Died On This Date (March 18, 2017) Chuck Berry / Rock and Roll Pioneer

Chuck Berry
October 18, 1926 – March 18, 2017

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As one of the founding fathers of rock and roll, Chuck Berry refined the early sounds of rhythm and blues, added catchy teen-centric lyrics, and turned up the volume of his guitar.  By doing so, he became one of the most influential artists pop music has ever known. Launching his recording career during the mid ’50s, Berry created songs that not only became a part of  America’s fabric, but would be played on radios, at parties, in concerts, on television, and in movies for the next 60 years. His remarkable output included such unforgettable songs as  “Johnny B. Goode,” “Maybellene,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Sweet Little Sixteen,” and “Rock and Roll Music.”  On stage, he stood head and shoulders above most of his peers by adding a showmanship that included dazzling guitar solos, and of course, that “duck walk” across the stage.  His direct influence is staggering –  the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Kinks, the Beach Boys, Michael JacksonBruce Springsteen, U2, Prince, Ted Nugent, Tom Petty, and George Thorogood  (to name just a very few) have all cited him as a significant influence or honored him in some way.  In 1986, Berry was deservedly part of the initial class inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and he went on to receive countless accolades for the rest of his life.  And of course, a pop music-related “Best Of” list that does not include him or one of his records somewhere near the top, should be taken to the shredder.  Chuck Berry was 90 when he passed away in his home on March 18, 2017. Cause of death was not immediately released.

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Died On This Date (November 1, 2013) Bobby Parker / American Blues Guitar Legend

Bobby Parker
August 31, 1937 – November 1, 2013

bobby-parkerBobby Parker was an American blues rock guitarist, singer and songwriter who counted no less than Led Zeppelin and the Beatles as his disciples.  His biggest hit, 1961’s “Watch Your Step,” was covered by Santana, Manfred Mann and the Spencer Davis Group, while its primary lick was borrowed by the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, the Allman Brothers, Deep Purple and countless more. John Lennon called “Watch Your Step” one of his favorite records of all time.  Born in Louisiana but raised in Los Angeles, California, Parker picked up the guitar at a young age.  During his early professional years, he played for the likes of Bo Diddley, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, and the Everly Brothers.  He later toured with Check Berry and Little Richard among others. He settled in Washington, DC during the ’60s and continued to record and perform over the next four decades.  Bobby Parker was 76 when he passed away on November 1, 2013.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Harold Lepidus at Bob Dylan Examiner for the assist.

Died On This Date (August 17, 2012) Lou Martin / Played Keyboards For Rory Gallagher

Lou Martin
August 12, 1949 – August 17, 2012

Lou Martin was an Irish keyboardist who is best remembered for his years playing with Rory Gallagher.  Martin was just six years old when he began learning the piano, and when he was around 19, he formed his first band, Killing Floor. During the early ’70s, he left the group to play with Gallagher.  He played with Gallagher both live and on record through the early ’90s.  He can be heard on such albums as Blueprint, Tattoo, Defender, and Fresh Evidence.   Away from Gallagher, Martin played with the likes of Screaming Lord Sutch, Chuck Berry, and Albert Collins.  Having battled cancer and suffering a handful of strokes, Lou Martin passed away on August 17, 2012.  He was 63.



Died On This Date (August 29, 2012) Bill Tillman / Blood, Sweat & Tears

Bill Tillman
DOB Unknown – August 29, 2012

Bill Tillman was a gifted saxophone player and flutist who is perhaps best remembered for his three years playing in popular American rock band, Blood, Sweat & Tears.  Like contemporaries, Chicago, BS&T pioneered the use of a horn section as a lead instrument in rock music.  Tillman played in the group’s horn section between 1974 and 1977 and can be heard on eight of their albums.  Born and raised in Texas, Tillman was recognized by the Texas Public School Board as the most outstanding musician of 1965.  He soon hit the road, playing tours for the likes of Gladys Knight – as music director, the Coasters, Chuck Berry, and Roy Orbison.  In 1978, Tillman began a two-year run as a soloist for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.  He also released a handful of his own albums beginning in the ’80s and culminating with 2000’s  Altogether.  On August 29, 2012, Bill Tillman passed away after reportedly hitting his head during a fall in his bathroom.  He was 65 and was awaiting a was apparently on a waiting list for a kidney transplant.



Died On This Date (January 7, 1964) Cyril Davies / British Blues Musician

Cyril Davies
January 23, 1932 – January 7, 1964

Cyril Davies was one of the pioneers of the British blues movement of the 1960s.  He began his career during the ’50s when he actually played the banjo in an acoustic skiffle group.  He soon switched to the harmonica, eventually becoming Britain’s first Chicago blues style player.  In 1962, he and fellow musician, Alexis Korner, opened the popular Ealing Club.  It was there that they founded Blues Incorporated, a highly influential electric blues band that counted Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker and Charlie Watts as members over the years.   The club became hangout for up-and-coming musicians like Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, Brian Jones and Eric Burden who generally ended up jamming together by the end of the night.   Cyril Davies was 31 when he died on January 7, 1964.  Cause of death was either leukemia, lung cancer or pleurisy, depending upon your source.