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‘King of Twang’ guitarist Duane Eddy sadly died April 30, 2024.

Duane Eddy (April 26, 1938 – April 30, 2024) was an American rock and roll guitarist. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, he had a string of hit records produced by Lee Hazlewood, which were noted for their characteristically “twangy” sound, including “Rebel-‘Rouser”, “Peter Gunn”, and “Because They’re Young”. He had sold 12 million records by 1963. Duane Eddy, often dubbed as “The King of Twang,” stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of rock and roll and guitar music. His distinctive “twangy” sound, characterized by deep, reverberating notes and innovative use of techniques like…
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Guitar Legend Gary Moore died February 6, 2011.

Gary Moore, born Robert William Gary Moore on April 4, 1952, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, was one of the most influential and technically gifted guitarists of his generation. A true guitar legend, Moore left an indelible mark on rock, blues, and heavy metal music with his emotive playing, soaring solos, and profound dedication to his craft. With a career spanning over four decades, Moore’s versatility, emotional depth, and passion for his instrument cemented his reputation as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Early Life and Influences Gary Moore was born into a musical family. His father ran a…
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The Moody Blues’ Mike Pinder died April 24, 2024

Mike Pinder was born Michael Thomas Pinder on December 27, 1941 and was an English rock musician, best known as a founding member and the original keyboard player of the iconic rock band, The Moody Blues. Pinder’s influence on the sound and success of the Moody Blues, particularly through his pioneering use of the Mellotron, left an indelible mark on progressive rock music. His contributions as a musician, songwriter, and creative force played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s unique blend of rock, classical, and orchestral elements that would come to define their signature style. Early Life and Musical…
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Clarence Frogman Henry died April 7, 2024

Clarence Frogman Henry was born Clarence Henry II on March 19, 1937 and was a pioneering American rhythm and blues (R&B) singer, pianist, and performer, whose unique vocal style and musical contributions left an indelible mark on the music scene of the 1950s and 1960s. Best known for his quirky and memorable hits “Ain’t Got No Home” (1956) and “(I Don’t Know Why) But I Do” (1961), Henry was a beloved figure in the New Orleans music community and a significant voice in the wider rhythm and blues movement. His ability to blend elements of jazz, blues, and rock and…
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Chris Cross died March 25, 2024.

Chris Cross: A Pioneer of New Wave Music (July 14, 1952 – March 25, 2024) Christopher Thomas Allen, known professionally as Chris Cross, was a seminal figure in the New Wave music scene, best known as the bass guitarist for the band Ultravox. His dynamic presence, technical prowess, and ability to meld traditional rock instrumentation with electronic innovation helped define a transformative era in British music. From his early life in the vibrant cultural melting pot of London to his international fame with Ultravox, Cross’s contributions left an indelible mark on the music industry and popular culture. Early Life and…
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Steve Harley died March 17, 2024

Steve Harley was born Stephen Malcolm Ronald Nice on February 27, 1951 and was a pioneering English singer-songwriter and the dynamic frontman of the glam rock group Cockney Rebel. Harley’s life and career spanned more than five decades, leaving an indelible mark on the British music scene, especially during the 1970s glam rock era. Early Life and Influences Steve Harley was born in Deptford, London, and grew up in the nearby New Cross area. He came from a working-class family, and his early years were marked by health challenges. As a child, Harley suffered from polio, which resulted in him…
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Karl Wallinger died March 10, 2024.

Karl Wallinger was born Karl Edmond De Vere Wallinger, on October 19, 1957, and was a Welsh musician, songwriter, and record producer whose artistic contributions left an indelible mark on the landscape of British music. Best known for his role as the frontman and creative force behind the alternative rock band World Party, Wallinger also made significant contributions to The Waterboys, particularly with his work on their iconic song, “The Whole of the Moon.” Wallinger’s career spanned several decades, with his eclectic mix of musical styles and thoughtful lyrics resonating with audiences across generations. Early Life and Musical Foundations Karl…
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Toby Keith died February 5, 2024.

Toby Keith (July 8, 1961 – February 5, 2024): A Legacy in American Country Music, Business, and Beyond Early Life and Influences Toby Keith Covel, known professionally as Toby Keith, was born on July 8, 1961, in Clinton, Oklahoma. Raised in a working-class family, Toby spent much of his youth in Oklahoma and Texas, places that would later deeply influence his music and persona. His father, Hubert Covel, was an army veteran, and Keith often cited his father’s patriotism and values as shaping many aspects of his life and career. This deeply rooted sense of American pride would later become…
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Aston Family Man Barrett died February 3, 2024.

Aston Family Man Barrett was born Aston Francis Barrett on November 22, 1946, in Kingston, Jamaica, and emerged from humble beginnings to become a pivotal figure in the reggae music scene. As a member of the Barrett family, Aston grew up in a musical environment that nurtured his talents and instilled in him a deep appreciation for the rhythms and melodies that characterized Jamaican music. Raised in a Rastafarian household, Barrett’s early influences included not just the vibrant sounds of ska and rocksteady but also the spiritual teachings of Rastafari, which would inform his artistic journey throughout his life. Barrett’s…
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Actor and singer Bill Hayes died January 12, 2024.

William Foster Hayes III, known professionally as Bill Hayes, was an American actor and recording artist whose career spanned over seven decades. Born on June 5, 1925, in Harvey, Illinois, Hayes left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with his versatile talents in acting and singing. Hayes’ early years were marked by a profound engagement with music and performance. He attended DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where he honed his singing skills, graduating with a double major in music and English. His education was briefly interrupted by his service in the United States Navy during World War II, where…
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