Died On This Date (December 20, 1973) Bobby Darin / Celebrated Pop Singer

Bobby Darin (Born Walden Cassotto)
May 14, 1936 – December 20, 1973

bobby-darinBobby Darin was a pop singer and actor who scored numerous charting hits during a career that spanned from the mid ’50s until his death in 1973.  He was of the Frank Sinatra mold in that he could interpret songs no matter what the genre and could also hold his own as an actor.  He is best known for the hits, “Splish Splash,” “Beyond The Sea,” “If I Was A Carpenter,” and “Mack The Knife,” which sold over a million copies and earned him a Grammy for Record of the Year in 1960.  He was also named Best New Artist that same year.  As an actor, he is best remembered for his Academy Award Nominated supporting role in 1963’s Captain Newman, MD.  He continued to record and act through the ’60s, but his health was starting to go south by the time the ’70s hit.   On December 20, 1973, Bobby Darin, died from complications immediately following heart surgery.  He was just 37.

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Died On This Date (November 22, 2008) Alan Gordon / Co-Wrote “Happy Together”

Alan Gordon
April 22, 1944 – November 22, 2008

alan_gordon

Alan Gordon was a songwriter many popular songs during the ’60s and ’70s.  The list of those who have recorded his songs or co-written with him is staggering.  It includes, Three Dog Night, the Turtles, Tammy Wynette, Alice Cooper, Bobby Darin, Freddy Fender, the Ojays, Frank Zappa, and the Lovin’ Spoonful.  Two of the biggest hits co-written by Gordon and writing partner, Garry Bonner, were “Happy Together” (the Turtles) and “Celebrate” (Three Dog Night).  Alan Gordon was 64 when he died of cancer on November 22, 2009.



Died On This Date (November 5, 1990) Bobby Scott / Jazz Musician

Bobby Scott
January 29, 1937 – November 5, 1990

bobbyscottBobby Scott was a notable jazz pianist who, remarkably, turned professional when he was just 11.  By the time he was 15, he was touring with the likes of Louis Prima.  During the ’50s, Scott played with Gene Krupa and scored a pop hit with “Chain Gang.”  In later years, Scott spent more time behind the scenes.  He served as music director for Dick Haymes and produced records by the likes of Aretha Franklin, Bobby Darin and Sarah Vaughan.  Bobby Scott passed away on November 5, 1990.



Died On This Date (October 27, 2002) Tom Dowd / Legendary Producer

Tom Dowd
October 20, 1925 – October 27, 2002

tomdowdTom Dowd was an innovative record producer and engineer who helped develop the Atlantic Records sound thanks to hundreds of popular albums he collaborated on.  A master of physics, Dowd worked on the Manhattan Project while in the Army prior to his days at Atlantic.  The Manhattan Project was the code name for the development of the first atom bomb.  After his time in the service, Dowd got a job in the studio at Atlantic Records where he produced or engineered albums by the likes of Ray Charles, Bobby Darin, Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton, Derek & the Dominos, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, the Allman Brothers, and many many more.  Dowd was far from a silent producer behind the board.  He has been credited numerous times for helping develop and shape the sound of the artist into what ultimately made them famous.  He was also instrumental in the growth of stereo and eight-track recording in the industry.  Dowd continued to work right up until the time of his death, October 27, 2002.  He died of emphysema a week after his 77th birthday.

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