Died On This Date (August 2, 1975) Chan Daniels / The Highwaymen
themusicsover Chan Daniels
January 1, 1940 – August 2, 1975
Chan Daniels was an original member of ’60s folk group, The Highwaymen who scored a couple of hits with “Michael,” and “Cotton Fields.” Formed in 1958, The Highwaymen were very popular along the college folk circuit due, in part, to their political songs. More pop-leaning and less confrontational than Bob Dylan or Phil Ochs, the Highwaymen found their audience alongside the likes of the Kingston Trio and New Christy Minstrals. The group disbanded in 1964 as Daniels, Bob Burnett and Steve Butts opted to go to grad school. They reunited on occasion in later years. Chan Daniels passed away on August 2, 1975.
A contemporary of Bob Dylan’s, Phil Ochs was a topical singer who used his voice to educate fans about the world’s injustices. In his relatively short career, he wrote 100s of songs and released eight albums. Instead of “selling out” by only performing at more lucrative venues like clubs and coffee houses, Ochs used his voice as a tool at many anti-Vietnam rallies, civil rights gatherings, student functions and organized labor events. After a strong run in the ’60s, mental issues along with a perceived lack of success began to plague him as the ’70s dawned. Ochs suffered from both bipolar disorder and alcoholism which culminated in him hanging himself on April 9, 1976.
David Blue was a folk singer songwriter who came to prominence as part of the Greenwich Village scene that also produced Eric Andersen, Bob Dylan and 
