Died On This Date (November 1, 2013) Bobby Parker / American Blues Guitar Legend
themusicsover Bobby Parker
August 31, 1937 – November 1, 2013
Bobby Parker was an American blues rock guitarist, singer and songwriter who counted no less than Led Zeppelin and the Beatles as his disciples. His biggest hit, 1961’s “Watch Your Step,” was covered by Santana, Manfred Mann and the Spencer Davis Group, while its primary lick was borrowed by the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, the Allman Brothers, Deep Purple and countless more. John Lennon called “Watch Your Step” one of his favorite records of all time. Born in Louisiana but raised in Los Angeles, California, Parker picked up the guitar at a young age. During his early professional years, he played for the likes of Bo Diddley, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, and the Everly Brothers. He later toured with Check Berry and Little Richard among others. He settled in Washington, DC during the ’60s and continued to record and perform over the next four decades. Bobby Parker was 76 when he passed away on November 1, 2013. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Thanks to Harold Lepidus at Bob Dylan Examiner for the assist.
Etta James was an American singer whose songbook included forays into jazz, blues, soul, gospel and rock ‘n roll. Born in Los Angeles, California, James had what many would consider a rough childhood and spent many years in the charge of caregivers. Singing from a young age, James was just 14 when she caught the ear of music impresario, 
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