Died On This Date (November 25, 2011) Ross MacManus / English Musician & Singer; Father of Elvis Costello

Ronald “Ross” MacManus
October 20, 1927 – November 25, 2011

Ross MacManus was an English musician and singer who made his mark performing with the Joe Loss Orchestra beginning in 1955.  He had several children, including pop music icon, Elvis Costello.  For a decade beginning in 1973, MacManus could be heard on British television singing the jingle he penned for R. White’s Lemonade.  A young Costello is featured playing drums and singing back-up on the track.  MacManus also sang and penned several songs for the British film, Secrets of a Superstud (1975).   In 1997, he released the album Elvis’ Dad Sings Elvis, but in this case the Elvis he honored was Elvis Presley.  Of his son’s albums, MacManus played on Out Of Our Idiot and Mighty Like A Rose.  Ross MacManus passed away following a long illness on November 25, 2011.  He was 84.

Thanks to Harold Lepidus for the assist.

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Ross Mac Manus

Died On This Date (August 22, 2011) Tony Ruffino / Concert Industry Legend

Tony Ruffino
DOB Unknown – August 22, 2011

Tony Ruffino was a respected Birmingham, Alabama concert promoter who in 1969, began bringing such acts as Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, and the Allman Brothers to the city.  Originally from New York, Ruffino settled in Birmingham in 1977, after running Ruffino-Vaughn Productions, the business he shared with Larry Vaughn, from its New York office.  During the early ’80s, he and Vaughn parted ways, with Ruffino going on to form New Era Productions where he promoted local shows by the Police, Warren Zevon, and Elvis Costello, to name a few.  It was a matter of time before Ruffino opened the popular local venues, Oak Mountain Amphitheatre and Five Points South Music Hall. He also became part owner of Brothers Music Hall before retiring from the business in 2004.  On August 22, 2011, Tony Ruffino suffered a fatal stroke.  He was 74.



Died On This Date (July 13, 2011) Jerry Ragovoy / Wrote Numerous Pop Hits

Jerry Ragovoy
September 4, 1930 – July 13, 2011

Photo by Fernando Leon

Jerry Ragovoy was a prolific hit songwriter who over a career that spanned some 50 years, wrote or co-wrote some of popular music’s most iconic songs.  As one of the most important songwriting figures in the Philadelphia and New York soul scenes of the ’60s, his songs have been enjoyed by millions.  His most famous tunes were “Time Is On My Side” (Irma Thomas, the Rolling Stones), “Cry Baby,” and “Piece Of My Heart” (Janis Joplin).  His songs have also been recorded by Garnet Mimms, Howard Tate, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Costello, the Yardbirds, the Small Faces, Dusty Springfield, Chaka Kahn, the Moody Blues, Barry White, Bonnie Raitt, and many more.  Ragovoy also produced several records throughout his career as well.  Those he worked with in that capacity include Dionne Warwick and Paul Butterfield.  Jerry Ragovoy died on July 13, 2011 of complications from an earlier stroke.  He was 80.

Thanks to Benji Isabel for the assist.

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Died On This Date (January 26, 2011) Charlie Louvin / Country Music Icon

Charlie Louvin (Born Charles Loudermilk)
July 7, 1927 – January 26, 2011

Charlie Louvin was a longtime country singer and songwriter who became a national treasure singing alongside his brother Ira Louvin as the Louvin Brothers.  From 1940 to 1963, the Louvin Brothers created a catalog of country and folk music that ushered in the use of close harmonies to the genres and would be a direct influence on the likes of the Byrds, the Everly Brothers, Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons, Alison Krauss, and  the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.  Starting out as a Gospel group, the Louvin Brothers soon began singing secular songs so they could reach a larger audience.  That lead to appearances at the Grand Ole Opry and several charting singles.  The duo disbanded in 1963 and then in 1965, Ira was tragically killed in a car accident, so Charlie forged on as a solo artist.  In recent years, Louvin’s career experienced a renaissance thanks to recognition from the likes of Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, Elvis Costello, and Bright Eyes to name just a few.  Outside of tributes, his songs have been recorded by Uncle Tupelo, Roy Orbison, Willie Nelson, Wanda Jackson, Tammy Wynette, Hank Williams Jr., Doc Watson, and many many more. In 2003, a Grammy winning tribute to the Louvin Brothers entitled Livin’, Lovin’, Losin’: Songs Of The Louvin Brothers was released.  It included performances by Vince Gill, Dierks Bentley, Dolly Parton, Marty Stuart, and Merle Haggard, to name a few.  Louvin continued to release critically acclaimed albums and enjoy the spotlight as recently as 2010.  His final three, including 2010’s The Battle Rages On are considered three of his best.   Charlie Louvin was 83 when he died as a result of pancreatic cancer on January 26, 2011.

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The Battles Rage On - Charlie Louvin

Died On This Date (October 7, 2010) Ian Morris / Popular New Zealand Musician; Co-founded Th’Dudes

Ian Morris
DOB Unknown – October 7, 2010

Ian Morris was a respected musician, songwriter and producer from New Zealand.  He is perhaps best remembered as the founding guitarist for early ’80s new wave band, Th’ Dudes.  Formed in the late ’70s while the band mates were in college, Th’ Dudes quickly built a sizable following thanks in part to their catchy pop sound that has been compared to the likes of Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello.  In 1979, the band were named New Zealand’s Group of the Year.  The band experienced a resurgence in popularity during the ’90s and again in the mid 2000s, prompting them to reunite and tour from time to time.  Outside of Th’ Dudes, Morris earned his living by writing commercial jingles and producing others.  He also successfully recorded under the moniker, Tex Pistol.  On October 7, 2010, 53-year-old Ian Morris died suddenly and unexpectedly.  Cause of death was not immediately released.