Died On This Date (February 6, 2011) Gary Moore / Blues Rock Guitar Legend

Robert Gary Moore
April 4, 1952 – February 6, 2011

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Gary Moore was an Irish guitarist and singer who, over a career that spanned over 40 years, became one of the most acclaimed electric blues guitarists the world has ever known.  Moore was just 14 years old when he decided to pick up the guitar, and even though he was left-handed, he quickly taught himself to play with his right.  His early influences included John Mayall, Albert King, and Jimi Hendrex, but it was Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac who first recognized his talent and tutored him whenever he came through Dublin.  In 1969, Moore joined Skid Row, a blues rock band that included Phil Lynott who would later gain fame with Thin Lizzy.  Over the years Moore played with a diverse who’s who of popular music.  That list includes George Harrison, G-Force, Ozzy Osbourne, Thin Lizzy, Andrew Lloyd Webber, the Beach Boys, and Albert Collins.  He released his first solo album in 1973 and continued making albums up until as recently as 2008.  On February 6, 2011, Gary Moore died in his sleep while on vacation in Spain.  He was 58.

Thanks to Craig Rosen for the assist

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Still Got the Blues - Gary Moore

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Died On This Date (August 13, 2010) Esteban “Steve” Jordan / Acclaimed Tejano Musician

Esteban Jordan
February 23, 1939 – August 13, 2010

Known as the “Jimi Hendrix of the accordion,” Esteban Jordan was also remarkably adept at over 30 other instruments.  While the traditional rhythms of Norteño stayed close to his heart, he often stretched his own boundaries by dabbling in zydeco, rock, jazz, country and mambo.  Jordan was nominated for a Grammy in 1986 and could be heard on Cheech Marin’s popular single, “Born In East L.A.”  Throughout his career he’s performed with Carlos Santana, Jerry Garcia, and David Byrne, to name just a few.  Esteban Jordan was 71 when, on August 13, 2010, he died as a result of liver cancer.

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Esteban

Died On This Date (August 2, 1972) Brian Cole / The Association

Brian Cole
September 8, 1942 – August 2, 1972

coleBrian Cole’s first foray into show business was as a stand-up comic and actor, eventually joining the Association as bassist.  The group had two pop hits with “Along Comes Mary” and “Cherish.”  Their other claim to fame was that the were the opening act for the legendary 1967 Monterey Pop Festival which first introduced many to the Who, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Otis Redding.  It was also considered by some historians as the beginning of the “Summer of Love.”   The band continued to build an audience over the next few and were about to embark on their 1972 when Brian Cole was found dead of a heroin overdose in his room.  He was just 29.

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The Association: Greatest Hits - The Association

Died On This Date (July 17, 1996) Chas Chandler / The Animals; Managed Jimi Hendrix

Chas Chandler
December 18, 1938 – July 17, 1996

Chas Chandler wore many hats throughout his music career. During the early ’60s, he co-founded the Animals with Alan Price and Eric Burdon, playing bass for the band.  After the group broke up, he got into artist management, his famous client being Jimi Hendrix.  Later, he produced records for Slade and Nick Drake while running his own recording studio and eventually starting his own label, Barn Records.  In his later years, Chandler helped develop the Newcastle Arena, which opened in 1995.  Chandler died of a heart condition on July 17 of the following year.



Died On This Date (July 12, 1983) Chris Wood / Founding Member Of Traffic

Chris Wood
June 24, 1944 – July 12, 1983

Chris Wood was not only a founding member of English rock band, Traffic, he was good enough to play alongside the great Jimi Hendrix, appearing on 1968’s Electric Ladyland.  A multi-instrumentalist, Wood was known for his skills on the flute, keyboards and saxophone.  He also co-wrote several of Traffic’s songs and sang back up for them.  Throughout the late ’60s and ’70s, Wood lent his talents to such artists as Dr. John, Ginger Baker, Free, the Faces and John Martyn.  Wood suffered from drug and alcohol abuse throughout his career but would die of pneumonia on July 12, 1983 while working on a solo album.

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The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (Bonus Tracks) - Traffic