1973

Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, 9/8/45 – 3/8/73. Born in San Fransisco, California he was a founding member of the band Grateful Dead. He was sang, played organ, harmonica, percussion, and occasionally guitar. Pigpen began experiencing congenital liver problems, likely exacerbated by his years of excessive drinking after suffering a gastrointestinal hemorrhage. He was 27.

Another 27...this makes six, three more to come. The Grateful Dead, to this day, has such a strong following. I can only imagine the sadness that gripped each fan when they heard the news that he had passed. His grave marker aptly says, "Pigpen was, and forever now is, one of the Grateful Dead".

The Grateful Dead - Sugar Magnolia
via FoxyTunes

Gram Parsons, (Cecil Ingram Connor), 11/5/46 - 9/19-1973, Gram was born in Winter Haven, Florida. He was a member of several bands including The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers. Known for writing music, playing guitar and piano he was well respected by other musicians. Gram died of a heart failure from tequila & morphine overdose . He was 26.

Sad. So much talent...gone so soon. The story of his death and what happened afterward is incredible, "In the late 1960s, Parsons became enamored of Joshua Tree National Monument in southeastern California. Alone or with friends, he would disappear in the desert for days searching for UFOs while under the influence of psilocybin or LSD. Less than two days after arriving, Parsons died September 19, 1973 in Joshua Tree, California at the age of 26 from a lethal combination, purportedly of morphine and alcohol. According to Fisher in the 2005 biography Grievous Angel: An Intimate Biography of Gram Parsons, the amount of morphine consumed by Parsons would be lethal to three addicts and thus he had likely overestimated his tolerance considering his past experience with opiates. Fisher and McElroy were returned to Los Angeles by Kaufman, who dispersed the remnants of Parsons' stash in the desert.

Parsons' body disappeared from the Los Angeles International Airport where it was being readied to be shipped to Louisiana for burial. Prior to his death, Parsons stated that he wanted his body cremated at Joshua Tree and his ashes spread over Cap Rock, a prominent natural feature there; however, Parson's stepfather arranged for a private ceremony back in New Orleans and neglected to invite any of his friends from the music industry.To fulfill Parsons' "funeral" wishes, Kaufman and a friend stole his body from the airport and in a borrowed hearse drove it to Joshua Tree where they attempted to cremate it by pouring five gallons of gasoline into the open coffin and throwing a lit match inside. What resulted was an enormous fireball. Police chased them, but according to one account they were unencumbered by sobriety and got away. The two were arrested several days later. Since there was no law against stealing a dead body, they were only fined $750 (or $700) for stealing the coffin and were not prosecuted for leaving 35 lbs of his charred remains in the desert."

The Byrds - Ballad Of Easy Rider
via FoxyTunes

Jim Croce, 1/10/43 – 9/20/73, Jim was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a talented singer/song writer and played the piano, guitar and harmonica. Jim was best known for his hits Bad Bad Leroy Brown, and Time in a Bottle. The album “I Got a Name” was released posthumously and some believe Jim had yet to produce his best work, while others maintain that his death was what gave his music publicity. He died in a plane crash. Jim was 30.

I was shocked by the news of Jim's death. That summer I had spent a lot of time with an older cousin who played all of Jim Croce's well known songs on his guitar. In a way it seemed like a personal loss because he was so open in his lyrics, you felt like you knew him.

Jim Croce - I Got A Name
via FoxyTunes

1976

Tommy Bolin, (Thomas Richard Bolin), 8/1/51 – 12/4/76. Tommy was born in Sioux City, Iowa. He was a guitarist with Zephyr, The James Gang and Deep Purple and also had a solo career. Tommy had a heavy drug problem. It was after opening for Jeff Beck that he partied on a combination of drugs and alcohol that he died. There are conflicting reports of the actual cause of death. He was 25.

Again, incredible talent that was nipped in the bud due to drug and alcohol abuse. Tommy was a self taught, versatile and very talented guitarist. No doubt he had great future in front of him. "Tommy Bolin burst upon the mid-seventies scene like a ball of fire, bringing jazz inventiveness to the heavy metal style. Just as quickly, it seems, the flame was out, but the afterglow is still with us." The funny thing about "accidental overdoses" is that they are really another form of suicide, its the Russian roulette method.

