Billy Brown
July 22, 1929 – January 10, 2009
Billy Brown was an American rockabilly guitarist and singer who launched his career upon his return from the Korean War. Brown released a handful of singles before he was signed by Columbia Records in 1957. A young Jerry Reed played on a few of those early Columbia recordings. None of his releases sold particularly well. Billy Brown was 79 when he passed away on January 10, 2009.
Kenny Pickett
September 3, 1947 – January 10, 1997
Kenny Pickett was the lead singer of British mod band, the Creation. With a sound and style similar to the Kinks and the Who, many have wondered why they were never more popular. They had solid songwriting, a great vocalist and a guitarist who Pete Townshend once asked to join the Who. At one point Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones was in the band. Their “Making Time” is one of the greatest rock songs of the era. Although they never really caught on in the UK or the US, they were pretty popular in Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. And the great independent label, Creation Records is said to be named after them. Pickett suffered a fatal heart attack on January 10, 1997.
Jerome “Butch” Baldassari
1952 – January 10, 2009
Butch Baldassari was a respected mandolin player and educator. Over the course of his career, he formed two superb groups, Weary Hearts and the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble with whom he released a handful of albums. He also played in bluegrass perennial favorites, Lonesome Standard Time from time to time. In later years, worked as an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Butch Baldassari was 56 when he died of a brain tumor on January 10, 2009.
Thanks to Craig Rosen from Number 1 Albums for the assist.
Dannie Flesher
DOB Unknown – January 10, 2010
Dannie Flesher was the co-founder of Wax Trax Records, the storied Chicago record store and label during the ’80s and ’90s. Flesher and partner, Jim Nash first opened the store in Denver, but moved it to Chicago in 1978. The store specialized in punk and electronica, and usually stocked the most sought-after import releases. The store became a local mecca for young punks and hip college kids. Flesher and Nash eventually launched the Wax Trax record label, home to such industrial acts as KMFDM, Ministry, and Front 42. Unfortunately, Flesher and Nash never felt the need to sign contracts with their artists, so as would be expected, the successful ones ended up being courted away by major labels. The label went bankrupt in 1992 and was purchased by TVT Records. Dannie Flesher retired from the music business in 2005 and died of pneumonia on January 10, 2010. He was 58 .
Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number 1 Albums for the assist.
Elbert “Sonny” Forriest
May 21, 1934 – January 10, 1999
Sonny Forriest was an R&B and rock ‘n roll electric guitarist best remembered for his playing on records by the Coasters. He played on such hits as “Besame Mucho,” “Wake Me Shake Me,” and “Thumbin’ A Ride.” He also did studio work for the likes of Hank Crawford and Ray Charles. Sonny Forriest passed away on January 10, 1999.
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