Died On This Date (December 13, 2002) Zal Yanovsky / The Lovin’ Spoonful

Zalman Yanovsky
December 19, 1944 – December 13, 2002

Zal Yanovsky is best remembered as the lead guitarist for the Lovin’ Spoonful.  He was with the band from its inception in 1964 until he was asked to leave following a marijuana bust in 1967.  He played on such rock classics as “Summer in the City” and “Do You Believe in Magic.”  Following his run in Lovin’ Spoonful, Yanovsky released a solo album and appeared in the theater presentation of National Lampoon’s Lemmings.  Later in life, he became a successful restauranteur.  On December 13, 2002, Zal Yanovsky died of heart failure at the age of 57.

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The Lovin' Spoonful: The Greatest Hits - The Lovin' Spoonful

Died On This Date (November 22, 2008) Alan Gordon / Co-Wrote “Happy Together”

Alan Gordon
April 22, 1944 – November 22, 2008

alan_gordon

Alan Gordon was a songwriter many popular songs during the ’60s and ’70s.  The list of those who have recorded his songs or co-written with him is staggering.  It includes, Three Dog Night, the Turtles, Tammy Wynette, Alice Cooper, Bobby Darin, Freddy Fender, the Ojays, Frank Zappa, and the Lovin’ Spoonful.  Two of the biggest hits co-written by Gordon and writing partner, Garry Bonner, were “Happy Together” (the Turtles) and “Celebrate” (Three Dog Night).  Alan Gordon was 64 when he died of cancer on November 22, 2009.