Died On This Date (May 31, 2008) Hugh Jarrett / The Jordanaires; Sang Back-Up For Elvis

Hugh Jarrett
October 11, 1929 – May 31, 2008

A a member of vocal group, the JordanairesHugh Jarrett added a rich bass to the many classic recordings of  Elvis Presley.  Recording over 50 albums with Presley, Jarret can be heard on such songs as “Love Me Tender,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Hound Dog,” and “Love Me Tender.”  Jarrett also toured with Presley and appeared in several of his films and television appearances, included his legendary debut on the Ed Sullivan Show.  An in-demand session singer, Jarrett also sang with the likes of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, Dottie West, Eddie Arnold, Patsy Cline, and Wayne Newton. Hugh Jarrett died of complications from an earlier automobile accident.

Died On This Date (May 26, 1968) Little Willie John / Early R&B Great

Little Willie John
November 15, 1937 – May 26, 1968

As one of R&B’s unsung heroes, Little Willie John sang with a robust voice and an emotional range that would be cited as an influence by no less than Sam Cooke, James Brown, Jackie Wilson and Al Green. Discovered at the age of 17 by music impresario Johnny Otis, John signed to King Records where he had a run of hits that included “All Around The World,” “I’m Shakin’,” “Sufferin’ With The Blues,” and “Fever,” which would later be huge hits for both Peggy Lee and Elvis Presley. His songs were also covered by the Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, James Brown and the Blasters. His career came to a screeching halt in 1964 when he stabbed a man to death. His notorious bad temper and alcoholism likely played a role in the altercation. John was sent to Washington State Prison where he died of pneumonia in 1968.  Recognition for his contributions to popular music finally came three decades later, when John was elected to the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

What You Should Own

Little Willie John: All 15 of His Chart Hits from 1953-1962 - Little Willie John

Died On This Date (May 25, 1981) Roy Brown / Early Blues Singer

Roy Brown
September 10, 1925 – May 25, 1981

Roy_BrownRoy Brown was an American blues singer who helped bridge the gap between the blues and rock ‘n roll.  After a brief stint as a professional boxer, Brown turned to music in the mid ’40s.  In 1947, he released “Good Rockin’ Tonight” which was covered by Elvis Presley during his Sun sessions on 1954.  Unfortunately, the ’50s weren’t kind to Brown.  Although he successfully sued King Records for past royalties in 1952, he had difficulty getting airplay and selling records.  Some have claimed that he was blacklisted because of the lawsuit.  By the ’60s, he was working as an encyclopedia salesman.  Brown was able to find a new audience in the ’70s thanks in part to reissues of his great early records.  He passed away of a heart attack at 55.

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Died On This Date (May 11, 2008) Dottie Rambo / Popular Southern Gospel Singer

Joyce “Dottie” Rambo
March 2, 1934 – May 11, 2008

Southern Gospel singer Dottie Rambo died May 11, 2008 from injuries sustained when her tour bus ran off the road on her way to a Mother’s Day concert. Rambo, who was elected to both the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame published more than 2500 songs.  Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton recorded some of her songs.  Rambo was 74 when she died.


Died On This Date (May 8, 2008) Eddy Arnold / Country Icon

Richard “Eddy” Arnold
May 15, 1918 – May 8, 2008

Eddy Arnold was one of the original architects of what would become known as the “Nashville Sound.”  Extremely popular, Arnold sold over 85 million records and had almost 150 songs on the charts.  Of those, 28 reached the top.  He is part of an elite group of country artists that stayed relevant for over 50 years.  Arnold launched his career at the age of 18 and made his first radio appearance in 1936.  In those early days, he was managed by Col. Tom Parker who later managed Elvis Presley.  By the ’50s, Arnold was hosting his own television show.  Remarkably, it aired on all three networks.   Arnold “retired” in 1999 at the age of 81, but released a new album in 2005.  He passed away on May 8, 2008 at the age of 89.

What You Should Own

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