Died On This Date (June 1, 1948) Sonny Boy Williamson I / Blues Great

John “Sonny Boy” Williamson
March 30, 1914 – June 1, 1948

Not to be confused with Rice “Sonny Boy Williamson II” Miller, another blues harmonica player, Sonny Boy Williamson was by all accounts the first on the scene to use the Sonny Boy moniker. As one of the most popular blues artists of his generation, Williamson was an influence on the likes of Junior Wells, Snooky Pryor, and Little Walter, as well as several non-harmonica players including Muddy Waters and even Jimmie Rodgers. He was both band leader and sideman during his career, mostly recording for the legendary Bluebird Records label. And his biggest hit “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl” is one of the most covered song of the era, having been re-recorded by such artists as Eric Clapton, the Allman Brothers, the Grateful Dead, Steppenwolf, Van Morrison, Rod Stewart, Muddy Waters, and perhaps most famously, the Yardbirds. Sadly, as he was walking home from a gig near his home on Chicago’s south side, Williamson was killed during a random mugging.

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Sonny Boy Williamson Vol. 1 (1937 - 1938) - Sonny Boy Williamson

Died On This Date (October 26, 1999) Hoyt Axton / Country Music Icon & Actor

Hoyt Axton
March 25, 1938 – October 26, 1999

AXTONHoyt Axton was country singer songwriter and actor who came to prominence as a folk singer in the ’60s and then again as country singer in the ’70s.  Even though he released several successful albums and acted in and performed on numerous television shows and films, it was Axton’s skills as a songwriter that separated him from the pack.  Over the years, his songs were made into hits by the likes of Ringo Starr (“No-No Song”) Steppenwolf (“The Pusher”) and of course, Three Dog Night (“Never Been To Spain” and most famously, “Joy to the World” aka “Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog”).  His songs have also been covered by Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez and John Denver.  Axton, 61, died of a heart attack on October 26, 1999.

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Died On This Date (October 1, 2004) Bruce Palmer / Buffalo Springfield

Bruce Palmer
September 9, 1946 – October 1, 2004

brucepalmerBruce Palmer is best remembered as the bassist for Buffalo Springfield.  Born and raised in Canada, he played in a few local bands throughout the early ’60s.  One in particular, Jack London & The Sparrows would evolve into Steppenwolf after he left to join the Ontario, Canada based R&B group, Mynah Birds, featuring Neil Young on guitar and future funk star, Rick James on vocals.  The band signed to Motown, but before the launch of their first record, it was found out that James was AWOL from the Navy so the label walked away from the group who quickly disbanded.  Palmer and Young moved to Los Angeles where they met up with Stephen Stills and eventually formed Buffalo Springfield with Richie Furay and Dewey Martin. With songs like “For What It’s Worth” and “Mr. Soul,” Buffalo Springfield’s psychedelic folk rock would help define the ’60s generation.  Unfortunately, Palmer found himself caught up in the trappings of rock stardom.  Drug issues lead to a couple of arrests and deportation and thus his removal from the band.  Palmer eventually resolved his legal and drug problems and was back to work in the US, at one point, playing bass for Young in his Trans Band of the early ’80s.  Palmer was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Buffalo Springfield in 1996.  He was 58 when he died of a heart attack on October 1, 2004.

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Buffalo Springfield Again - Buffalo Springfield