Died On This Date (August 23, 2013) Byard Lancaster / Jazz Great

Byard Lancaster
August 6, 1942 – August 23, 2012

Byard Lancaster was a revered jazz multi-instrumentalist whose primary instruments were the alto saxophone and flute.  Born in Philadelphia, Lancaster received his training at Berklee College of Music before settling in New York City.  Throughout his career, Lancaster performed with such jazz luminaries as Sun Ra, McCoy Tyner, and Elvin Jones, as well as blues greats like Memphis Slim and Johnny Copeland.  He also released several albums of his own over the years.  Byard Lancaster died of pancreatic cancer on August 23, 2012.  He was 70.

Thanks to Henk de Bruin for the assist.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com

Byard Lancaster

Died On This Date (July 3, 1997) Johnny Copeland / Texas Blues Guitarist

Johnny Copeland
March 27, 1937 – July 3, 1997

srvcopland
With Stevie Ray Vaughan

Johnny Copeland was a Texas Blues singer and guitarist who released his first of many albums in 1956.  In his early days, Copeland was very popular along the live circuit, performing with the likes of Big Mama Thornton, Sonny Boy Williamson and Freddie King, but unfortunately that didn’t translate in record sales for him.  In the early ’80s however, Copeland moved to New York City and signed with respected blues label, Rounder Records who went on to release a series of critical and commercial successes for him.  Copeland, along with Robert Cray and Albert Collins won the Best Traditional Blues Album in 1987 for their Showdown!.  Johnny Copeland died on July 3, 1997 of complications from an earlier heart transplant.  His daughter, Shemekia Copeland has carried on the family name as a popular blues performer.

What You Should Own

Showdown! (Remastered) - Albert Collins, Robert Cray & Johnny Copeland