Died On This Date (December 31, 1997) Floyd Cramer / Country Great
themusicsover Floyd Cramer
October 27, 1933 – December 31, 1997
Floyd Cramer was a legendary country pianist who is considered one of the foundations of the “Nashville Sound.” Cramer got his start in music in 1953 when he recorded his first record, “Dancin’ Diane” which lead to a tour with a then unknown Elvis Presley. In 1955, Cramer moved to Nashville and became one of the city’s busiest session players. He soon found himself playing on records by Presley, Brenda Lee, Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves and Roy Orbison, to name a few. Cramer released several albums on his own as well. From those came such hits as “Last Date,” “San Antonio Rose,” and “On The Rebound.” Floyd Cramer was 67 when he died of lung cancer on December 31, 1997.
What You Should Own
Leigh Bowery was a popular Australian performance artist, actor, model and pop star whose influence was felt in the ’80s and ’90s London and New York City. After graduating from high school, Bowery moved to London where he began building a following due to his dance and music performances as well as his outlandish costumes. In 1985, Bowery launched his weekly disco club night called Taboo, which quickly became London’s answer to Studio 54. It was also very influential to the city’s fashion scene until it closed in 1987. In 1993, Bowery formed the band, Minty who scored a minor hit in the Netherlands, but failed to ignite much excitement beyond the controversy surrounding the theatrics of their shock-horror laden concerts. Bowery is said to have influenced the likes of Boy George, Antony Hegarty of Antony and the Johnsons, and the Scissor Sisters. On New Year’s Eve of 1994, Leigh Bowery died of AIDS related conditions. He was 33 years old.
Earl Gaines was a Nashville soul singing legend who is best remembered for his lead vocals on the 1955 hit, “It’s Love Baby (24 Hours a Day)” for Louis Brooks & His Hi-Toppers. In later years, Gaines scored R&B hits of his own with “Hymn Number 5” and “The Best of Luck to You.” He retired from the business in 1975 but made a welcome comeback in the early ’90s. Earl Gaines was 74 when he passed away on December 31, 2009.
