Died On This Date (September 21, 2011) John Larson / The Ides Of March
themusicsover John Larson
DOB Unknown – September 21, 2011
John Larson was a trumpet who is perhaps best remembered for his tenure in the ’60s rock band, the Ides of March, and more specifically, for his performance in their hit song, “Vehicle.” Larson joined his fellow Chicago-area classmates in the band in 1968 and immediately contributed to their horn-driven sound which was not dissimilar to that of fellow rock band, Chicago, but with perhaps a bit more dirty soul. When “Vehicle” came out in 1970, it quickly shot to #2 on the Billboard singles chart, and to this day is considered one of the greatest rock songs of its era. The band’s fan base quickly grew and so did interest in them on the road. They went on to tour with Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Janis Joplin, to name a few. They also toured Canada as part of the legendary Festival Express which was filmed and made into a documentary of the same name in 2003. The group split up in 1973, but reunited in 1990, with Larson on board for their entire run, until his final gig in 2010. John Larson died of cancer on September 21, 2011. He was 61.
Thanks Craig Rosen at Number 1 Albums for the assist.
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