Died On This Date (April 29, 2009) Marl Young / L.A. Jazz Musician & Activist
themusicsover Marl Young
January 29, 1917 – April 29, 2009
Marl Young was a pianist and arranger who moved from Chicago to Los Angeles in 1947 and became instrumental in bringing the white and black music unions together in the early ’50s. In 1957, Young became the first African-American selected to the board of directors of Local 47. He stayed active on the board until 2008. In 1962, Desi Arnaz invited Young to play piano as part of the live audience warm-up band for “The Lucy Show.” Eight years later, he was the show’s music director, becoming the first black music director of a major television show. Marl Young passed away in a medical rehabilitation center where he was battling prostate cancer. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Yvonne King Burch was a member of the popular singing group, the King Sisters, who came to prominence during the swing era, and then found a new audience during the ’60s, thanks to their popular television variety program, The King Family Show. They also performed in several movies during the ’40s, working alongside the likes of Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, and Buddy Ebsen. On December 13, 2009, Yvonne King Burch, age 89, died following a fall.
Desi Arnaz was a world famous Cuban-born singer, musician, band leader, television actor and producer who became a household name thanks to his starring role in the 196os sitcom, I Love Lucy. Arnaz was playing guitar for 