Died On This Date (July 10, 2012) Lol Coxhill / English Jazz Saxophonist

George “Lol” Coxhill
September 19, 1932 – July 10, 2012

Lol Coxhill was a world-renowned free-improv saxophonist from Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK.  In 1968, legendary English disc jockey, John Peel reportedly took note of Coxhill while he was busking on London’s South Bank.  That lead to gigs throughout the storied Canterbury scene of the late ’60s and ’70s.  During those years, Coxhill played in such jazz rock combos as Delivery and Kevin Ayers and the Whole World.  Although he ultimately made his mark as an unpredictable improv soloist, Coxhill performed more traditionally while backing up many visiting American blues and soul singers during the ’60s.  That list includes Champion Jack Dupree, Lowell Fulson, and Rufus Thomas.  He also collaborated with a wide range of artists including Mike Oldfield, Django Bates, Fred Frith, and even the Damned.   Lol Coxhill was 79 when he passed away on July 10, 2012.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number 1 Albums for the assist.

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Ear of Beholder - Lol Coxhill

 

 

Died On This Date (July 22, 2010) Phillip Walker / Electric Blues Guitarist

Phillip Walker
February 11, 1937 – July 22, 2010

Phillip Walker was a respected electric blues guitarist and vocalist who, over the course of some fifty years played with Little Richard, Clifton Chenier, Lonnie Brooks, Etta James and Lowell Fulson.  Walker recorded several albums throughout his career, the latest being 2007’s “Going Back Home.”  Phillip Walker was 73 when he passed away on July 22, 2010.

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Going Back Home - Phillip Walker


Died On This Date (March 6, 1999) Lowell Fulson / Blues Great

Lowell Fulson
March 31, 1921 – March 6, 1999

lowell-fulsonLowell Fulson was an influential west coast blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter who was one of the key figures of the ’40s and ’50s. After moving to Los Angeles in the early ’40s, Fulson formed his first band which included future greats, Ray Charles and Stanley Turrentine.    Over the course of his career, Fulson released such now-classics as “3 O’Clock Blues,” “Lonesome Blues,” and “Reconsider Baby” which was later made into a hit by Elvis Presley and selected by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll. He continued recording and performing well into the ’90s.  Lowell Fulson was 77 when he died from complications of diabetes, kidney disease and congestive heart failure on March 6, 1999.

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Lowell Fulson

Died On This Date (January 15, 2009) Leroy Cooper / Jazz Sax Great

Leroy Cooper
August 31, 1928 – January 15, 2009

Leroy Cooper was a jazz saxophonist who is perhaps best remembered for his nearly two decades playing with Ray Charles.  During his time with Charles, at times as bandleader, Cooper played on such classic recordings as “Crying Time,” “In the Heat of the Night,” and his iconic version of “America the Beautiful.”  Cooper also played with the likes of Joe Cocker, Lowell Fulson, Dr. John, Lightnin’ Hopkins and the Righteous Brothers.  Leroy Cooper was 80 when he died of heart failure on January 15, 2009.

Thanks to Craig Rosen from Number1Albums for the assist.



Died On This Date (December 15, 1979) Jackie Brenston / Had Hit With “Rocket 88”

Jackie Brenston
August 15, 1930 – December 15, 1979

jackie-brenston

Jackie Brenston was an R&B singer and musician whose biggest claim to fame was, as part of Ike Turner’s Kings of Rhythm, wrote and sang lead on “Rocket 88,” considered by many to be the very first rock ‘n roll song.  The record, credited to Jackie Brenston & His Rhythm Cats was released on Chess Records and quickly reached the top of the R&B singles chart where it stayed for over a month.  In later years, Bernston worked with Lowell Fulson and Earl Hooker.  Jackie Bernston, 49, died of a heart attack on December 15, 1979.