1974

Duke Ellington, (Edward Kennedy Ellington) 4/29/1899 - 5/24/74. Born in Washington DC, Duke was one of the twentieth century's best-known African-American celebrities. He was a band-leader, pianist and composer. Along with numerous other awards and accolades he was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1966. Duke died of lung cancer. He was 75.

An icon. Glad he lived a long life. I hope someone volunteers to share their thoughts on Mr. Ellington since I don't feel qualified having not listened to much of his music.

Duke Ellington And Louis Armstrong - I'm Just A Lucky So And So
via FoxyTunes

Cass Elliot, (Ellen Naomi Cohen ), 9/19/41 – 7/29/74. Cass was born in Baltimore, Maryland. She is best remembered as Mama Cass of the pop quartet The Mamas & the Papas. After the group broke up, she had a successful solo career, releasing nine albums. Elliot was found dead in her hotel room in London from an apparent heart attack after two sold-out performances at the Palladium. She was 32.

California Dreamin....Mama Cass had a great voice. Its sad that she died so young and suddenly. I am sure the people who saw her perform those last two nights must have felt a bittersweet connection to the concerts they attended.

The Mamas And The Papas - California Dreamin'
via FoxyTunes




Bill Chase, (William Edward Chiaiese), 10/24/34 – 8/9/74. Bill was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He was a rock-jazz musician with a band called “Chase”. He played the trumpet. He died along with 3 of his bandmates in a plane crash. Bill was 39.

Wow. I suppose the reason so many musicians are lost in planes is because they travel extensively. Three people lost, it won't be the last time. Very sad. RIP, Bill.

Nick Drake, (Nicholas Rodney Drake), 6/9/48 - 11/25/74. Nick was born in Arden, England. He landed a record deal at age 20 and went on to make several albums. Nick was known for playing the guitar but also played piano, clarinet and sax. His music continues to gain audiences to this day and he is considered one of the most influential English songwriters of the last 50 years. Nick suffered from severe depression which led to his overdose and suicide at the age of 26.

I have loved music since I was 4 years old. A guy I was dating (not at age 4, more like 24) was stunned and disappointed that I did not know who Nick Drake was. I made it my goal to find out and yes, I loved his unique lyrics and can easily see how his depression influenced his music. Another tragic loss that breaks my heart. I've lost four people in my life to suicide, two of my closest friends and two cousins. I understand, but I hate the way it devastates those left behind.

Nick Drake - One of These Things First
via FoxyTunes

1975

Peter William Ham, 4/27/47 - 4/24/75. Peter was born in Swansea, South Wales. He formed a local rock group called The Panthers which evolved into The Ivey which eventually became Badfinger. Peter co-wrote many of their hit songs. He hung himself after years of disputes with his former financial manager. Pete was 27.


Number 7 of the "27 Club". I loved Badfinger as I was growing up and don't remember hearing of his death, media news ("the news" in the old days) was a bit different back then. I've read the details behind his death and its tragic. I am an advocate for helping victims of suicide (those of us left behind) understand it better and hopefully lessen the bitterness and anger that inevitably surfaces. But in this case, it seems like he was running from his problems leaving behind his girlfriend who was 8 months pregnant with his daughter.

Badfinger - Day After Day
via FoxyTunes



Tim Buckley, (Timothy Charles Buckley III) 2/14/47 - 6/29/75. Born in Washington DC, Tim was a vocalist and musician who's music style is hard to define but has been referred to as jazz, funk, soul and avant-garde rock. He was father to the late Jeff Buckley. Tim died of an accidental heroin overdose He was 28.

Jeff looks so much like his father and inherited his talent as well as his good looks. I don't know much about Tim Buckley but it sure is a shame he never lived to hear his son's stunningly beautiful voice and witness his success.

