2025

Beau Dozier died on March 3, 2025

Beau Dozier

Beau Dozier: A Legacy in Music Beau Dozier was a distinguished American songwriter, record producer, multi-instrumentalist, television producer, and father. Throughout his prolific career, he collaborated with a diverse array of chart-topping artists across various genres, including Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, Priscilla Ahn, Boyz II Men, The Backstreet Boys, Sir Cliff Richard, and Jennifer Lopez. Dozier was particularly renowned for his dedication to developing emerging pop and R&B talent, a commitment that culminated in his role as a producer on the widely acclaimed television show, American Idol. Early Life and Musical Beginnings Beau Alexandrè Dozier was born in Los Angeles,…
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Badfinger’s Joey Molland died March 1, 2025

Joey Molland

Joey Molland: A Rock Legacy Early Life and Musical Beginnings Joey Molland, born Joseph Charles Molland on June 21, 1947, in Edge Hill, Liverpool, England, was a distinguished English songwriter and rock guitarist. Growing up in Liverpool, a city with a rich musical heritage, he was naturally drawn to music from a young age. He began his professional career in 1965 with The Masterminds, a local band that released a rendition of Bob Dylan’s “She Belongs to Me.” This early exposure set the stage for his future endeavors in the rock scene. Gary Walker & The Rain In 1967, Molland…
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Angie Stone was killed on March 1, 2025

Angie Stone

Angie Stone: A Life in Music Angela Laverne Brown, known professionally as Angie Stone, was an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer whose career spanned over four decades. Born on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone’s journey from gospel roots to becoming a prominent figure in the neo-soul movement showcases her versatility and enduring influence in the music industry. Early Life and Musical Beginnings Angie Stone’s musical foundation was laid in her hometown, where she sang gospel music at the First Nazareth Baptist Church under the guidance of Reverend Blakely N. Scott. Her father, a member of…
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New York Doll David Johansen died February 28, 2025

David Johansen

David Johansen: A Punk Pioneer and Rock Chameleon Early Life and Musical Beginnings David Johansen was born on January 9, 1950, in Staten Island, New York City. Raised in a working-class family, his father was an insurance salesman with a background in opera, and his mother was a librarian. Growing up, Johansen was exposed to a diverse range of music, from opera to rock and roll, which would later influence his eclectic style. As a teenager, Johansen was drawn to the burgeoning rock music scene. He sang in local bands and became fascinated with the raw energy of rhythm and…
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Robert John died on February 24, 2025

Robert John

Robert John was born Robert John Pedrick, Jr. in Brooklyn, New York, on January 3, 1946 and was an American singer-songwriter celebrated for his distinctive high tenor voice and a career that spanned several decades. John embarked on his musical journey at a remarkably young age and achieved notable success, most prominently with his 1979 chart-topping hit, “Sad Eyes.” Early Life and Musical Beginnings From a young age, Robert John exhibited a profound passion for music. At just 12 years old, he recorded his first single, “White Bucks and Saddle Shoes,” under the name Bobby Pedrick Jr. This early endeavor…
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Chris Jasper died on February 23, 2025

Chris Jasper

Chris Jasper was born Christopher Howard Jasper on December 30, 1951 was an American singer, composer, and producer, best known for his pivotal role in shaping the sound of the Isley Brothers during the 1970s and 1980s. His innovative keyboard and synthesizer work, combined with his songwriting and production talents, left an indelible mark on the landscape of R&B, soul, and funk music. Early Life and Musical Foundations Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Chris Jasper was the youngest of seven children. His musical journey began at the tender age of seven when his mother, Elizabeth, encouraged him to pursue classical piano…
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Gwen McCrae died on February 21, 2025

Gwen McCrae

Gwen McCrae: The Queen of Rare Groove Early Life and Musical Influences Gwen McCrae was born Gwen Mosley on December 21, 1943, in Pensacola, Florida. Raised in a deeply religious household, she was exposed to gospel music from an early age. Her passion for singing was nurtured in church, where she developed a powerful and expressive vocal style. Inspired by gospel greats such as Mahalia Jackson and Sam Cooke, McCrae transitioned into secular music in her teenage years, performing in local clubs and talent shows. She was also influenced by R&B and jazz artists like Aretha Franklin, Dinah Washington, and…
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Jerry Butler died February 20, 2025

Jerry Butler

Jerry Butler: The Iceman of Soul and Public Service Jerry Butler was born on December 8, 1939, in Sunflower, Mississippi, but his family moved to Chicago when he was just three years old. He grew up in the Cabrini-Green housing projects, a tough environment that shaped his character and determination. Like many soul singers, Butler found his musical roots in the church, singing in the choir alongside a young Curtis Mayfield. Their early gospel group, the Northern Jubilee Gospel Singers, served as the foundation for their later success in R&B. As teenagers, Butler and Mayfield transitioned to secular music, forming…
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Rick Buckler died February 17, 2025

rick buckler

Rick Buckler: The Beat Behind The Jam Rick Buckler was born Paul Richard “Rick” Buckler on December 6, 1955, in Woking, Surrey, England. His journey into music began at an early age, influenced by the rock and roll records that filled his home. His older brother, Andrew, had a vast collection of records from bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, which sparked Buckler’s passion for drumming. He attended Sheerwater Secondary School, where he met future bandmates Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton. The trio, alongside guitarist Steve Brookes, formed The Jam in 1972. Initially, the band played covers of…
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