Died On This Date (January 21, 1999) Charles Brown / Beloved Blues Singer

Charles Brown
September 13, 1922 – January 21, 1999

Photo By Billy Vera
Photo By Billy Vera

Charles Brown was a smooth blues singer and pianist who is best remembered by his hits, “Driftin’ Blues” and “Merry Christmas Baby.”  He was partially responsible for bringing a softer tone and more relaxed feel to the blues.  Brown was signed to Aladdin Records in 1945 and began releasing what would become a string of hit R&B recordings.  He became a mainstay along Los Angeles’ storied Central Avenue scene, and is said to have influenced the likes of Ray Charles, Ivory Joe Hunter and Johnny Ace.   When rock ‘n roll showed up, Brown’s music became out of style with the young crowds, so he all but retired from music for the next couple of  decades.  During the ’80s however, Bonnie Raitt, shined the spotlight on him and helped him mount a comeback tour which lead to more critically acclaimed recordings.  On January 21, 1999, Charles Brown died of congestive heart failure.  He was 76.

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The Best of Charles Brown: Driftin' Blues (Remastered) - Charles Brown

Died On This Date (November 8, 1974) Ivory Joe Hunter / Prolific R&B Songwriter & Singer

Ivory Joe Hunter
October 10, 1914 – November 8, 1974

ivoryjoe

Ivory Joe Hunter was an early R&B singer, musician and songwriter who penned over 7000 songs, his biggest hit being 1956’s “Since I Met You, Baby.”  Born in Texas, Hunter was playing the piano by his early teens.  In the early ’40s, he began hosting his own radio show, and within a few years, he moved to Los Angeles to perform and record.  He soon started his own record label on which he released his first record, “Blues at Sunrise.”  He wrote and recorded many songs during his career, one of which, “I Almost Lost My Mind” later became a hit for Pat Boone.  He also wrote songs that were recorded by Sonny James and Elvis Presley. In the mid ’50s, he moved over to the legendary Atlantic Records for which he recorded “Since I Met You, Baby,” his only Top 40 hit.    During the ’60s, he found new life as a country artist, appearing on the Grand Ole Opry several times.   Ivory Joe Hunter was 59 when he died of lung cancer on November 8, 1974.

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Ivory Joe Hunter