1979

Sid Vicious, (John Simon Ritchie), 5/10/57 – 2/2/79. Born in London England, Sid was the bassist for the punk group, The Sex Pistols. Many agreed that Sid had no talent for playing bass, nevertheless he was in the band. He was best known for his drug addiction and many run-ins with the law. He had a failed attempt at suicide after being accused of murdering his girlfriend. Sid died of a heroin overdose. He was 21.

Sid Vicious is synonymous with punk rock. He really embodied all the attributes of what punk rock stood for: violence, wild behavior, excess drug and alcohol use, and an air of being apathetic about life in general. Unfortunately he also died young which seems to be the only acceptable end for his life. He was 21! Just a baby. Yet his name is known all over the world and he will always be an iconic figure in the punk rock movement.

The Sex Pistols - Anarchy In The U.K
via FoxyTunes




Lowell George, (Lowell Thomas George) 4/13/45 - 6/29/79. Born in Hollywood, California, Lowell was was an singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer, who primarily achieved fame as lead vocalist and frontman in the rock band Little Feat, where he specialized as a slide guitarist. After putting on an excellent show he returned to his hotel room and died of a heart attack that was said to be related to his heavy drug use. George was 34.

I did a little research on Lowell and found myself intrigued so tried to watch a YouTube video but all of them have been removed due to rights violations (don't you hate it when that happens to some of your favorite vids?). Lowell had just recorded his first solo album and it received great reviews. Too bad he did not live long enough to enjoy that success and create more good music. Drugs. Sigh.

Little feat - Dixie Chicken
via FoxyTunes

1981

Mike Bloomfield, 2/6/45 – 5/11/81. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Mike is known as one of the best session guitarists of all time. He played with JJ Cale, John Mayal Elvin Bishop, Dylan, Al Kooper, and others. Although he died of an accidental heroin overdose, Mike was not a heavy drug user – but it only takes one time to OD. He was 37.

Never had the chance to see him play and only found one video and its not that great, the few moments he's on screen are well worth the watch, he was amazing. He was doing heroin and cocaine together, a popular way to die. Tragic.



Bob Marley, ( Robert Nesta Marley ), 2/6/45 – 5/11/81. Born in Niles, Jamaica Bob was best known for bringing Jamaican and reggae music to the rest of the world. He believed that “violence and racism could be fought with music and love”. Bob’s Rastafarian beliefs kept him from seeking early treatment for melanoma and it spread quickly throughout his body. He died of brain cancer. His final words to his son Ziggy were “money can’t buy life”. He was 36.

I hope someone will offer to share their thoughts on Bob Marley here, I don't feel I can do him justice. An icon, a legend, and he died so young.

Bob Marley & The Wailers - One Love - People Get Ready
via FoxyTunes



Harry Chapin, 12/7/42 – 7/16/81. Born in Greenwich Village, New York, Harry was a much loved singer, songwriter and humanitarian. He has two number one hits, Cats In the Cradle and Taxi. Harry died in a car accident but his cause of death was a heart attack. There was on decision made as to which caused the other but its believed that the heart attack caused him to wreck his car. Harry was 38.

Another excellent story teller. Its hard not to be moved when listening to his lyrics. When I hear his song "Taxi" I can see images of the scene in my head, the rain, the woman in the back of the taxi, the recognition of an old lover... Great stuff. In fact it was so great that when he performed it for the first time, on The Tonight Show, Johnny brought him back the very next night for an encore (that was a first, not sure if it ever happened again).

Harry Chapin - Taxi
via FoxyTunes

1983

Karen Carpenter, 3/2/50 – 2/4/83. Born in New Haven, Connecticut Karen was one half of the multi-gold record winning duo, The Carpenters. She is known mostly for her voice and also played drums for the group. Karen struggled with anorexia nervosa and died of a heart attack related to complications. She was 32.

My father was a big fan of The Carpenters so I heard many hours of there music as a child growing up. Karen's voice was extraordinary, it was so clear and so easy to listen to and sing along with. I believe her struggle with anorexia brought a very misunderstood and tragic disease into the public's eye. Its painful to look at this beautiful woman in the last years of her life, so very thin and unhappy.

