Died On This Date (January 29, 2009) Hank Crawford / Memphis Jazz Great

Hank Crawford
December 21, 1934 – January 29, 2009

Hank Crawford was an alto saxophonist who, besides making several of his own acclaimed jazz recordings, was a sideman to some of the biggest names in popular music.  Over the years he’s recorded with such greats as Eric Clapton, B.B. King, and Ray Charles for whom he was musical director in the early ’60s.  As an arranger, Crawford has worked with the likes of Etta James and Lou Rawls.  Hank Crawford passed away at the age of 74.  He had been suffering from the results of a stroke for many years.

Special thanks to Susan Cross for the assist.

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Hank Crawford

Died On This Date (January 21, 1999) Charles Brown / Beloved Blues Singer

Charles Brown
September 13, 1922 – January 21, 1999

Photo By Billy Vera
Photo By Billy Vera

Charles Brown was a smooth blues singer and pianist who is best remembered by his hits, “Driftin’ Blues” and “Merry Christmas Baby.”  He was partially responsible for bringing a softer tone and more relaxed feel to the blues.  Brown was signed to Aladdin Records in 1945 and began releasing what would become a string of hit R&B recordings.  He became a mainstay along Los Angeles’ storied Central Avenue scene, and is said to have influenced the likes of Ray Charles, Ivory Joe Hunter and Johnny Ace.   When rock ‘n roll showed up, Brown’s music became out of style with the young crowds, so he all but retired from music for the next couple of  decades.  During the ’80s however, Bonnie Raitt, shined the spotlight on him and helped him mount a comeback tour which lead to more critically acclaimed recordings.  On January 21, 1999, Charles Brown died of congestive heart failure.  He was 76.

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The Best of Charles Brown: Driftin' Blues (Remastered) - Charles Brown

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 (January 10, 1999) Sonny Forriest / The Coasters

Elbert “Sonny” Forriest
May 21, 1934 – January 10, 1999

Sonny Forriest was an R&B and rock ‘n roll electric guitarist best remembered for his playing on records by the Coasters.  He played on such hits as “Besame Mucho,” “Wake Me Shake Me,” and “Thumbin’ A Ride.”  He also did studio work for the likes of Hank Crawford and Ray Charles.  Sonny Forriest passed away on January 10, 1999.



Died On This Date (January 2, 2000) Nat Adderley / Jazz Legend

Nathanial “Nat” Adderley
November 25, 1931 – January 2, 2000

Nat Adderley was a respected cornet and trumpet player who made his mark in the hard bop style of jazz.  He and his brother, Cannonball Adderley, worked together often during the ’40s and ’50s, playing with the likes of Ray Charles, Lionel Hampton, and J.J. Johnson.  Adderley began releasing his own albums in 1955, and over the course of his career put out over three dozen.  He was 68 when he passed away on January 2, 2000.

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Work Song (Keepnews Collection) - Nat Adderley