2025

The Spinners John Edwards died May 11, 2025

John Edwards: Soul’s Quiet Storm Early Life and Beginnings John Edwards, born Jonathan Edwards on December 25, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri, grew up in a time and place deeply steeped in blues, gospel, and early R&B traditions. Music was an ever-present force in his upbringing, shaped both by his family’s church involvement and the lively soundscape of mid-century St. Louis. Like many African-American artists of his era, Edwards’ first exposure to performance came through the church choir, where he honed his emotive vocal skills and developed a nuanced sense of rhythm and soul. After a stint in the U.S….
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Johnny Rodriguez died May 9, 2025

Remembering Johnny Rodriguez: The Trailblazing Country Music Star Who Redefined a Genre On May 9, 2025, the world lost a country music legend. Johnny Rodriguez, one of the first successful Hispanic-American country singers, passed away at the age of 73 after entering hospice care. His death marks the end of an era, but his music, legacy, and cultural influence continue to live on. Known for his smooth baritone voice, soulful storytelling, and groundbreaking integration of Latin sounds into country music, Rodriguez changed the game for future generations of artists. This tribute explores the extraordinary life and career of Johnny Rodriguez,…
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Jill Sobule died on May 1, 2025

Jill Sobule A Portrait of the Ironic Balladeer Jill Sobule died on May 1, 2025, at the age of 66, leaves behind a singular legacy in American music. Known to many for her 1995 hit “I Kissed a Girl” and the bubbly “Supermodel” from the soundtrack of the cult-classic film Clueless, Sobule’s contributions to contemporary songwriting extend far beyond these charting singles. A master of the ironic lyric, the poignant turn of phrase, and the bittersweet ballad, Sobule carved out a niche that earned her a devoted fanbase, critical praise, and a place in the tradition of great American storytellers….
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Joe Louis Walker: The Torchbearer of Electric Blues died April 30, 2025

Joe Louis Walker: The Torchbearer of Electric Blues Joe Louis Walker, born Louis Joseph Walker Jr. on December 25, 1949, in San Francisco, California, was more than just a blues musician, he was a bridge between generations, styles, and musical sensibilities. Renowned for his incendiary guitar work, soulful voice, and encyclopedic knowledge of blues history, Walker carved a unique place in the American musical landscape. His passing on April 30, 2025, at the age of 75 due to a cardiac-related illness marked the end of a remarkable era, but his legacy endures through his prolific recordings and the many artists…
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Mike Peters died April 29, 2025

Mike Peters MBE DL was a Welsh musician best known as the lead singer of The Alarm. A dynamic performer and a passionate advocate for cancer awareness, Peters left a lasting legacy in both music and humanitarian work. His career spanned more than four decades, during which he navigated the shifting currents of the music industry, battled serious illness, and inspired countless fans through resilience and creativity. Early Life and Musical Beginnings Michael Leslie Peters was born in Prestatyn, Wales, February 25, 1959 and raised in the coastal town of Rhyl. From an early age, he showed a strong interest…
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Wizz Jones died April 27, 2025.

Wizz Jones: A Quiet Giant of British Folk and Acoustic Guitar Wizz Jones was one of the most influential yet understated figures in the British folk and acoustic music scenes. A gifted guitarist, a gentle vocalist, and a deeply respected performer, Wizz’s career spanned over six decades, marked by a rare combination of authenticity, skill, and quiet innovation. Although he never courted commercial fame, his artistry rippled outward to shape the work of legendary musicians across generations, from the British folk revival of the 1960s to contemporary acoustic stylists. Early Life and Musical Awakening Raymond Ronald “Wizz” Jones was born…
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Lulu Roman died on April 23, 2025

Lulu Roman: A Life of Laughter, Song, and Faith Lulu Roman, born Bertha Louise Hable on May 6, 1946, in Dallas, Texas, carved a unique and beloved space in American entertainment history as a comedian, gospel singer, and author. Best known for her long-running role on the country-themed comedy show Hee Haw, Roman’s journey was far from ordinary. Her life encompassed immense personal challenges, triumphant artistic achievements, and a deep spiritual transformation that shaped both her work and legacy. Early Life and Adversity Born in a home for unwed mothers, Lulu Roman entered the world with a congenital thyroid dysfunction…
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William Finn died on April 7, 2025

William Finn: A Life in Song and Storytelling William Finn was an American composer and lyricist whose work left an indelible mark on contemporary musical theatre. Known for his deeply personal, witty, and emotionally charged musicals, Finn’s career spanned decades and encompassed themes ranging from love, illness, and Jewish identity to the absurdities of spelling bees and suburban life. He is perhaps best remembered for Falsettos, the groundbreaking musical that won him two Tony Awards in 1992—for Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical (with frequent collaborator James Lapine). His other acclaimed works include A New Brain (1998)…
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Blondie’s Clem Burke sadly died April 6, 2025.

Clem Burke was an American musician best known as the longtime drummer for the legendary rock band Blondie. With a career that spanned over five decades, Burke’s powerful drumming, charismatic stage presence, and versatility across genres earned him acclaim as one of the most influential drummers in modern rock history. Early Life and Musical Beginnings Clem Burke was born Clement Anthony Bozewski on November 24, 1954, in Bayonne, New Jersey, Burke discovered music at an early age. He was drawn to the drums as a teenager and started playing at the age of 14. His early experiences with music began…
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Johnny Tillotson died April 1, 2025.

Johnny Tillotson: A Melodic Voice of the Early 1960s Johnny Tillotson, an American singer-songwriter born on April 20, 1938, in Jacksonville, Florida, carved a niche for himself in the ever-evolving landscape of American popular music. His tender voice, boy-next-door charm, and ability to merge pop sensibilities with country roots led to a string of memorable hits in the early 1960s. With nine Top Ten singles across the pop, country, and adult contemporary charts, Tillotson stands as a quintessential figure from an era that bridged the gap between the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll and the British Invasion. Songs like…
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