1971

Jim Morrison, (James Douglas Morrison), 12/8/43 – 7/3/71. Born in Melbourne, Florida he grew up in a military family. Jim was a poet, a singer and a songwriter. He was best known as the lead singer of The Doors, and is considered to be one of the most charismatic and influential frontmen in the history of rock music. He was also an author of several poetry books, a documentary, short film, and three early music videos ("The Unknown Soldier", "Moonlight Drive", and "People are Strange"). Jim died in Paris at the age of 27 making him the fourth member of the “27 Club”. There has never been a confirmed cause of death, but "heart attack" induced by drug use is the most common theory.

I fell in love with Jim when I was 12 years old. He'd been dead for awhile but when I heard The Doors - and saw a photo of him - I was hooked. Has there ever been a more beautiful face or a more haunting voice (that was a rhetorical question!). Since then I've read a lot about him and respect him in spite of his many character flaws, after all, don't we all have plenty ourselves? I think he was a poet first, then a songwriter, then a performer. I believe Jim was frustrated that people did not appreciate The Doors music in the way he intended. Yet, in the midst of it all, he got caught up in the typical lifestyle of super-stardom. Those things may have contributed to his drinking/drug problems. I wonder what he'd be doing today if he were still here?

Doors - The End
via FoxyTunes



Duane Allman, (Howard Duane Allman), 11/20/46 – 10/29/71. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Duane was known for playing slide guitar and was a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band. He was known for being a great slide guitar player and appeared as a session musician on albums by Eric Clapton and others. He died in a motorcycle accident at age 24.

My introduction to Duane Allman was in the summer of '75. I was at Main Beach in Laguna and noticed a whitewashed brick wall in the distance. It was just sitting there on the beach like it used to be part of something but only that wall remained. Very odd. The front of the wall said "Duane Allman - We Love You". There were other things written on it too, little tributes to Duane. There were objects left on top of the wall (don't remember what). After seeing the wall my interest was piqued. Back in those days you had to research in the library OR ask your best friends older brother :) I heard the story of Duane. Since then I have listened to his music with a lot of respect and a sense of loss for a GREAT SLIDE GUITARIST.

Duane Allman & Delaney Bonnie & Friends - Livin On the Open Road
via FoxyTunes

1972

Berry Oakley, (Raymond Berry Oakley), 4/1/48 – 11/21/72. Berry was born in Chicago, Illinois. He was a founding member of the Allman Brothers and was known for his long melodic bass playing. Sadly only a year after losing Duane Allman, Berry died of a brain hemorrhage after a motorcycle crash. Berry was 24.

I can not imagine what it was like for the band to lose another member in the same way just a year later! 24 years old. They persevered and are still around today, too bad Berry did not live to enjoy the success.

2000

Paul Young – 6/17/47 – 7/15/00. Born in Manchester England, Paul was best known as the singer for Sad Café and Mike and The Mechanics. He was sometimes confused with another Paul Young because they both sang “blue-eyed-soul”. Paul died of a heart attack. He was 53.

One of my favorite songs is by Mike and the Mechanics but I can't figure out if Mike or Paul sang it...I was unable to find much about him but what I read made me believe he was a family man, musician and nice guy. His son, Jason, has a tribute site for him here.



Allen Woody, (Douglass Allen Woody) 10/3/55 - 8/26/00. Born in Nashville, Tennessee Allen joined The Allman Brothers in 1989 as bass player. for many years and was also the bass player for Gov't. Mule. He was respected as a bass player and a collection of over 450 bass guitars. His death is rumored to be a heroin overdose. He was 44.

Allen was good friends with Warren Haynes, they started G-Mule together. After Allen died, Warren chose to go back to The Allman Brother's. There was a special limited edition bass released by Epiphone called the Allen Woody Rumble Kat, too bad he was not around to add it to his collection. Heroin takes another life and cuts it short.

Gov't Mule - New World Blues
via FoxyTunes




Benjamin Orr, (Benjamin Bogdonavich Orzechowski) 8/9/47 – 10/3/00. Benjamin was the bass guitar player and one of the vocalists for the The Cars. He sang several of The Cars greatest hits, including "Just What I Needed", "Let's Go" and "Drive". In April 2000, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He fought but lost the battle only 6 months later. His final public appearance was on September 27 only six days before he died. Ben was 53.

Ben Orr! My favorite "Car". From what I have read over the years he was also a really nice guy. I love his voice and though many people can't tell him and Ric Ocasek apart I think Ben's is smoother and deeper. I was so sad to hear of his death. The fact that he performed right up to his final days says a lot about his passion for music. He is missed.

The Cars - Drive
via FoxyTunes