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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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Beau Dozier died on March 3, 2025

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: 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: 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: 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 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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Roberta Flack died on February 24, 2025

Roberta Flack: A Timeless Voice Roberta Flack was born Roberta Cleopatra Flack on February 10, 1937 and was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist whose soulful interpretations of classic ballads left an indelible mark on the music industry. With chart-topping hits like The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Killing Me Softly with His Song, and Feel Like Makin’ Love, Flack’s emotive voice and unique fusion of soul, jazz, and folk captivated audiences worldwide. Early Life and Musical Foundations Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Roberta Flack was raised in a musically inclined family. Her mother, a church organist,…
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