Died On This Date (August 20, 2012) John Stockfish / Bassist For Gordon Lightfoot
themusicsover John Stockfish
DOB Unknown – August 20, 2012
John Stockfish was the original bassist for iconic Canadian singer-songwriter, Gordon Lightfoot. Stockfish, who received his training at the esteemed Royal Conservatory Of Music in Toronto, was hired by Lightfoot in 1965. He recorded and toured with him for four years and can be heard on such songs as “Sundown,” Song For A Winter’s Night,” and “Black Day In July.” Throughout his career, Stockfish also worked with Jim Croce, Mel Torme, and Cab Calloway, to name a few. John Stockfish was 69 when he died of natural causes on August 20, 2012.
Thanks to Scott Miller for the assist.
Jim Croce was an American singer songwriter who was quickly becoming one of the best selling artists of the ’70s when his life was tragically cut short when he was at his prime. Croce’s career started while in college in the early ’60s, playing in local bands along the coffee house circuit. In those early days, Croce began to form a local following while writing upwards of 3000 songs. He soon began performing with his wife as Jim & Ingrid Croce and in 1968, the duo was signed to Capitol Records and released their debut album. The album failed to ignite their career, so Croce decided he had had enough with the music business and to a job driving trucks. It was while sitting in the cab of the truck that he began to write songs about ordinary people, developing him into a songwriter that would soon become famous. By the early 70s, Croce began writing and recording with a musician he had recently met, 