The Carpenters - Close To You
via FoxyTunes



Pete Farndon, 6/6/52 - 4/14/83. Born in Hereford, England Pete was the bassist for and founding member of The Pretenders. A year after his bandmate James Honeyman Scott’s death, Pete’s drug habit would take his life as well. He was fired from the band when he became intolerable to work with. Two days later he drowned in his bathtub after a heroin overdose. Pete was 30.

They say we usually learn from our own mistakes rather than those of others. I'm
remined of t hat when I think of Pete Farndon so closely following the footsteps of his bandmate. Here is a quote on his influence on The Pretenders image, "Farndon played a large role in shaping The Pretenders' tough image, often wearing his biker clothing, or later, samurai gear onstage. Hynde later acknowledged that two Pretenders' songs, "Biker" and "Samurai" had "references to a Pete Farndon type of character". Heroin seems to own people and not many escape her hold vicious hold on their lives. Its horrifying to think about as the mother of a young addict. I can show all of these deaths to my son and he would say "it will never happen to me", I hope he's right.

The Pretenders - Mystery Achievement
via FoxyTunes



Chris Wood, (Christopher Gordon Blandford Wood), 6/24/44 - 7/12/83. Born in Birmingham, England Chris was a founding member of the group Traffic. He played saxophone and flute. He also appeared on Jimi Hendrix’s record “Electric Ladyland”. Chris died of pneumonia while working on his first solo album. He was 39.

Chris taught himself how to play sax and flute at the age of 15! In addition to be a founding member of the super rock group, Traffic, he lent his talent to many projects and groups and musicians including: Christine McVie, Carl Palmer, Blue, Locomotive, Wooden Frog, Dr. John, Ginger Baker's Air Force. Its very sad that this talented musician lost his life so young.

Traffic - The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys
via FoxyTunes



Dennis Wilson, 12/4/44 – 12/28/83. Born in Inglewood, California, Dennis was the drummer and a vocalist for The Beach Boys. He struggled with alcoholism and often felt like the least appreciated of his brothers. He drowned after diving off a friend's boat, apparently intoxicated. Dennis was 39.

Like many Southern California girls, I grew up feeling like the Wilson brothers were "my band", especially when they sang songs about me (smile) and Dennis was the one I had a crush on. My grandparents lived in the same city they grew up in but I never had a Beach boy siting until years later when I was in a bar in Newport Beach. I met Dennis and talked to him, he was very handsome and very drunk. I felt sad for him. It was just a year or so later that he drowned. We all have our demons and his were very heavy.

The Beach Boys - Good Vibrations
via FoxyTunes

1984

Marvin Gaye, ( Marvin Pentz Gay Jr. ), 4/2/39 – 4/1/84. Born in Washington DC, Mavin was a singer, song-writer and played multiple instruments. He had several award winning songs and is known for his influential lyrics. Marvin was shot and killed by his father after an argument. He was 44.

I love Marvin! His voice, his lyrics, his sensuality, his class and style. It was hard to hear that he his own father killed him. Some lyrics from one of his song ironically say "Only love can conquer hate". Here he is singing that song in 1973. I still can't stand the thought that he died this way, or that he's gone forever...but certainly not forgotten.

Marvin Gaye - What's Going On
via FoxyTunes

1988

Andy Gibb,(Andrew Roy Gibb), 3/5/58 – 3/10/88. Born in Manchester, England (although he was considered Australian, being raised in Queensland). Andy followed in the footsteps of his older brothers (The Bee Gees) becoming a singer/songwriter. He had years of success followed by drug addiction which eventually contributed to an inflammatory heart virus which ended his life. He was 30.

I can recall that many people were shocked by his death. Andy had the reputation for being a clean cut guy, although I also recall it was well known that he had a drug problem. I imagine that it was very hard for the older brothers to deal with this loss. Once again, fame + fortune = drugs = death.