Deep Purple - Highway Star
via FoxyTunes

1980

Bon Scott, ( Ronald Belford Scott ) 7/9/46 – 2/19/80. Born in Kirriemuir, Scotland, Bon was lead singer for AC/DC. He was vocalist on their album “Highway to Hell”. After a heavy night of drinking he was left to sleep in a car and was found dead the next day. There is controversy over his cause of death some saying he chocked on his vomit, but the official report listed alcohol poisoning. He was 33.

Bon was often heard saying that if the band (AC/DC) didn't make it big soon he was going to quit. Less than a year after his death they came out with Back in Black, one of the best selling albums of all time. His friend, Vince Lovegrove, is quoted as saying this about Bon, "There was unquestionably an undercurrent of resigned sadness behind his impish grin. "

Ac/Dc - Back In Black
via FoxyTunes



Ian Curtis, (Ian Kevin Curtis) 7/15/56 - 5/18/80. Ian was the vocalist and lyricist, as well as occasional guitarist and keyboardist, of the band Joy Division. People still discuss the his work today, his writing was influenced by a troubled life. Ian committed suicide. He was 23.

When Ian was a teenager he was obsessed with David Bowie and decided that he too would have a life as a musician. After watching a Sex Pistols show, he and three friends decided to start a band and Joy Division was born. Its said that many of the songs he wrote hinted of his eventual suicide. I guess no one will ever know for sure if that is true or not. There is a movie on his life called "Control", I plan to watch it soon. RIP, dear young Ian.

Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart (Permanent Mix)
via FoxyTunes




John Bonham, (aka Bonzo) (John Henry Bonham), 5/31/48 – 9/25/80. Born in Worcestershire, England John was drummer for the legendary band, Led Zeppelin. He is considered by many to be the best rock drummer of all time and known for using “heavy sticks” in his hard hitting drum style. John was heavy drinker and died from asphyxiation of vomit after a day and night of consuming alcohol. John was 32.


This John, and the John below him died within months of each other. I have vivid and emotional memories of hearing the horrific news. On September 25, 1980 I was in a great mood because it was my 20th birthday. I was working at the local community college and as I walked across campus to go celebrate with friends, I noticed some students gathered together obviously upset. As I approached them I could hear that they were talking about the death of John Bonaham. I could not believe it, Led Zeppelin has always been one of my favorite bands. I'd been saddened by the death of a few rockers prior to John, but this was the first time it hit me hard enough to cry. It certainly wasn't the last....

Led Zeppelin - Moby Dick
via FoxyTunes




John Lennon, (John Winston Lennon), 10/9/40 – 12/8/40. Born in Liverpool, England John was a member of the Beatles and also had a successful solo career. He was shot and killed as he exited his apartment building in New York City. He was 40.

My memory of John's death is almost too eerie to discuss. I wrote about it elsewhere so let me know if you are interested in reading the whole story. The short version: I was looking at a drawing of him that a friend was doing when the news was broadcast over the radio. It was so surreal, I had to wonder if I was having a nightmare. I wasn't, someone had murdered John in cold blood. John was known for his love of peace, his desire for people to get along with one another. The irony of his violent death shocked the world. I still have a hard time thinking about it. In the case of John Lennon, I can’t say enough so I won’t attempt to say much at all. Life can be so damn unfair.

John Lennon - Imagine
via FoxyTunes

1991

Steve Clark, (Stephen Maynard Clark), 4/23/60 – 1/8/91. Born in Hillsborough, England he was a guitarist for Def Leppard. He modeled his playing after his guitar idol, Jimmy Page. Steve’s had a severe addiction to alcohol that threatened his career many times. He died of an accidental overdose of painkillers and alcohol. He was 30.

Okay, here is another one. Its painful to remember these deaths and to write about them. A young man in the prime of his life with one of the hottest bands of the day. He was an excellent performer and he contributed to the early success of the band. But the guys became more and more frustrated and concerned about his drinking. What I've read has painted a picture of a tight band who cared a lot for Steve and did all they could to help him. Anyone who knows much about addiction and recovery knows that there is not a thing you can do to help someone, they have to want it for themselves. Unfortunately, Steve Clark did not. This is an excellent video clip of his bandmates talking about him, it also shows some of his guitar work. What stands out to me as I watched is Rick Allen. As their drummer he was able to overcome losing an arm and he triumphed over a great physical challenge. Yet all the while watching his friend, Steve, lose his battle to alcoholism. RIP Steve...you are missed.

Def Leppard - Pour Some Sugar On Me
via FoxyTunes




Steve Marriott, 1/30/47 - 4/20/91. Born in Bow, London Steve was the guitarist for Small Faces and Humble Pie. He is best remembered for his powerful blue-eyed soul vocals. Steve died of smoke inhalation when his 16th Century home caught fire. He was 44.

