Died On This Date (July 3, 2012) Andy Griffith / Beloved Actor & Grammy Winning Singer
themusicsover Andy Griffith
June 1, 1926 – July 3, 2012
Although known the world over for his portrayal of two iconic television characters, Andy Griffith was also a Grammy-winning singer. Regularly exposed to music from a young age, Griffith gravitated toward the arts while in school. While growing up, he performed in many local productions while learning to sing and play the trombone. After graduating from college with a degree in music, Griffith headed to Broadway. But by the late ’50s he was earning rave reviews for his performances in films like A Face In The Crowd and No Time For Sergeants. In 1960, Griffith began starring as Sheriff Andy Taylor, the non-gun toting lawman in the television comedy series, The Andy Griffith Show. The program, which ran until 1968, went on to become one of the most beloved television series of all time. Another of Griffith’s iconic characters came in the form of Ben Matlock in the legal drama series, Matlock. The popular show, which began in 1986, ran until 1995, after which Griffith went on to appear in countless films and television programs. Being a trained singer and musician afforded Griffith the opportunity to perform in some of his acting roles, most notably, The Andy Griffith Show and A Face In The Crowd. Over the years, he released over a dozen albums which were generally Southern Gospel. His 1996 album, I Love To Tell The Story: 25 Timeless Hymns, sold over a million copies and earned him two Grammys. Griffith stayed active well into the 2000s with numerous cameos and such. On July 3, 2012, it was reported that Andy Griffith passed away of natural causes. He was 86.
Read about Andy Griffith’s influence on Bob Dylan.
What You Should Own
Yomo Toro was a beloved Puerto Rican musician whose prowess with the cuatro – a mandolin-type of stringed instrument – helped define the New York City Latin music scene of the ’50s and ’60s. Toro was just six when he picked up the instrument, and by 15 he was already fronting his own band. He commuted between Puerto Rico and New York City beginning in 1953, and ultimately moved there in 1957. During the ’70s, he recorded with and traveled the world as part of the legendary Salsa group, the Fania All-Stars. Fania Records is considered the finest Salsa label the world has ever known. During the ’60s and ’70s, Toro hosted his own local television program, The Yomo Toro Show. Over the course of his career, he released over 20 albums and appeared on more than 150 others. He recorded with the likes of Willie Colon, Hector Lavoe, David Byrne, Paul Simon, Harry Belafonte, and Linda Ronstadt. Yomo Toro was 78 when he died of kidney failure on June 30, 2012.
Don Grady is perhaps best remembered for his portrayal of middle son, Robbie Douglas on the 1960s television series, My Three Sons. Those a bit older may remember him as one of the original Mouseketeers on The Mickey Mouse Club. While he was working on My Three Sons, Grady played drums in the Yellow Balloon who had a minor hit with “The Yellow Balloon” in 1967. His own band, the Greefs, performed on My Three Sons on at least one occasion. When the show ended in 1972, Grady became more serious about his music career. He released his first album, Homegrown, for Elektra Records in 1973. In subsequent years, he composed music for the Blake Edwards film, Switch, The Phil Donahue Show, and the Las Vegas production of EFX. He released his second album, Boomer: JazRokPop in 2008. Don Grady was reportedly suffering from cancer and under hospice care during his final days. He was 68 when he passed away on June 27, 2012.
John Koko was a stand-up bassist who is best remembered for his many years playing in the popular Hawaiian trio, Makaha Sons. Raised in Oahu, Koko began performing live as far back as the age of 12. Koko started with the Makaha Sons (then, the Makaha Sons of Niihau) during the mid ’70s. They eventually shortened their name and went on to help popularize Hawaiian music throughout the world while picking up several prestigious awards along the way. With the group, Koko had the opportunity to play Carnegie Hall twice and perform for President Bill Clinton. Suffering from heart related issues, John Koko passed away on June 25, 2012. He was 51.