Died On This Date (February 28, 2008) Mike Smith / Dave Clark Five

Mike Smith
December 6, 1943 – February 28, 2008

mike-smithMike Smith was the lead singer of the Dave Clark Five, the second British Invasion group to hit U.S. shores during the early ’60s. They would be the only competition for the Beatles until the Rolling Stones reared their ugly head and music lovers suddenly saw a whole new side to British pop music. After the Dave Clark Five disbanded in 1970, Smith continued to record and produce throughout the eighties and nineties and then enjoyed modest success on the oldies circuit through the early years of the 21st century. In 2003, Smith seriously injured his spinal cord in a fall at his home. The fall left him paralyzed from the waist down and in his arms. He passed away from complications of that fall in 2008, just two weeks shy of being inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Dave Clark Five.

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The Dave Clark Five: The Hits (Bonus Track Version) - The Dave Clark Five

Died On This Date (February 7, 1999) Bobby Troup / Popular Jazz Musician & Actor; Wrote “Route 66”

Bobby Troup
October 18, 1918 – February 7, 1999

bobby-troupBobby Troup was a producer, jazz pianist and songwriter who penned one of pop music’s most lasting songs.  He was also an actor who is familiar to many for his starring role in the popular ’70s drama, Emergency!.  He played Dr. Joe Early opposite his wife, Julie London.  In 1946, he wrote “(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66,” which was first popularized by Nat King Cole, and later recorded by the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, the Cramps, Depeche Mode, Tom Petty and the Replacements to name just a few.  As a producer, Troup recorded future wife, London’s “Cry Me A River,” which sold over a million copies.   Troup made several of his own albums during the ’50s and ’60s, and even though they are considered a vital part of the history of West Coast Jazz, they never sold significantly.    Bobby Troup died of a heart attack on February 7, 1999.  He was 80 years old.

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Bobby Troup

Died On This Date (January 31, 1970) Slim Harpo / Blues Great

Slim Harpo (Born James Moore)
January 11, 1924 – January 31, 1970

slim-harpoSlim Harpo was one of the benchmark artists of “post-war rural blues” of the 1940s.  Beginning his career as Harmonica Slim in the clubs of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, his moniker was changed when he began recording for Excello Records in the late ’50s.  Harpo was considered one of the best harmonica players in blues and he proved it on such blues staples as “I Got Love If You Want It,” “Rainin’ In My Heart,” and “I’m A King Bee,” later recorded by the Rolling Stones.  He died of a heart attack at the age of 46.

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The Excello Singles Anthology - Slim Harpo

Died On This Date (January 18, 2008) Eric Ferris / Marketing Executive; Hollywood Records

Eric Ferris
DOB Unknown – January 18, 2008

ferrisEric Ferris was a rising star in the record industry. He began his career in 1998 as an assistant at Creative Artist Agency (CAA), then moved over to the label side as an assistant at Virgin Records where he worked his way up to VP of Marketing. He helped build the careers of such artists as Lenny Kravitz, N.E.R.D., the Rolling Stones and Smashing Pumpkins. He later moved on the Hollywood Records to be their Sr. VP of Marketing. He passed away on January 18, 2008 from neuro-endocrine cancer.

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Died On This Date (January 17, 1998) Junior Kimbrough / Blues Great

David “Junior” Kimbrough
July 28, 1930 – January 17, 1998

Like Fat Possum label mate, R.L. Burnside, Mississippi bluesman, Junior Kimbrough found a career spike during the twilight of his life. Kimbrough picked up the guitar as a youngster and by the late ’50s, he came into his own as a performer and songwriter.  He made his first recordings in 1966 but all but disappeared during the ’70s and ’80s, resurfacing occasionally to make a record or two.  In the early ’90s, he opened his own juke joint, Junior’s Place.  The Chulahoma, Mississippi venue became a favorite diversion for members of U2 and the Rolling Stones during its heyday.  It wasn’t until 1992, that Kimbrough released his debut album, All Night Long, on Fat Possum.  The record was a critical smash and a hit with young blues and indie-rockers alike.  The Black Keys were such fans that they recorded an entire album, Culahoma, of songs written by Kimbrough.  He released two more albums before he passed away.  Junior Kimbrough suffered a fatal heart attack on January 17, 1998.  He was 67 when he died.

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You Better Run: The Essential Junior Kimbrough - Junior Kimbrough