2025

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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Jazz guitarist George Freeman died April 1, 2025.

George Freeman was a distinguished American jazz guitarist and recording artist, celebrated for his sophisticated technique and significant contributions to the Chicago jazz scene. Over a career spanning more than seven decades, Freeman collaborated with numerous high-profile performers and left an indelible mark on the evolution of jazz guitar. Early Life and Musical Beginnings George Freeman was born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 10, 1927 and was immersed in a musical environment from a young age. His father, George Sr., was a Chicago police officer who often interacted with musicians at South Side clubs, notably the Grand Terrace Ballroom. This…
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Dick Damron died on March 29, 2025

Dick Damron was born Joseph Glenn Damron on March 22, 1934, in Bentley, Alberta, Canada, and was a seminal figure in Canadian country music. His career, which spanned over six decades, showcased his versatility as he delved into various sub-genres of country music, including outlaw, rockabilly, honky-tonk, and gospel. Damron’s prolific output included more than 25 albums, and his contributions were recognized with numerous awards and inductions into prestigious halls of fame. Early Life and Musical Beginnings Dick Damron’s passion for music ignited at a young age. He received his first guitar at the tender age of five, setting the…
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Terry Manning died on March 25, 2025

Terry Manning was a multifaceted American artist whose extensive career spanned over five decades. Renowned as a recording engineer, record producer, musician, and photographer, Manning collaborated with a diverse array of artists, leaving an indelible mark on the music and art industries. Early Life and Musical Beginnings Terry Manning was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on December 29, 1947, and spent his formative years in El Paso, Texas. It was here that he began his journey into the music world, playing guitar and singing with local bands. Notably, he performed alongside Bobby Fuller, known for the hit “I Fought the…
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Jesse Colin Young died March 16, 2025

Jesse Colin Young: A Musical Journey Through the Decades Early Life and Musical Beginnings Jesse Colin Young, born Perry Miller on November 22, 1941, in New York City, was an American singer-songwriter known for his contributions to folk, rock, and blues music. Raised in Queens, New York, Young was born into a musically inclined family. His mother, Doryce Van Sciver, was a violinist and singer, while his father, Fredrick Miller, was an accountant with a deep appreciation for classical music. This nurturing environment fostered Young’s early interest in music, leading him to learn piano and later, guitar. In 1959, Young…
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D’Wayne Wiggins died March 7, 2025

D’Wayne Wiggins was born D’Wayne Patrice Wiggins on February 14, 1961, in Oakland, California, emerged as a pivotal figure in the evolution of R&B and soul music. As a singer, guitarist, and record producer, Wiggins co-founded the influential group Tony! Toni! Toné!, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. His journey from the vibrant streets of Oakland to international acclaim is a testament to his talent, resilience, and dedication to his craft. Early Life and Musical Beginnings D’Wayne Wiggins grew up in the Lower Bottoms neighborhood of West Oakland before moving to East Oakland, where he attended Castlemont High…
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The Damned’s Brian James died on March 6, 2025

Brian James: The Punk Rock Trailblazer Early Life and Musical Beginnings Brian James, born Brian Robertson on February 18, 1955, in Hammersmith, London, was one of the most influential figures in punk rock. His unique guitar style and songwriting defined the sound of the late 1970s punk explosion, and his contributions to The Damned and The Lords of the New Church left an indelible mark on alternative music. Growing up in the culturally vibrant London of the 1960s, James was deeply inspired by rock and roll pioneers such as The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, and The Who. The raw energy…
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Vibraphonist Roy Ayers died March 4, 2025

Roy Ayers: The Godfather of Neo Soul Roy Ayers was an American vibraphonist, record producer, and composer whose innovative contributions to jazz, funk, and R&B cemented his status as one of the most influential musicians of his generation. His career spanned more than six decades, during which he played a pivotal role in shaping jazz-funk, acid jazz, and neo-soul. His signature compositions, including “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” “Lifeline,” and “No Stranger to Love,” remain timeless classics that have been widely sampled and celebrated across multiple genres. Early Life and Musical Beginnings Roy Ayers was born in Los Angeles, California, on…
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