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Gwen McCrae died on February 21, 2025

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: 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: 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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Soul Legend Tommy Hunt died February 12, 2025

Early Life and Musical Beginnings Tommy Hunt, born Thomas James Hunt on June 18, 1933, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was an American soul and northern soul singer renowned for his work with The Flamingos and his successful solo career. Raised in a musical household, Hunt developed a deep love for singing at a young age. He often entertained family and friends with his smooth, expressive voice, which would later define his career. His schoolmates, feeling that “Charles” didn’t suit him, affectionately nicknamed him “Tommy”—a name that stuck for life. As a teenager, Tommy Hunt faced many struggles, including a brief period…
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Marianne Faithfull died on January 30, 2025

Marianne Faithfull was an English singer, songwriter, and actress whose career spanned six decades. Rising to fame in the 1960s as part of the British Invasion, she became an icon of the era with her ethereal voice, striking beauty, and association with the Rolling Stones. However, her life was also marked by personal struggles, substance abuse, and a remarkable reinvention that solidified her status as one of the most enduring and respected artists in music history. Early Life and Influences Marianne Evelyn Gabriel Faithfull was born in Hampstead, London, on December 29, 1946, the daughter of Major Robert Glynn Faithfull,…
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Keyboardist Barry Goldberg died January 22, 2025

Barry Goldberg was an American blues and rock keyboardist, songwriter, and record producer whose prolific career spanned over six decades. Renowned for his contributions to blues, rock, and soul music, Goldberg collaborated with legendary artists, co-produced iconic albums, and left an indelible mark on the music industry. Early Life and Musical Beginnings Barry Goldberg was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 25, 1942. Growing up in the culturally rich environment of Chicago’s South Side, Goldberg was exposed to the burgeoning blues scene that flourished in the city during the 1950s. As a teenager, he became a regular visitor to clubs…
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Garth Hudson died on January 21, 2025

Garth Hudson: The Musical Genius of The Band Garth Hudson stands among the most celebrated figures in the history of rock music. As the innovative keyboardist and occasional saxophonist for The Band, Hudson was instrumental in defining the group’s groundbreaking sound, fusing rock, blues, folk, and country into a genre-defying style. With a career spanning several decades, Hudson’s contributions to music earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 alongside his Band colleagues, solidifying his legacy as one of rock’s most accomplished multi-instrumentalists. Early Life and Musical Roots Garth Hudson was born Eric Garth…
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Legendary Guitarist John Sykes died January 2025

John Sykes was a legendary guitarist best known for his work with bands like Tygers of Pan Tang, Thin Lizzy, and Whitesnake, as well as his own band, Blue Murder. His distinctive guitar style, characterized by powerful riffs, melodic solos, and impeccable technique, made him a revered figure in the world of rock music. Early Life and Musical Beginnings John James Sykes was born on July 29, 1959, in Reading, England, and was drawn to music at an early age. Growing up in a musical household, he began playing the guitar when he was just 14 years old. Inspired by…
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David Lynch died on January 15, 2025

David Lynch (January 20, 1946 – January 15, 2025) was an American filmmaker, visual artist, musician, and actor whose idiosyncratic style and innovative storytelling left an indelible mark on cinema and popular culture. Known for his surrealist aesthetic, Lynch created films, television series, and multimedia projects that explored the mysterious, dark, and often bizarre aspects of human experience. Early Life and Influences David Keith Lynch was born on January 20, 1946, in Missoula, Montana, to Donald Walton Lynch, a research scientist working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Edwina “Sunny” Lynch, an English language tutor. Raised in a conventional,…
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Sam Moore died on January 10, 2025

Sam Moore was an iconic American singer, celebrated for his vibrant voice and electrifying stage presence as one-half of the legendary soul and R&B duo Sam & Dave. Spanning two decades of partnership, Moore and his collaborator Dave Prater became synonymous with the golden era of soul music, leaving an indelible mark on the genre from 1961 to 1981. Moore’s contributions to music earned him numerous accolades, including inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. Early Life and…
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