Died On This Date (April 26, 2011) John Cossette / Grammy Telecast Producer

John Cossette
February 22, 1957 – April 26, 2011

John Cossette is perhaps best remembered as a longtime producer of the Grammy television broadcast.  He carried on the tradition started by his father, Pierre Cossette, who produced the very first broadcast in 1971.   Cossette worked on the Grammy show for the better part of the past 20 years, most recently as executive producer.  He served in the same capacity for the Latin Grammys as well.   Outside of the award show, Cossette produced programming for BET as well as the Broadway, Chicago and London productions of Million Dollar Quartet, which is based on the historic 1956 meeting of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins.  John Cossette was 54 when he passed away on April 26, 2011.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Craig Rosen of Number1Albums for the assist.



Died On This Date (July 30, 2003) Sam Phillips / Legendary Record Producer

Sam Phillips
January 5, 1923 – July 30, 2003

samAs a producer, Sam Phillips was one of the key architects of early rock ‘n roll.  What he helped create in his Sun Studios would become the foundation on which current popular music was built.   Phillips opened his Memphis recording studio in 1950 to make records for his own label, Sun Records.  One of his early recordings was Jackie Brenston’s “Rocket 88,” that many consider the first rock ‘n roll record ever.  Other future legends he worked with were B.B. King, Bobby Blue Bland, Rufus Thomas and Howlin’ Wolf, whom he considers his greatest discovery.   Of course most consider his OTHER “discovery” to be his greatest – Elvis Presley.   Phillips recorded some of the biggest early records by some of the greatest names in rock history.  They included hits by Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Ike Turner,  and Roy Orbison.  Sam Phillips died of respiratory failure at the age of 80.


Died On This Date (July 3, 2007) Boots Randolph / Gave Us “Yakety Sax”

Homer “Boots” Randolph
June 3, 1927 – July 3, 2007

bootsBoots Randolph was an American horn player whose saxophone was a major part of what is know in country music as the “Nashville Sound.”   But perhaps his biggest legacy is his tune, “Yakety Sax,” which is known the world over as the Benny Hill theme song.  During a career that spanned the better part of four decades, Randolph shared the stage with countless A-List performers and played on recordings by the likes of Elvis Presley, Al Hirt, Roy Orbison, REO Speedwagon, Jerry Lee Lewis and Brenda Lee.  Boots Randolph died of a brain hemmorhage at the age of 80.

What You Should Own

Boots Randolph's Yakety Sax! - Boots Randolph

Died On This Date (May 9, 1999) Shel Silverstein / Respected Singer-Songwriter

Shel Silverstein
September 25, 1932 – May 9, 1999

Shel Silverstein was, among many other things, a musician, composer, and singer-songwriter.  Over the course of his career, he released no fewer than a dozen albums and amassed a catalog of songs which include those that have been recorded by Dr. Hook, Belinda CarlisleEmmylou Harris, Bobby Bare, Lou Rawls, Waylon Jennings, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Loretta Lynn, to name just a few.  Silverstein’s most celebrated songs were “The Cover of the Rolling Stone,” a huge hit for Dr. Hook, and “A Boy Named Sue,” whose iconic Johnny Cash recording won him a songwriter Grammy in 1970.   On May 10, 1999, Shel Silverstein was found in his home, dead of a heart attack.  Although official reports indicate that he could have died on either May 9th or 10th, most sources cite the 9th as the day of his passing.

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Died On This Date (February 24, 1991) Webb Pierce / Country Music Legend

Webb Pierce
August 8, 1921 – February 24, 1991

webbWebb Pierce was a popular country singer whose career spanned the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.  Based on chart success, he was the most popular country performer of the 1950s.  His biggest hit, “There Stands The Glass” is considered one country music’s greatest songs and has been recorded by the likes of Willie Nelson, Wanda Jackson, Van Morrison, and Jerry Lee Lewis.  Up until his retirement in 1982, Pierce charted 96 singles.  Besides, “There Stands The Glass,” his most popular were “In The Jailhouse Now,” and “Why Baby Why.”  Pierce was just as well-known for his lavish lifestyle as he was for his music.  He drove two Cadillacs that were lined with silver dollars, wore elaborate Nudie suits, and had a $30,000 swimming pool fashioned after a guitar.  Webb Pierce was 69 when he died of pancreatic cancer on February 24, 1991.

What You Should Own

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20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Webb Pierce - Webb Pierce