Steve was a self taught guitarist but was best known for his great voice. Humble Pie was a great band in the early 70's but according to other members drugs got in the way of things and they eventually broke up. His life was quite interesting, if you are interested you can read about him here. One thing I wonder about, would things have been different for him if he had got the job with The Rolling Stones? Check this is out: "After the departure of Mick Taylor in 1975 from the Rolling Stones, Marriott was considered as his replacement; however, Mick Jagger allegedly blocked the move after Marriott upstaged him during the audition. According to Ronnie Wood in his autobiography Ronnie, Marriott was Richards' first choice to replace Mick Taylor." Ten years after Steve died his friends got together and did a tribute concert to him that sounds like a fabulous evening with an all star line-up. I bet Steve would have loved it

Humble Pie - Hot 'N' Nasty
via FoxyTunes



David Ruffin, (Davis Eli Ruffin), 1/18/41 – 6/1/91. Born in Meridian, Mississippi he was a singer/dancer with The Temptations. He sang lead vocals for the first time on the song that went on to be their first number one hit, “My Girl”. David became heavily involved in drugs and died of cocaine overdose. He was 50.

The Tempations were one of the best Motown acts ever and David was one of the original five. He's been named by Rolling Stone as one of the 100 greatest vocalists of all time. That's impressive, but what impresses me more is what Marvin Gaye said of David's voice, "I heard in [his voice] a strength my own voice lacked". Unfortunately he had quite a few troubles in his life including spending some time in prison and battling with drugs and financial problems. There was some very wild rumors surrounding his death and many believed it was a planned suicide. But to me that doesn't matter now...he's gone and I choose to remember him singing and dancing and bringing a lot of joy to many people with this talent.

The Temptations - My Girl (Stereo)
via FoxyTunes




Miles Davis (Miles Dewey Davis III) 5/26/26 - 9/28/91. Born in Alton, Illinois Miles was one of the most influential musicians of the 20th Century. He was an American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. He recorded in every major jazz genre including, bebop, fusion, funk. Miles died from a stroke, pneumonia and respiratory failure. He was 65.

Miles Davis always had an air of intimidation about him, kind of like he knew he was cool, he knew he was the man when it came to the trumpet. Listening to Miles makes me want a cigarette, even though I don't smoke. Wish I had something more eloquent to add.

Miles Davis - Blue in Green
via FoxyTunes



Eric Carr, (Paul Charles Caravello), 7/12/50 – 11/24/91. Eric is best known as the drummer for the rock band KISS. He replaced original drummer, Peter Criss. Eric was also a talented vocalist, bassist, guitarist and pianist. He was diagnosed and died of a rare form of heart cancer. Eric was 41.

Not being a huge KISS fan I had to do a bit of research on Eric Carr. Most people that I talk to still refer to the band's drummer as Peter Criss, which is a shame because Eric was with them longer and seemed like a very talented musician and likeable person. I recommend you follow the link on his name to read more about him. Here's one thing that intrigued me, "At the time of his successful audition, Caravello was repairing stoves with his father for a living, while playing drums in a variety of bands. He was the last drummer to audition for the band and actually asked Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley for autographs, in case he never saw them again. "But I knew I had it", he told a fanzine in 1990. According to Caravello, his audition was videotaped." Eric's death sounds horrible, that part was difficult to read.

Kiss - Calling Dr. Love
via FoxyTunes

Freddie Mercury, (Farrokh Bulsara), 9/5/46 – 11/24/91. Born on the island of Zanzibar Freddie was the much loved singer/ songwriter for Queen. He was known for his powerful vocal abilities and his charisma as a live performer. His health declined for years amidst rumors of HIV/AIDS. Just twenty four hours after issuing a statement that he had the disease, he lost his life to it. He was 45.

This was another death that brought immediate tears to my eyes. Along with many others that heard the news, it came as a shock to me because it was just the day before that he had officially announced he had AIDS. He waited a long time to share it publically and I respect his decision for doing that - to protect his family from the hounding media. Freddie was a special person to those who knew him and although his persona was bigger than life, it seemed that he was a bit shy and humble when not on state. On stage he was "godike" according to this account, "One of Mercury's most notable performances with Queen took place at Live Aid in 1985, during which the entire stadium audience of 72,000 people clapped, sang, and swayed in unison. Queen's performance at the event has since been voted by a group of music executives as the greatest live performance in the history of rock music. The results were aired on a television program called "The World's Greatest Gigs". In reviewing Live Aid in 2005, one critic wrote, "Those who compile lists of Great Rock Frontmen and award the top spots to Mick Jagger, Robert Plant, etc. all are guilty of a terrible oversight. Freddie, as evidenced by his Dionysian Live Aid performance, was easily the most godlike of them all."

