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.



Died On This Date (January 21, 1984) Jackie Wilson / R&B Great

Jackie Wilson
June 9, 1934 – January 21, 1984

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 Johnny Otis who got him a spot singing for a local R&B vocal group, the Thrillers.  Before long, Wilson was signed as a solo artist to Brunswick Records.  He went on to record over 50 hit singles, including perhaps his best known, “Lonely Teardrops” and “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher.”   As a performer, Wilson knew few equals.  He is said to have inspired Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson.  On September 25, 1975, Wilson suffered a heart attack while singing “Lonely Teardrops” at a Dick Clark show in New Jersey.   The on-stage fall resulted in a head injury that put him in a coma or vegetative state for the rest of his life.  Jackie Wilson was 49 when he died of pneumonia on January 21, 1984.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com

The Ultimate Jackie Wilson - Jackie Wilson

Died On This Date (November 18, 1994) Cab Calloway / Popular Big Band Singer

Cabell Calloway
December 25, 1907 – November 18, 1994

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 Louis Armstrong who taught him the art of scat singing.  By the ’30s, Calloway had one of the most popular bands in the country, thanks in part to his first hit single, 1931’s “Minnie The Moocher.”  He was soon starring in several short reels, in which he could be seen doing what would in later generations be called Michael Jackson’s “moonwalk.”  Over the course of the latter part of his career, Calloway continued to release popular records and made numerous appearances on television and film.  Cab Calloway was 86 when he died on November 18, 1994 of a stroke he had had six months earlier.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com

Are You Hep to the Jive? - Cab Calloway

Died On This Date (October 31, 2009) Antonio Luis Alves de Souza / Brazilian Drummer

Antonio Luis Alves de Souza
DOB Unknown- October 31, 2009

desousaAntonio 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 Michael Jackson’s “They Don’t Care About Us” video.  Antonio Luis Alves de Souza, 54, died of a heart attack on October 31, 2009.



Died On This Date (October 25, 1992) Roger Miller / Country Music Great

Roger Miller
January 2, 1936 – October 25, 1992

millerRoger 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 Michael Jackson’s Thriller came along.  He also won a Tony for the lyrics he wrote for Broadway’s Big River.   A longtime smoker, Roger Miller died of lung cancer at the age of 56.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com

Roger Miller: All Time Greatest Hits - Roger Miller