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Died On This Date (March 1, 2013) Jewel Akens / Had Pop Hit With “The Birds And The Bees”

themusicsover March 1, 2013 1 Comment

Jewel Akens
September 12, 1933 – March 1, 2013

jewel-akens Jewel Akens was an American singer who is best remembered for his 1965 hit, “The Birds and the Bees” which is often included in so-called one-hit-wonder lists. Born in Houston, Texas, initially recorded with doo-wop groups, the Medallions and the Four Dots. After going solo, Akens recorded “The Birds and the Bees” for Era Records. The single ultimately reached #3 on the Billboard charts, #3 on the Australian charts, and #29 on the UK charts on its way to selling over one million copies. He released several more records – many with Eddie Cochran on guitar – but none achieved near the success brought on by “The Birds And The Bees.” Akens toured and later made special appearances throughout most of his life, even touring with the Monkees during the ’70s. Jewel Akens died from complications of a back surgery on March 1, 2013. He was 79.

Thanks to Henk de Bruin for the assist.

R&B Singer

Died On This Date (February 27, 2013) Richard Street / The Temptations

themusicsover February 27, 2013 1 Comment

Richard Street
October 5, 1942 – February 27, 2013

richard-street Richard Street is best remembered for his 20-year tenure with legendary Motown group, the Temptations. Born in Detroit, Michigan, the first group of note that Street sang with was the Distants along with future Temptations, Otis Williams, Al Bryant, and Melvin Franklin. After the Distants disbanded, Street joined another Motown singing group, the Monitors who scored a minor hit with “Greetings (This Is Uncle Sam)” in 1966. During the late ’60s, Street was invited to travel with the Temptations and sing for Paul Williams from backstage. Williams was battling health issues at the time and couldn’t quite hit the notes, so he basically lip-synched and danced on stage. Street ultimately replaced Williams in 1971 after Williams and Eddie Kendricks left the group. Street’s lead vocals can be heard on such Temptations classics as “Papa Was A Rolling Stone,” “Hey Girl (I Like Your Style),” and “Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are).” After leaving the Temptations in 1993, Street performed and recorded as a solo act. He enjoyed a successful career up until the time of his death. On February 27, 2013, Richard Street died as a result of a pulmonary embolism. He was 70. Fellow Temptation, Damon Harris died just nine days earlier.

Thanks to Henk de Bruin for the assist.

What You Should Own

Musician Rock Southern Rock

Died On This Date (February 25, 2013) Dangerous Dan Toler / The Allman Brothers

themusicsover February 25, 2013 No Comments

Dan Toler
1948 – February 25, 2013

Dan Toler was an American guitarist who is perhaps best known for his years playing with the Allman Brothers Band. Born in Indiana, Toler took up the guitar at a young age. During the ’70s, he took up residence in Dickey Betts & Great Southern. He played with Betts on his third album, Atlanta’s Burning Down. The following year, he and Betts joined the Allman Brothers where he played on their “comeback” album, Enlightened Rogues, as well as Reach for the Sky and Brothers of the Road. In later years, he played in the Gregg Allman Band, the Townsend Toler Band (with John Townsend), and the Renegades of Southern Rock. Dan Toler was 65 when he died of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s Disease on February 25, 2013.

Thanks to Ben Anderson for the assist.

What You Should Own

27 Club Hip Hop Rap Singer

Died On This Date (February 21, 2013) Kenny Clutch / Oakland Rapper

themusicsover February 21, 2013 1 Comment

Kenny Clutch (Born Kenneth Cherry Jr.)
DOB Unknown – February 21, 2013

Member of the 27 Club

Kenny Clutch was an up-and-coming rapper from Oakland, California. He had recently moved to Las Vegas where he was releasing music videos on youtube in order to build a following. In the early hours of February 20, 2013, Kenny Clutch was apparently involved in an altercation that resulted in being fired upon by occupant(s) of another vehicle on the Las Vegas Strip. The shooting reportedly lead to a fiery collision involving Clutch and a taxi cab. The driver of the cab, identified as Michael Bolden, and a passenger were killed in the explosion. Four other vehicles were apparently damaged as the alleged assailant fled the scene in his or her car. In all, six others, besides those killed, were injured. It was not immediately clear if Clutch was killed by gunshot or the resulting crash. Kenny Clutch was 27 years old when he died.

Gospel R&B Singer

Died On This Date (February 20, 2013) Cleotha Staples / The Staple Singers

themusicsover February 20, 2013 No Comments

Cleotha Staples
1934 – February 20, 2013

cleotha-staples Cleotha Staples, along with her siblings, Mavis, Pervis and Yvonne, and their father, Pops Staples, made up one of the most influential soul groups of the 20th Century. Formed in Chicago by Pops in 1948, the Staple Singers got their start singing in churches in and around Chicago. In 1957, they released their first hit single, “Uncloudy Day.” In 1970, the group signed with Stax Records and began releasing a string of hits that ran through much of the decade. Their hits included “I’ll Take You There,” “Respect Yourself,” and “Let’s Do It Again.” In 1976, they performed an epic version of “The Weight” with the Band in the latter’s legendary swan song film, The Last Waltz. In 1999, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Cleotha was the oldest of the Staples sisters, and it is her beautiful soprano that can be heard on their classic recordings. She suffered from Alzheimer’s disease through most of the 2000s, and passed away on February 20, 2013. She was 78.

Died On This Date (March 1, 2013) Jewel Akens / Had Pop Hit With “The Birds And The Bees”

Died On This Date (February 27, 2013) Richard Street / The Temptations

What You Should Own

Died On This Date (February 25, 2013) Dangerous Dan Toler / The Allman Brothers

What You Should Own

Died On This Date (February 21, 2013) Kenny Clutch / Oakland Rapper

Died On This Date (February 20, 2013) Cleotha Staples / The Staple Singers

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