Queen - We Are The Champions
via FoxyTunes

1993

Mick Ronson, 5/26/46 – 4/29/1993. Born in Yorkshire, England, Mick was best known as guitar player for David Bowie. He also played for musicians such as Lou Reed, Ian Hunter, Bob Dylan and Mott the Hoople. In addition to guitar he played the piano, bass, harmonic, clarinet, keyboards and drums. Mick died of liver cancer. He was 46.

Whenever I think of Mick Ronson I remember David Bowie introducing him as his "good mate". It seems like Mick was an ultra-talented guy who did most of his best work in the background (by producing or by standing behind Bowie - who notices anyone else on stage when David is up there?). I think its fitting and kinda sad that his last major live performance was a the Freddie Mercury Tribute concert, he played "All The Young Dudes" with David Bowie and Ian Hunter, and "Heroes" with Bowie." I hate cancer even more than I hate heroin. Sorry to lose another great musician to that evil disease.

David Bowie - Ground Control to Major Tom
via FoxyTunes




Frank Zappa, (Francis Vincent Zappa Jr.), 12/21/93 – 12/4/93. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Frank was known for composing and performing experimental rock/jazz music. Frank was also a passionate supporter of our first amendment rights and his lyrics often made known his skeptical views of US politics. He died of prostate cancer. Frank was 52.

Frank Zappa is one of those big names that was so important to the music industry that I feel unqualified to even talk about him, so I am going to ask a friend of mine if he would write something up here about Frank.

Frank Zappa - Dancin' Fool
via FoxyTunes

Michael Clarke (Michael James Dick) 6/3/46 -12/19/93. Born in Spokane, Washington, Michael was best known as the drummer for the 1960s rock music group The Byrds from 1964 to 1968. He also played with the Flying Burrito Brothers. Michael died of liver failure thought to be a result of more than three decades of heavy alcohol consumption. He was 47.

I found this very interesting, "In legend, Clarke was said to have been discovered by Byrds founder David Crosby while playing bongos on the beach, but in fact he was discovered by singer-songwriter Ivan Ulz. And, he was not discovered on the beach per se, but in San Francisco's North Beach. Clarke was not an accomplished musician prior to joining the Byrds. He was reportedly hired more for his resemblance to Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones than his percussion skills." Michael must have improved on his skills as time went on since he was with two really great bands. Another sad loss due to alcoholism.

The Byrds - Ballad Of Easy Rider
via FoxyTunes

1995

Rory Gallagher, 3/2/48 - 6/14/95. Rory was born in County Donegal, but grew up in Cork City in the south of Ireland. He is best known for his incredible talent at guitar and most often played a 1961 Stratocaster. Rory excessively used drugs and alcoholl which necessitated a liver transplant; complications from that caused his death. He was 43.

I once wrote about Rory on my other blog and it generated quite a few comments saying that he was underrated. Its true he was not a big name like some of the guitar greats but as far as talent he was up there with the best. One person said it like this "It is great to see Rory here. He was fantastic playing that battered Stratocaster straight into an amp. Today's young guitarists could learn a thing from him. He is missed." I agree! (p.s. I am proud to say I have relatives in Donegal!)

Rory Gallagher - Race The Breeze
via FoxyTunes



Jerry Garcia, (Jerome John Garcia), 8/1/42 – 8/9/95. Born in San Fransisco, California, Jerry was thought of as the lead vocalist and guitarist for The Grateful Dead – although he insisted the band had no official leader. He played guitar, piano and banjo. He died of a heart attack. He was 53.

Another legend that I dare not write about for fear of not saying enough. I have someone in mind to write this one, hope he is willing, he's a great writer and loyal Deadhead.

The Grateful Dead - Friend of the Devil
via FoxyTunes



Shannon Hoon, (Richard Shannon Hoon), 9/26/67 – 10/21/95. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Shannon was the lead singer for Blind Melon and worked with Guns N Roses. He developed a cocaine habit and often joked that he would be the next member of the “27 Club”. He died of an accidental heroin/cocaine overdoes three weeks after his birthday. Shannon was 28.

