Died On This Date (March 8, 2016) George Martin / Legendary Beatles Producer

George Martin
January 3, 1926 – March 8, 2016

george-martinGeorge Martin was a classically trained musician, record producer, and talent scout who most famously took a chance on the Beatles after they had been turned down by most other British record labels at the time.  What followed was a collaboration that changed not only the musical landscape of the era, but also what would become popular music and pop culture for decades to come.  With Martin as producer (and so much more) on the Beatles’ original albums, they scored 30 #1 singles in the UK and 23 in the US – and millions in sales, of course. Of the list of Beatles collaborators who were referred to as “the Fifth Beatle,” it was Martin who actually deserved the title.  That alone on a person’s resume is enough to cruise through the rest of his or her life, but not Martin.  Over the next six decades, he had a big hand in the success of the likes of Elton John, Dire Straits, Cheap Trick, ELO, and Celine Dion, to name a few.  Martin also worked extensively in film, either arranging, scoring or producing. Two of the most famous songs he produced for films were Shirley Bassey‘s “Goldfinger” for Paul McCartney‘s “Live and Let Die” from the James Bond movies of the same name.  He’s been recognized with six Grammys, an Academy Award, and countless other accolades.  George Martin was 90 when he died in his sleep on March 8, 2016.

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Died On This Date (March 9, 2012) Terry Teene / ’60s Rockabilly Singer

Terry Teene (Born Terence Knutson)
1942 – March 9, 2012

Terry Teene was an American singer, musician, and prolific songwriter who reportedly penned over 300 songs during his career. He personally claimed to have played on over 100 additional records and wrote songs under more than 70 different pen names.  Noteworthy records of his include “Pussy Galore” (written for, but unused in the James Bond film Goldfinger), “Just Wait Til I Get You Home,” and his biggest hit, 1960’s “Curse Of The Hearse.”  The latter went on to become a yearly staple on Dr. Demento’s annual Halloween radio programs.  Over the years, Teene shared the stage with Alice Cooper, the Kinks, and Cheap Trick, to name a few.  Away from music, Teene enjoyed a successful career as a clown – even writing books and teaching courses on the subject.  He also appeared in such films as Man On The Moon and Raging Bull.  On March 7, 2012, Terry Teene was seriously injured when he was hit by a tow truck while riding a bicycle.  He succumbed to his injuries on March 9, 2012.  He was 70.

Thanks to Paul Bearer for the assist.



Died On This Date (June 11, 2011) Steve Popovich / Music Industry Legend

Steve Popovich
July 6, 1942 -June 8, 2011

Steve Popovich was a long-time music industry powerhouse who, over a career that spanned some 50 years wore many hats.  He started in the Columbia Records warehouse in 1962, and quickly moved into radio promotion, sales, TV promotion and even inventory control.  In those early years, he helped promote the likes of Blood, Sweat & Tears, Simon & Garfunkel, and Paul Revere & The Raiders.  In 1972, he became Columbia’s Vice President of Promotion – appointed by Clive Davis. At just 26, he was the youngest VP there ever.  In 1974, he moved over to Epic Records where he helped launch the careers of Boston, Cheap Trick, and Ted Nugent, to name just a few.  In 1977, Popovich founded Cleveland International Records where he would release Meat Loaf’s landmark album Bat Out Of Hell, which went on to sell upwards of 40 million copies during an era when most new releases sold at best, 5000 copies.  He later went on to work as Sr Vice President at Polygram Nashville where he was responsible for numerous other successes.  In recent years, Popovich found himself embroiled in a legal battle with Sony Music over royalties and failure to put the Cleveland International logo on millions of CDs.  Steve Popovich died of an apparent heart attack on June 8, 2011.  He was 69.

Thanks to John Harrison and Ed Maxin for the assist


Died On This Date (March 14, 2011) Todd Cerney / Celebrated Rock & Country Songwriter

Todd Cerney
DOB Unknown – March 14, 2011

Todd Cerney was a brilliant songwriter, musician, and producer who was based in Nashville, Tennessee.  Born in Detroit, Cerney moved to Nashville during the ’70s to further his career.  His songs have been recorded by George Strait, Tanya Tucker, Jon Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Cheap Trick to name a few.  His hits include the Grammy-nominated “I’ll Be Loving You” (Restless Heart) and the country chart topping “Good Morning Beautiful” (Steve Holy).  As an in-demand session player,  Cerney has performed live or recorded with a list of superstars that includes the Dixie Chicks, the Grateful Dead, the Beach Boys, and Jackson Browne.  In November of 2010, Todd Cerney suffered a brain seizure and subsequently learned he had stage four melanoma cancer.  On March 14, 2011, Cerney died as a result of the cancer.



Died On This Date (March 17, 2010) Alex Chilton/ Influential Singer & Songwriter

William “Alex” Chilton
December 28, 1950 – March 17, 2010

Even though Alex Chilton was one of indie rock’s biggest influences, many don’t realize he sang lead on one of the biggest pop hits of the ’60s.  While still in high school in Memphis, Tennessee, 16-year-old Chilton was asked to join a local rock band that soon became known as the Box Tops.  Later that year, the group released “The Letter” which quickly became a #1 hit around the world (Chilton’s lead vocal track was slowed down to make him sound older).  That was soon followed by “Cry Like a Baby” and “Soul Deep,” both moderate hits also sung by Chilton.  After leaving the Box Tops, Chilton joined Chris Bell in an up-and-coming power pop band, Big Star who made records that took the best pop elements of the British Invasion and spiced them with a dash of Memphis soul.  In 1972, Big Star released #1 Album, which, although it was a commercial failure, was highly influential to the Replacements, R.E.M., Wilco, Counting Crows, Ryan Adams the Flaming Lips, and Teenage Fanclub.  One of its songs, the Bell-Chilton penned, “In The Street,” was re-recorded by Cheap Trick in 1999 and used as the theme song for That ’70s Show.  Chilton later helped form and produced Panther Burns with Tav Falco.  He also released several influential solo albums throughout his career.  In 1987, the Replacements included the great love letter to Chilton, “Alex Chilton,” on their Pleased To Meet Me album.  In 2005, Chilton reformed Big Star for an album and tour.  On March 17, 2010, Alex Chilton died of a heart attack.  He was 59 years old.

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Keep an Eye On the Sky - Big Star