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Died On This Date (January 9, 2015) Popsy Dixon / The Holmes Brothers

themusicsover January 9, 2015 3 Comments

Willie “Popsy” Dixon
July 26, 1942 – January 9, 2015

popsy-dixon Popsy Dixon was the drummer and harmony vocalist for American Soul/Gospel/Blues group, the Holmes Brothers. Formed in 1978, the trio built a legion of loyal followers thanks to their heavenly harmonies and overall sound that was once described by the New York Times as “deeply soulful, uplifting and timeless.” It was Dixon’s impeccable drumming and beautiful falsetto that made the group complete. Formed in Christchurch, Virginia, the Holmes Brothers moved to Harlem during the ’80s to try their luck in the city’s blues clubs. They signed their first record deal in 1989 and went on to release 12 albums, including three that landed in the top five of the Billboard Blues Album charts. The list of artists they recorded with includes Joan Osborne, Willie Nelson, Peter Gabriel, and Van Morrison. In 2014, they received an National Endowment For The Arts National Heritage Fellowship. Popsy Dixon was 72 when he died of liver cancer on January 9, 2014.

What You Should Own

Gospel Musician Singer Songwriter

Died On This Date (January 8, 2015) Andrae Crouch / The Father of Modern Gospel Music

themusicsover January 8, 2015 1 Comment

Andrae Crouch
July 1, 1942 – January 8, 2015

andrae-crouch Andrae Crouch was a Gospel music pioneer in that he almost single-handedly crossed it over to the mainstream over the course of his career. Crouch took to music at an early age, and had already written his first Gospel song by the time he was 14. In 1960, he formed his first group, the Church of God in Christ Singers, that also counted Billy Preston as a member. That lead to the Disciples which lasted until 1979, when Crouch went on to his successful solo career. His best known songs are “My Tribute (To God Be the Glory),” “Soon and Very Soon,” and “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power.” Over the years, Crouch collaborated with the likes of Elton John, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Madonna (to name just a few). He also contributed original music to several films and television shows, most notably, The Lion King and The Color Purple, for which he earned an Academy Award nomination. Throughout a career that spanned nearly 50 years, he won seven Grammys, four Dove Awards, and numerous other accolades. Andrae Crouch was 72 when he died on January 8, 2015 while in the hospital after suffering a heart attack five days earlier.

Thanks to Harold Lepidus at Bob Dylan Examiner for the tip.

What You Should Own

Country Musician Singer

Died On This Date (January 2, 2015) Little Jimmy Dickens / Country Music Legend

themusicsover January 2, 2015 No Comments

James Dickens
December 19, 1920 – January 2, 2015

Little-Jimmy-Dickens Little Jimmy Dickens was a much-beloved American country music singer whose career spanned an astonishing 78 years. At the time of his passing, he was the oldest member of the Grand Ole Opry, which he joined in 1948. Launching his career during the late ’30s, Dickens initially performed at a local radio station while attending West Virginia University, but decided to quit school in order to focus on his career. He went on to tour the U.S. playing at various radio stations until he caught the ear of Roy Acuff who helped him get a deal with Columbia Records while introducing him to the folks at the Grand Ole Opry who quickly welcomed him into the family. Dickens scored his first Top 10 country hit in 1954 and then landed his second in 1962. Two years later, he became the first country music act to tour the world. In 1965, already a popular draw on television and across North America, Dickens landed his first #1 country hit with “May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose.” The novelty song also crossed over to the pop charts and became Dickens’ signature song. Even though he recorded his last album in 1969 (and single in 1978), Dickens continued to remain relevant through the rest of his career by making appearances on the Opry stage and guesting in music videos by the likes of Brad Paisley. Little Jimmy Dickens was 94 when he died of cardiac arrest on January 2, 2015.

What You Should Own

Jazz Musician Rock

Died On This Date (January 1, 2015) Jeff Golub / Guitar Great

themusicsover January 1, 2015 1 Comment

Jeff Golub
April 15, 1955 – January 1, 2015

Jeff Golub was an American guitarist who was as adept at jazz as he was at rock and the blues. During a career that spanned more than 30 years, Golub released over a dozen contemporary jazz albums while earning a reputation as one of rock music’s most in-demand session players. He is perhaps best remembered for his years playing on records by and touring with both Billy Squier and David Bowie. The list of artists on whose albums Golub performed also includes John Waite, Dave Koz, Kirk Whalum, Joe Lynn Turner, and Tina Turner. In November of 2014, Golub learned that he was suffering from progressive supranuclear palsy which ultimately took his life on January 1, 2015. He was 59.