Andy Gibb - I Just Want to Be your Everything
via FoxyTunes

John Curulewski, 10/3/50 - 2/88. Born in Chicago, Illinois, John played was a founding member and played lead guitar for STYX. He left the band after their first five albums. John died of a brain aneurysm. He was 38.

Its sad to think that so many of the men and women on this page died because of drugs, but to me, its even more tragic when they die unexpectedly from an accident or serious illness. That's the case here. John chose to leave Styx because he wanted to spend more time with his wife and son and made a living teaching guitar (some of his students went on to start successful bands). Sounds like a nice family guy living a good life that was cut short unexpectedly.

Styx - Mr Roboto
via FoxyTunes













Hillel Slovak 4/13/62 - 6/25/88 Born in Haifa, Israiel, Hillel was the original guitarist and founding member of Red Hot Chili Peppers. He recorded two albums with the band, Freaky Styley (1985) and The Uplift Mofo Party Plan (1987). Hillel battled an addiction to heroin and died of an overdose shortly after returning from a successful European tour. He was 26.

Another heartbreaking loss, another victim of heroin. As I was looking for info on Hillel I read that he is originally from Israel and that his parents were Holocaust survivors. I don't know if they are still living, but I imagine they were in 1988. What would it be like to survive the worst horrors of history and then to lose your son to a drug overdose? I live in fear of that very thing. I read that Hillel was speedballing, that's what my son was into. I also found a site that his brother, James, had set up for him. On the site he sells a book he put together of Hillells' art and writing, I would love to see it. Here is what James says on the site, "My brother Hillel Slovak past away in 1988 leaving a legacy of music. His music is well renown, but who he was as a person is only known to the lucky people and friends that got to know him even if it was fora minute. Hillel wasn't just the original guitarist and co-founder of the Red hot chili peppers...he was so much more.

Red Hot Chili Peppers - behind the sun
via FoxyTunes

Roy Orbison, (Roy Kelton Orbison), 4/23/36 – 12/6/88. Born in Vernon, Texas Roy was considered a pioneer of rock music as a singer and songwriter. His career spanned forty years. Roy died of a heart attack. He was 52.

A great line in Springsteen's Thunder Road says a lot about this four-octave range singer and his emotional, often melancholy lyrics: "Roy Orbison singing for the lonely...that's me and I want you only...". Roy had a long career and was respected and admired by many of today's and yesterday's great singer/songwriters including Elvis and Bono. Along with Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne and George Harrison he formed the Traveling Wilburys. Unfortunately he only had a year with the band before his death. On their tribute to him they showed a picture of his guitar sitting in a rocking chair. I remember that image and think Roy would have liked it.

Roy Orbison - Only The Lonely
via FoxyTunes

1987

Jaco Pastorius, (John Francis Anthony Pastorius III) 12/1/51 - 9/21/87 was born in Norriston, Pensylvania. Jaco was regarded as one of the most influential bass players of all times. He played and composted mostly jazz, fusion and funk. He died as a result of brain damage received during a fight with a music club bouncer. Jaco was 35.

I was not familiar with Jaco but his name was left here in the comments as someone to add. He was voted "The Greatest Bass Player Who Has Ever Lived" by reader submissions in Bass Guitar magazine. I've checked out his music since then and understand why. In reading about his life I learned that he suffered from Bi-Polar disorder and that ultimately the use of alcohol and drugs exacerbated the disease causing his erratic behavior which ultimately led to his death. As with other deaths listed here, there's something to learn. Mental illnesses left untreated can have serious or life-threatening results. Check him out here.

Jaco Pastorius - Crisis
via FoxyTunes

1990

Allen Collins (Larkin Allen Collins Jr.) 7/19/52 - 1/23/90. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Allen was one of the founding members and guitarists of Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, and co-wrote many of the band's songs with late frontman Ronnie Van Zant, including Free Bird. In 1986 wrecked his car while under the influence. The accident killed his girlfriend and left Allen paralyzed from the waist down. He died from chronic pneumonia, a complication of the paralysis. Allen was 37.

