Died On This Date (March 6, 2009) David Williams / Acclaimed Session Guitarist
David Williams
November 21, 1950 – March 6, 2009
David Williams was one of pop music’s most in-demand session rhythm guitarist since the ’80s. Playing guitar since he was a teenager, Williams’ big break came when he was hired to play on Michael Jackson’s Off The Wall album. For the next several years he played on other Jackson family albums, including Michael’s Thriller, where his familiar guitar parts are featured on “Billie Jean.” Over the course of his highly successful career, Williams either recorded or toured with, to name just a small portion, Madonna, Rod Stewart, Bryan Ferry, Paul McCartney, Lionel Richie, Jessica Simpson, Genesis, and Diana Ross. His guitar work was such in demand, that he is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the guitarist who appears on the most #1 hit records in the world. David Williams was 58 when he died of a heart attack on March 6, 2009.

Jackie Wilson was an R&B singer who came to be known as “Mr. Excitement” during a career that spanned from the early ’50s until tragedy struck in 1975. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Wilson’s young life was spotted with trips to a juvenile detention center until, at age 17, he turned his focus on music. He was discovered by the legendary 

Cab Calloway was a popular scat singer whose all African American band was one of the most popular big bands of the ’30s and ’40s. He was also arguably the most dynamic performer of the era. Calloway began singing and learning music at a very young age, and although his parents disapproved, he started gravitating toward the sounds of jazz. After high school, he joined a traveling musical review that is sister, a bandleader herself, was involved with. When the tour ended in Chicago, Calloway stayed behind to further pursue his music career. It was there that he met 
Antonio Luis Alves de Souza was respected Brazilian drummer who, with his group, Olodum played a unique blend of Oludum percussion and reggae which they called samba reggae. In 1990, de Souza was invited by Paul Simon to play on his Rhythm of the Saints album and in 1991, to perform with him at his huge Central Park concert. In lieu of payment, de Souza asked Simon to give him money to purchase an old building that eventually housed an educational program for local adults and children. In 1996, de Souza performed in
Roger Miller was a popular country singer songwriter who landed several hits during the ’70s and ’80s. His most popular hits were “Dang Me,” “Old Friends” (with Willie Nelson), and “King of the Road.” As a songwriter, he’s penned hits for Brooks and Dunn, Ricky Van Shelton, and Alan Jackson. Over the course of his career, Miller has been awarded with an impressive 11 Grammys which was a record until 