There was something very special and unique about Shannon Hoon. They say a picture says a thousand words, so I guess a video can convey a personality. This performance at Woodstock '94 will tell you a lot more about Shannon than I can. Shannon was known for doing crazy (and often illegal) things, for example he was arrested in Vancouver after getting naked and urinating on someone in the audience. Another time he walked on stage smoking a joint. His drug and alcohol use were a huge problem for the band, he was in and out of rehab. Looking at him I see such a beautiful face, a great voice, a bright future with a hugely successful band; but the drugs won.

Blind Melon - Change
via FoxyTunes

1997

Brian Francis Connolly, 11/17/45 - 5/29/97. Born in Hamilton, Scotland, Brian was a rock vocalist, best known as the lead singer for the glam rock band, Sweet. He died as a result of liver failure brought on by a drinking problem. Brian was 51.

Brian's life seemed to have quite a bit of drama right from the start. It seems that his drinking started during the success of Sweet and never stopped.

Jeff Buckley, (Jeffrey Scott Buckley), 11/17/66 – 5/29/97, born in Anaheim, California Jeff was an incredibly talented musician, vocalist and song-writer. His father was musician Tim Buckely. He drowned in the Mississippi River, his death was an accident. He was 30.

Its hard to write about Jeff because I discovered his music years after he died and immediately felt a loss. I’ve read a lot about him and can’t do justice to him here in a few words. Jeff struggled with his emotional highs and lows but I believe that’s what enabled him to write in his intense, ethereal lyrics. Sometimes when I listen to him sing, its hurts, he has that effect on me. I have the 2009 release of a DVD/CD "Grace Around the World" and highly recommend it. I reviewed it here. There's something so intriguing about him, a darkness, a sadness that seems out of place coming from such beautiful young man, see if you agree by watching him perform "Grace" here. A great loss.

Jeff Buckley - Grace
via FoxyTunes



Rich Mullins, 10/21/55 – 9/19/97. Born in Richmond, Indiana, Rich was very much loved singer/songwriter. He wrote several songs that became some of the best known “praise and worship songs” used in churches today (Sing Your Praise To The Lord and Our God Is An Awesome God ). Rich died as the result of a car accident. Rich was 41.

Rich may not be familiar to many of you unless you listen to contemporary Christian music. What I liked about him was that he "walked the talk" and chose to live a simple lifestyle giving most of him money away. One of his songs seems very prophetic to me since he talks about dying and even insinuates that he's looking forward to it. Here are the lyrics.

Rich Mullins - While The Nations Rage
via FoxyTunes










John Denver, ( Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. ), 12/31/43 – 10/12/97. Born in Roswell, New Mexico, John was one of the biggest selling folk/pop artists of the 1970s. In his lifetime, he recorded and released over 300 songs, about half of which he had written. John died when the small aircraft he was piloting crashed. He was 53.

What sad news to hear about John's death. I think most people remember him in his early years when he had a "down-home-country boy" persona, a "nice young man" that wrote uplifting songs. John was also very involved in several humanitarian projects and was vocal about his political beliefs. Unfortunately some people thought that tarnished his image, it made me respect him more. I wonder what he'd be up to today had he lived a longer life.

John Denver - Rocky Mountain High
via FoxyTunes

Michael Hutchence, (Michael Kelland John Hutchence), 1/22/60 – 11/22/97. Born in Sydney, Australia, Michael was the lead singer of INXS. He was found hanging in his hotel room. Controversy surrounded his death with rumors that it was murder, but it was considered to be a suicide. Michael was 37.

Its been over ten years but I still feel an ache in my heart every time I listen to his voice. Michael was one of my top five favorite male vocalists of all time. I wad devastated at this loss. I had the honor of meeting someone who knew him and was close to his family. After his death this person was allowed to read Michael’s journals and it confirmed what I had always believed, he was a sensitive soul often tortured by depression. Bono and he were friends and the song “Stuck in a Moment” was written about his death. This video of INXS doing "Don't Change" is a chronological look at Michael on stage. I think he's one of the most sensually attractive men I have ever seen. I was appalled when a few years ago the remaining members of the show did a reality to show to find a new vocalist. Let's face it - Michael made INXS the success it was. It was his songwriting ability and his presence on that stage that brought the fans. I'm not saying the rest of the band had no talent, just saying they could have been replaced but there was no replacing Michael.