Another loss for a great band. Its hard to read the story of his life, he suffered many losses. He was in the plane when it crashes and crushed several vertebrae but recovered. Then his wife died of hemorrhaging during a miscarriage. This began his abuse of alcohol and drugs which led to the above mentioned accident. He was never able to play guitar on stage again but when Lynryd Skynyrd reunited "as part of his plea bargain for the 1986 accident, Collins addressed fans at every Skynyrd concert with an explanation of why he could not perform, citing the dangers of drinking and driving, as well as drugs and alcohol. Because of Collins' accident, the band donated a sizable amount of concert proceeds from the 1987-88 tour to the Miami Project, which is involved in treatment of paralysis.

Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama
via FoxyTunes



Del Shannon, (Charles Weedon Westover), 12/30/34 – 2/8/90. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan Del was a singer/songwriter best known for his huge hit “Runaway” in 1961. He committed suicide by shooting himself. Del was 55.

Definitely one of the most covered songs ever, "Runaway" seemed to be his magnus opus. Del's career had a lot of ups and downs over the years. He collaborated with many other musicians and was considered as a replacement for Roy Orbison in the Traveling Wilburys after Roy's death. A longtime sufferer of depression, Del was using the anti-depressant Prozac when he took his own life. This added to the ongoing controversy of whether or not certain drugs increased suicidal feelings in some patients. (sidenote: I am an advocate for anti-depressants because I believe in most cases, such as my own, they can prevent suicide. But medications affect everyone differently that's why it is critically important to be under a doctor's care and supervision).

Del Shannon - Runaway
via FoxyTunes



Andy Wood, (Andrew Patrick Wood), 1/8/66 – 319/90. Born on Bainbridge Island, Washington, Andy was lead singer for Mother Love Bone and Malfunkshun. He was known for his exuberant onstage personality. He died as a result of a cerebral hemorrhage following a heroin overdose. He was 24.

One more for the list of very young men who became involved in the killer drug, heroin. I hate that shit, I really do. From what I've read of Andy he was quite a character and enjoyed going into the audience during live shows with his wireless bass. I can imagine that the ladies loved this - he's beautiful. Sadly he died before his second band, Mother Love Bone released their first record. I want to scream "WHY!?" about the drug related deaths that continue to fill this page, but instead I will ask "How?". How can we put an end to it? How can we convince people not to try it "just once". I know for a fact that's all it takes to become owned by this powerful and deadly drug. RIP Andy, you were special.

Mother Love Bone - Stardog Champion
via FoxyTunes

Stevie Ray Vaughan, (Stephen Ray Vaughan), 10/3/54 – 8/27/90. Born in Dallas, Texas, Stevie Ray is the most influential rhythm and blues rock guitarist of all time. Known for his passion, talent and unique sound, he is often found in the top ten of a list of “greatest guitarists”. Stevie Ray died in a helicopter crash. He was 35.

You know, its hard for me to believe that Stevie Ray is no longer here. I listen to his music so often and it feels like he should still be here, I know that sounds odd but its true. I love to share the story of the time I had the honor of meeting him. It was at a very small venue in Huntington Beach, California called "The Golden Bear". Sitting in the audience literally feet away from Stevie I was mesmerized. I could see the sweat soaking his clothes as my eyes were transfixed on those hands....that guitar. Afterward my friend and I introduced ourselves (thank you, Nuel, for insisting we meet him, I had no idea then how much it would mean to me today). Stevie was soft spoken, kind, very humble, and appreciative of our praise for his music. It was like he didn't even know how great he was. Unbelievable. Losing Stevie Ray was such a great loss to the world of guitar music. Fortunately his influence lives on and his music is still played often on any radio station worthy of being on the air. I had the privilege of meeting an extremely talented young singer/songwriter/guitarist this summer named Davy Knowles. When I met him, I told Davy he reminded me a lot of Stevie Ray. I hope he realized that was a huge heartfelt compliment of the highest acclaim - and I meant it!

