2024

The Four Tops Duke Fakir died July 22, 2024.

Duke Fakir was born Abdul Kareem Fakir on December 26, 1935 and was a seminal figure in the world of music, known for being the last surviving member of the original lineup of The Four Tops, a legendary Motown group. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Fakir’s life and career were deeply intertwined with the rise of Motown Records and the soul music movement of the 1960s and beyond. Fakir’s parents were of Ethiopian and Yemeni descent, adding a rich cultural heritage to his American upbringing. He grew up in a neighborhood brimming with musical talent and was deeply influenced by the…
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Legendary Blues Man John Mayall died July 22, 2024.

John Brumwell Mayall OBE (November 29, 1933 – July 22, 2024) was a British blues musician, singer, songwriter, and producer, widely regarded as a pivotal figure in the development of blues music in the UK. Often referred to as the “Godfather of British Blues,” Mayall’s influence on the genre was immense, nurturing the careers of numerous legendary musicians and shaping the sound of modern blues. Early Life and Influences John Mayall was born in Macclesfield, Cheshire, England, to Murray Mayall, a guitarist and jazz enthusiast, and Edith Mayall. Growing up in a musical household, John was exposed to a variety…
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Stealers Wheel Joe Egan sadly died July 6, 2024.

Joe Egan was bor Joseph (Joe) Egan, born on October 18, 1946, in Paisley, Scotland, was a prominent singer-songwriter who left a lasting impact on the music industry, particularly through his collaboration with Gerry Rafferty in the folk rock band Stealers Wheel. Joe Egan’s musical journey is marked by his exceptional songwriting skills, distinct voice, and his ability to craft melodies that resonated with listeners across generations. He passed away on July 6, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence musicians and fans alike. Early Life and Musical Beginnings Joe Egan’s passion for music was evident from a…
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2 Live Crew’s Brother Marquis died June 3, 2024.

Mark D. Ross (April 2, 1967 – June 3, 2024), better known by his stage name Brother Marquis, was an influential American rapper and a pioneering figure in the Miami bass genre. His contributions to hip-hop, particularly in the Southern United States, were instrumental in shaping the sound and culture of an era. Early Life and Beginnings in Music Mark D. Ross was born in Rochester, New York, and raised in a musically inclined family. Exposed to various genres of music from an early age, he developed a deep appreciation for rhythm and lyrics, which eventually led him to explore…
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Frank Ifield died May 18, 2024

Frank Ifield, born on November 30, 1937, and passing away on May 18, 2024, was a British-born Australian country music singer and guitarist who left an indelible mark on the music scene with his unique incorporation of yodeling into his performances. His distinctive voice, a blend of traditional country and western music with a yodeling twist, resonated with audiences across the globe, making him a pioneer in his genre. Ifield’s career spanned several decades, during which he became an icon in both the British and Australian music industries. Early Life and Background Frank Ifield was born Francis Edward Ifield in…
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Saxophonist David Sanborn died May 12, 2024.

David Sanborn (July 30, 1945 – May 12, 2024) was an iconic American alto saxophonist who left an indelible mark on multiple genres of music, particularly jazz, pop, and rhythm and blues (R&B). Over a career that spanned more than five decades, Sanborn became known for his distinctive sound, blending a smooth yet expressive alto saxophone tone with elements of jazz, instrumental pop, and soulful R&B. His influence on contemporary saxophone playing and his contributions to modern music make him one of the most respected figures in the industry. Early Life and Beginnings in Music David Sanborn was born in…
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‘King of Twang’ guitarist Duane Eddy sadly died April 30, 2024.

Duane Eddy (April 26, 1938 – April 30, 2024) was an American rock and roll guitarist. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, he had a string of hit records produced by Lee Hazlewood, which were noted for their characteristically “twangy” sound, including “Rebel-‘Rouser”, “Peter Gunn”, and “Because They’re Young”. He had sold 12 million records by 1963. Duane Eddy, often dubbed as “The King of Twang,” stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of rock and roll and guitar music. His distinctive “twangy” sound, characterized by deep, reverberating notes and innovative use of techniques like…
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The Moody Blues’ Mike Pinder died April 24, 2024

Mike Pinder was born Michael Thomas Pinder on December 27, 1941 and was an English rock musician, best known as a founding member and the original keyboard player of the iconic rock band, The Moody Blues. Pinder’s influence on the sound and success of the Moody Blues, particularly through his pioneering use of the Mellotron, left an indelible mark on progressive rock music. His contributions as a musician, songwriter, and creative force played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s unique blend of rock, classical, and orchestral elements that would come to define their signature style. Early Life and Musical…
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Clarence Frogman Henry died April 7, 2024

Clarence Frogman Henry was born Clarence Henry II on March 19, 1937 and was a pioneering American rhythm and blues (R&B) singer, pianist, and performer, whose unique vocal style and musical contributions left an indelible mark on the music scene of the 1950s and 1960s. Best known for his quirky and memorable hits “Ain’t Got No Home” (1956) and “(I Don’t Know Why) But I Do” (1961), Henry was a beloved figure in the New Orleans music community and a significant voice in the wider rhythm and blues movement. His ability to blend elements of jazz, blues, and rock and…
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Chris Cross died March 25, 2024.

Chris Cross: A Pioneer of New Wave Music (July 14, 1952 – March 25, 2024) Christopher Thomas Allen, known professionally as Chris Cross, was a seminal figure in the New Wave music scene, best known as the bass guitarist for the band Ultravox. His dynamic presence, technical prowess, and ability to meld traditional rock instrumentation with electronic innovation helped define a transformative era in British music. From his early life in the vibrant cultural melting pot of London to his international fame with Ultravox, Cross’s contributions left an indelible mark on the music industry and popular culture. Early Life and…
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