducing the Rolling Stones on their album Got Live If You Want It. In 1967, Baldry released the single, “Let The Heartaches Begin” which shot to #1 on the UK charts. Not long after, he found himself consoling a distraught Elton John (with whom he performed in Bluesology) who had tried to commit suicide after a failed relationship with a woman. Baldry, who was openly gay, talked John out of marrying the woman and helped him come to terms with his sexuality. John returned the favor by writing one of his beloved songs, “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” about Baldry. Baldry eventually migrated to and became a citizen of Canada where he continued to make records and launched a lucrative career as a voice-over actor. His final album, 1997’s Right To Sing The Blues earned the Juno Award for Best Blues Album. But his voice could still be heard in animated features until 2003. Long John Baldry died of a lung infection on July 21, 2005. He was 64.
What You Should Own
Khia Edgerton, aka DJ K-Swift was a popular Baltimore area DJ. She died after fracturing her neck in what was ruled a swimming accident when she dived into her backyard pool. Edgerton first interned at local radio station 92Q, while in college, and soon went to work for them full time. In 1998, she began co-hosting a program which became Baltimore’s highest rated radio show. Edgerton was also a popular draw at the local clubs and owned her own label, graphics company and management company. She was 27 when she died.
Roy Hamilton was a popular and influential R&B singer in the ’50s. A former heavy weight Golden Gloves boxer, Hamilton began his musical career as part of the gospel group, the Searchlight Singers in the late ’40s. Over the course of his career as a solo artist, Hamilton scored several Top 15 hits including, “Unchained Melody,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and “Don’t Let Go.” He is said to have been a direct influence on the Righteous Brothers and 
Artie Traum, was an award winning guitarist who has recorded with the likes of the Band, David Grisman, 
Andy Hummel was an American bassist who is best remembered as a founding member of Big Star. Formed with 