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble - Pride and Joy
via FoxyTunes



Tom Fogerty, 11/9/41 - 9/6/90. Born in Berkely, California, Tom was the a singer/songwriter for Creedence Clearwater Revival. When his brother John took over the majority of lead vocals and song writing Tom left the band and the brothers remained estranged. He died of AIDS related respiratory failure/tuberculosis. Tom was 48.

Tom's life ended when a blood transfusion gave him the AIDS virus which in turn left him susceptible to many other illnesses. Most people are familiar with the discord between John and Tom Fogerty. Its not right to take sides since I wasn't there but it seems to me that both had "issues" and its hard to imagine brothers ending a relationship over music/business. I don't know what else to say.

Creedence Clearwater Revival - Green River
via FoxyTunes

1996

Bradley James Nowell, 2/22/68 - 5/25/96. Born in Long Beach, California Bradley was the lead singer and guitarist for Sublime. He had musical talent from a young age and was known to be able to play a song on guitar after hearing it only once. Shortly before their first album on their own record label came out, Bradley died of a heroin overdose. He was 28.

As I was sitting here thinking of what to say about Brad my Last FM station starts playing "Seeds" by Sublime. Eerie. His is another story of a young man that got caught in the vicious grasp of heroin and never made it out. He didn't live to see the success of that last album which was ironically first going to be titled "Killin' It" but was changed to "Sublime" after his death.

Sublime - What I Got (reprise)
via FoxyTunes



Ella Fitzgerald, 4/25/17 - 6/15/96. Born in Newport News, Virginia Ella was known as one of the most influential jazz vocalists of all time. Her voice spanned three octaves and she had the ability to improvise and do "scat singing". Her career spanned 57 years. Ella died of natural causes in her home. She was 79.

Ella's voice is legendary. She inspired so many vocalists that followed in her footsteps. I am glad that she lived a long life and died peacefully. Here is a video clip of the "First Lady of Song" doing some of her famous scat singing, I dare you to watch it without smiling.

Ella Fitzgerald - Cry Me A River
via FoxyTunes

Jonathan Melvoin, 12/6/61 – 7/11/96. Born in Los Angeles, California Jonathan was the keyboardist for Prince, The Dickies and The Smashing Pumpkins. He had been fired from Smashing Pumpkins for drug use and died from an overdose of heroin while with their drummer, who was then let go from the band as well. Jonathan was 34.

Damn it to hell, another one! It pains me to write about another heroin overdose. Each time I see those words I feel a sense of loss, fear and anger. I can imagine that Jonathan was a special guy because his death inspired at least three songs to be written including Sarah McLachlan's hit single "Angel" (lyrics here), the Wendy & Lisa song "Jonathan" and Prince's "The Love We Make". When I hear of a band kicking out a member due to their drug use, I understand. One thing to understand about addicts is that if often takes "hitting bottom" before they will choose to get help. Many parents have to kick their children out onto the street in hopes that they will clean up vs. die. I guess for Jonathan it wasn't enough, or it was too late. Its horribly tragic.












Eva Cassidy, 2/2/63 – 11/2/96. Born near Bowie, Maryland Eva started singing at the age of eleven. She was known for her exceptional voice and sadly due mostly to logistical issues (record companies going out of business, etc.) her career did not take off until after her death. She died of melanoma. Eva was 33.

A friend of Eva's wrote to me to be sure I included her here, I am grateful for that. I was really touched reading a bit about her. Its a shame that she gained the most recognition after her death when a compilation of her recordings was released. Melnoma is a serious and frightening form of cancer. Here is something I read about her last performance that brought a tear to my eye, "In her final public performance in September 1996, at the Bayou, she closed the set with "What a Wonderful World" in front of an audience of friends, fans and family." She died only two months later.