INXS - Never Tear Us Apart
via FoxyTunes

1998

Tim Kelly, 1/16/63 – 2/5/98. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Tim was the guitarist for Slaughter. He was self taught at guitar and has his first band in the sixth grade. Tim died from head injuries after an automobile accident. He was 35.

From what I've read about Tim, he seemed like a really nice guy. He also knew the heartache of losing a loved one (his sister) to cancer and wrote a song for her. It seems wrong that the persona responsible for his death only received three years in prison (he was driving an 18 wheeler under the influence of several drugs and crashed into Tim).




Carl Wilson, (Carl Dean Wilson), 12/21/46 – 2/6/98. Born in Hawthorne, California Carl was a singer and lead guitarist for The Beach Boys. Carl was the youngest of the Wilson brothers. He died of lung cancer. Carl was 51.

Carl seemed to be talked about less then his Beach Boy brother's, Brian and Dennis. Here is a very touching account about the end of Carl's career, "Wilson was diagnosed with brain and lung cancer in early 1997. Despite his illness and chemotherapy treatments, Carl continued to perform after diagnosis. Carl played through the Beach Boys' entire summer tour which ended in the fall of 1997. He sat down most of the time and needed oxygen after every song, but he still had his unique voice. The only time he stood during concerts was when he sang "God Only Knows" to his fans."

The Beach Boys - God Only Knows
via FoxyTunes

Falco (Johann Hölze) 2/16/57 - 2/6/98. Born in Vienna, Austria, Falco was a rap, pop and rock musicians with four #1 hits. Falco died from injuries sustained in a collisions with a bus. He was 40.

Okay, who has not at one time or another caught themselves singing along to the chorus of "Rock Me Amadeus"? Its an unusual but catchy tune and was also the only German language song to become a number one hit in the U.S. Sad ending to his life.

Falco - Rock Me Amadeus
via FoxyTunes






Cozy Powell, (Colin Flooks) 12/29/47 - 4/5/98. Born in Gloucester, England. He began playing drums at age 12 and worked with many bands over the years including Rainbow, Black Sabbath, The Jeff Beck Group and Whitesnake. Cozy died in a single car crash while driving under the influence of alcohol. He was 50.

Cozy was an incredible drummer! See for yourself here. He played with some very impressive bands. I read that Led Zeppelin considered asking him to join the band when John Bonham died. I am glad they chose to disband, it was the right thing to do, no one could replace Bonzo, but Cozy was a damn good choice if they chose to continue. Another tragic loss that could have been avoided.

Wendy O Williams, (Wendy Orleans Williams) 5/28/49 – 4/6/98. Born in Webster, New York, Wendy was the lead singer and guitarist for The Plasmatics. She was known for her shocking stage performances which often included blowing up equipment and chain-sawing guitars. She ended her own life by shooting herself. Wendy was 48.

Another depression ending in suicide. After reading a portion of her suicide note it seems that she made the decision after a lot of thought. In contrast to the punk rock persona she had, Wendy had a much softer side, "Despite her reputation as a fearsome performer, Williams in her personal life was deeply devoted to the welfare of animals, a passion that included a vegetarian diet, working as a wildlife rehabilitator and being a natural foods activist. "

Wendy O. Williams & Plasmatics - Party
via FoxyTunes




Carl Perkins, 4/9/32 – 1/19/98. Born in Tiptonville, Tennessee Carl was a pioneer in rockabilly music. He influenced many musicians who went on to have successful careers including Elvis, Johnny Cash and The Beatles. Carl died of cancer. He was 65.

According to Charlie Daniels, "Carl Perkins' songs personified the rockabilly era, and Carl Perkins' sound personifies the rockabilly sound more so than anybody involved in it, because he never changed." Many artists have covered his songs. He is most famous for the classic "Blue Suede Shoes".

Carl Perkins - Susie Q
via FoxyTunes

John Panozzo, 9/20/48 – 7/16/98. John was born in Chicago, Illinois, he was the drummer and a founding member of Styx. Years of partying with excessive drinking began to take a toll on his liver eventually dying of gastrointestinal hemorrhaging. He was 47.

I enjoyed reading about John's early start in music. He and his twin brother, Chuck, both picked up instruments at age seven. Then they hooked up with their neighbor, Dennis de Young, and the beginnings of Styx was formed. Unfortunately partying got in the way and ruined his health. "The band dedicated their 1996 Return to Paradise tour to him, and Tommy Shaw, who had earlier replaced Curulewski, wrote the song "Dear John" as the band's final tribute to their drummer and friend."

Styx - Renegade
via FoxyTunes