Died On This Date (June 29, 1964) Eric Dolphy / Jazz Legend
themusicsover Eric Dolphy
June 20, 1928 – June 29, 1964
Eric Dolphy was a jazz saxophonist who is considered a major influence on the world of free jazz and avant garde improvisation as well. He was also one the earliest flute and bass clarinet soloists of any importance. Over his short career, Dolphy performed or recorded with such greats as John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and Max Roach. When Eric Dolphy died suddenly at the age of 36, it was assumed that he followed the same fate as so many jazz artists of the day, but instead of his being a drug related death, Dolphy’s was attributed to diabetic shock.
What You Should Own
George McCorkle is perhaps best remembered as a founding guitarist for popular American rock band, the Marshall Tucker Band. Formed in 1972, the group found tremendous success with such albums as Searchin’ For A Rainbow, Together Forever, and their platinum seller, Carolina Dreams. Their sound – equal parts rock, country, R&B, gospel, and jazz – helped define the ’70s rock era and laid the foundation for what would become called Southern rock. Besides his instantly recognizable guitar work in the band, McCorkle’s biggest contribution came by way of his “Fire On The Mountain,” which became their first top 40 hit. After leaving the Marshall Tucker Band in 1984, McCorkle worked as a songwriter and released his own album in 1999. George McCorkle was 59 died of cancer on June 29, 2007.
Queen Jane was a Kandara-born benga singer. She launched her career in 1984, and by 1991, she had her own band, Queenja Les Les and had released her debut album, Ndorogonye, on which she sang in Kikyuyu language. Her mostly socially and politically directed songs became very popular throughout Africa and beyond over the next several years. Queen Jane died of complications from meningitis on June 29, 2010.