Eva Cassidy - Ain't Doin Too Bad
via FoxyTunes

2002

Dave Van Ronk, 6/30/36 - 2/10/02. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Dave was a well known singer/songwriter and guitarist and personality in the early folk scene in New York. Although he wrote few of his own songs he was re-wrote songs by others such as of Bob Dylan, Tom Paxton, Patrick Sky, Phil Ochs and Joni Mitchell. Dave died of heart failure after a surgery for colon-cancer. He was 65.

I am not familiar with Dave or his music, I hope someone that knows a bit about him can add there thoughts in the comments. I'll share a quote here, "Van Ronk has been described as an irreverent and incomparable guitar artist and interpreter of black blues and folk, with an uncannily precise ability at improvisation. Joni Mitchell often said that his rendition of her song Both Sides Now (which he called Clouds) was the finest ever."



Mick Tucker, (Michael Thomas Tucker) 7/17/49 – 2/14/02. Born in London, England Mick was a member of several glam rock bands, best known for being the drummer of Sweet. He died of Leukemia. Mick was 55.

Sweet bandmate and friend, Steve Priest, said that Mick was the best drummer London ever produced. He added that even though Mick had been diagnosed five years earlier, his death was still a surprise because they believed he was in remission after a bone marrow transplant from his brother. Its a reminder - sometimes our blood, or our bone marrow, can save a life. I am sorry we had to lose Mick. He's gone, but like the others here, not forgotten, especially by his family and friends.



Layne Staley, 8/22/67 – 4/05/02. Born in Kirkland, Washington, Layne began playing drums at the age of twelve. He was in several glam bands in his early teens, but aspired to be a singer. In 1987 he became the singer for Alice in Chains died of a heroin/cocaine overdose. Layne was 34.

Tears. I know a lot of fans cried when Layne's death was announced. As I type this I am listening to U2 singing about how we are all One, we need to carry each other, we need to love each other. I don't know what that has to do with Layne Staley but I felt compelled to share it then opened Wiki to read more about Layne. Here is what he said about his parent's divorce (he was 7 years old when they split) "My world became a nightmare, there were just shadows around me. I got a call saying that my dad had died, but my family always knew he was around doing all kind of drugs. Since that call I always was wondering, 'Where is my dad?' I felt so sad for him and I missed him. He dropped out of my life for 15 years."In that same interview he also said that he was convinced that if he became a celebrity his dad would return." Another victim of drug abuse/addiction. Like father like son? Layne, so sorry you missed your dad so much, I know what that can do to a boy, knowing his father is out there but doesn't give a shit about him, I see it when I look into my son's eyes. Here's an interview with the band and some clips of them performing.

Alice In Chains - Down In A Hole
via FoxyTunes

Dee Dee Ramone, (Douglas Glenn Colvin), 9/18/52 – 6/5/02. Born in Fort Lee, Virginia, Dee Dee was a bassist, singer/songwriter for The Ramones. He also wrote two books, “Chelsea Horror Hotel” and “Lobotomy: Surviving The Ramones”. Dee died of an accidental heroin overdose. He was 50.

Another one. I don't even know what to say.

Dee Dee Ramone - I Wanna Be Sedated
via FoxyTunes

Robbin Crosby, (Robbinson Lance Crosby), 8/4/60 – 6/6/02. Born in La Jolla, California Robbin was co-lead guitarist along with Warren diMartini for the glam rock band Ratt. Robbin contacted AIDS and died of a heart attack that was associated with the disease. He was 42.

Okay, this one hurts. I met Robbin years ago up in LA (The Whiskey or The Wiltern? can't remember for sure) when RATT was just getting a name for themselves. He was so tall, so handsome, so sweet....seriously, he was a nice guy and he seemed almost shy to me. It was before the fame, glamor and heroin. So even though Ratt never impressed me musically I closely watched Robbin because of that night when we shared a few drinks, a bit of conversation and a kiss. Damn. His story is a sad one. I don't even want to talk about it. Here is a quote from Robbin, it comforts me, "When I die, nobody cry at my funeral, in fact let's all have a party; I've lived the life of ten men. I lived all my dreams and more". Sorry, Robbin, I didn't go to the funeral but I cried.

Ratt - Round and Round
via FoxyTunes



John Entwistle, (John Alec Entwistle), 10/9/44 – 6/27/02. John was born in London, England and is best known for being The Who’s bassist. He also worked with several other bands over the years including Ringo Starr, Govt. Mule and The Faces. John died of a cocaine induced heart attack. He was 58.

John was a great bass player and a-typical for that role in a band, he didn't like to stand in the background and go unnoticed, who can forget his skeleton outfit? It was sad when The Who replaced Keith but the band was still young and wanted to continue. I was a bit disappointed at how easily and quickly they replaced John. Once again drugs ruled the day and cause the death of a talented music. He lived a lot longer than many of his colleagues.

The Who - The Song Is Over
via FoxyTunes



Michael "Mikey" Hauser, 1/6/62 - 8/10/2. Mikey was born in Boone, North Carolina and was a founding member and guitarist for Widespread Panic. He was considered to be a "silent genius" and wrote many of the songs biggest hits. Mikey was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the spring of 2002 and died only months later. He was 40.

I learned several interesting facts about Mikey just now: Panic" was his nickname for years because of panic attacks - and that's how the band chose their name. "Mike taught himself to play the guitar while sitting on the arm of a couch. At the first Widespread Panic show, he played an acoustic guitar while sitting on a small metal chair with his right foot on the volume pedal. Many consider him a master of the volume pedal for his skilled incorporation of its use in conjunction with the other members of Panic." He sounds like a special person, sad that he died so young. RIP, Mikey.




Joe Strummer, (John Graham Mellor), 8/21/52 -12/22/02. Born in Ankara, Turkey Joe was a co-founder, lead singer and guitarist for The Clash. He was loved by many and also dedicated a lot of time to environmental causes. He died of a congenital heart defect. Joe was 50.

"He was loved by many". I am tempted to leave it at that because it says so much. I remember watching this tribute to him and bawling my eyes out. You can see it in their faces, especailly in Bruce's eyes. It hurts to lose the really great ones...the ones that were passionate, courageous and never compromised.

The Clash - Rock The Casbah
via FoxyTunes

2005

Keith Knudsen, 2/18/48 – 2/8/05. Born in LeMars, Iowa, Keith was the drummer for The Doobie Brothers. He and Doobie, John McFee, formed a country band called Southern Pacific. Keith lost his life to a chronic case of pneumonia. He was 57.

The Doobies are such a fun band to listen to. I saw them once and don't remember if Keith was the drummer at that show or not. It sounds as though he was a very nice person. I hope someone out there can add more about him.

The Doobie Brothers - China Grove
via FoxyTunes

Rod Price, 11/22/47 – 3/22/05. Born in North London, England, Rod was the lead guitarist for Foghat. He had the nickname of “Slide King of Rock and Roll” for his expertise at slide guitar. Rod died as a result of a head trauma received by a fall precipitated by a heart attack. He was 58.

Foghat was a hot band in the 0's with some great songs that I still love today. I got to see them perform at an ice-skating rink in Beaverton, Oregon in 1979 and got to meet the band afterwards. Rod was super nice and friendly. He left, and returned, to live performing several times and also taught others to play at workshops and seminars.

Foghat - Fool For The City (Live)
via FoxyTunes

Paul Hester, 1/8/59 - 3/26/05. Born in Melbourne, Australia, Paul was the drummer for several bands including Spit Enz and Crowded House. He also had a successful career in television, radio and as a restaurant owner. He ended his life by hanging himself in a tree near his home. Paul was 46.

Its sad.  He would appear to have everything going for him but depression is something that can affect anyone.  RIP, Paul. 

Crowded House - Hey Now, Hey Now