respect...
2017
'What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others'. Pericles (495 - 429 b.c.)
december 2017
gloria taylor
b. Gloria Ann Taylor, 13th September 1944, Dehue, West Virginia, U.S.A.
d. 8th December 2017, South Toledo, Ohio, U.S.A.
The Soul singer, Gloria Taylor, has died. Gloria was 73.
At this point in time, the cause is unknown.
Born to Ruby and George Taylor, her career began in the early Sixties.
Discovered by Walter Whisenhunt, who became her manager and record producer.
They later married.
Her early sides were issued on the King Soul label in Detroit.
Gloria’s biggest hit came with the single ‘You Got to Pay the Price’, released on the Silver Fox label.
The record reached number 9 on the Billboard R&B chart and number 49 on the pop chart in 1969.
Gloria and her husband relocated to California, and recorded for Columbia Records.
Walter Whisenhunt then set up his own label, Selector Sound.
By 1977, Gloria’s marriage had declined and she returned to Toledo to raise her children.
Her singing career remained in her church, never recording or performing professionally again.
Gloria was a featured soloist over the last 18 years at the River of Life Church on Upton Avenue, founded by a nephew, Bishop John Williams.
In 2015, Ubiquity / Luv N' Haight reissued many of her recordings, with Gloria beginning to consider returning to recording again.
Gloria is survived by her sons, Glenn and Edward Taylor and Walter Whisenhunt, sisters, Doris Williams Johnson and Daisy Birchfield, brothers, George and Leonard Taylor, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
november 2017
robert popwell
b. Robert Lee ‘Pops’ Popwell, 29th December 1950, Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S.A.
d. 27th November 2017, Lebanon, Tennessee, U.S.A.
Robert Popwell, the Jazz bassist, who performed with the Young Rascals, amongst others, has died. He was 66.
Robert performed with several groups, throughout his career, (live and in the studio) including The Crusaders, Aretha Franklin, George Benson, Ron Wood, Al Jarreau, Bobby Womack, Larry Carlton, Joe Sample, Smokey Robinson, Bette Midler, Greg Allman, Bob Dylan, B. B. King, and Randy Crawford, amongst others.
With the Young Rascals, the group were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
They were, later, inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2005.
Robert toured with Bette Midler and Olivia Newton-John and appeared in the movie ‘Hard to Hold’ with Rick Springfield.
He penned the track ‘Feelin Funky’ on The Crusaders album ‘Those Southern Knights’ in 1976.
Robert is survived by his wife and three children.
jon hendricks
b. John Carl Hendricks, 16th September 1921, Newark, Ohio, U.S.A.
d. 22nd November 2017, Manhattan, New York, U.S.A.
The Jazz singer and lyricist, Jon Hendricks, has died. Jon was 96.
He had a career which spanned 60 years, between 1957 and 2017.
Jon specialised in the adding of lyrics to instrumental originals, known as vocalese.
Born in Newark, Ohio, Jon’s family relocated to Toledo.
He sang from a very early age, going on to serve in the military during the Second World War.
Upon leaving the army, Jon relocated again to New York, following a request to do so from Charlie Parker.
He joined the group Lambert, Hendricks & Ross in 1957.
Jon penned lyrics for several melodies, including Benny Golson's ‘I Remember Clifford’.The song ‘Yeh Yeh’, (Jon composing the lyrics), became a U.K. hit for Georgie Fame in 1965.
After six years the group disbanded to pursue solo careers.
Jon relocated to London, England, in 1968, which led to him touring Europe and Africa.
His performances were attended by the likes of the Rolling Stones and the Beatles.
After a 5 year stay, Jon relocated again with his family, this time to California, where Hendricks worked as the jazz critic for the San Francisco Chronicle.
He collaborated with The Manhattan Transfer, and served on the Kennedy Center Honors committee under the Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton.
In 2000 he relocated back to Toledo.
Jon made a couple of film appearances along with Al Pacino in ‘People I Know’ (in 2002), and also in ‘White Men Can't Jump’ (in 1992).
John’s song ‘I Bet You Thought I'd Never Find You’ featured on the Street Sounds ‘Jazz Juice 2’ compilation in 1985, and has become a firm favourite on the Acid Jazz circuit.
He continued to sing and perform up until his passing.
warren pete moore
b. Warren Moore, 19th November 1939, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
d. 19th November 2017, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A.
Warren Pete Moore of the Miracles, has died. Pete was 78.
He passed away in Las Vegas on the 19th of November 2017.
Pete provided the bass vocals for the Motown group The Miracles (and was one of the group's original members).
He sang for the group from 1955 up until the present.
Pete first met Smokey Robinson, when the pair were at school in Detroit.
They became good friends and were two of the founding members of the Miracles, writing material for the group, as well as several of their musical contemporaries at the time.
These included The Temptations' ‘It's Growing’ and ‘Since I Lost My Baby’, additionally penning the Marvin Gaye hits, ‘Ain't That Peculiar’ and ‘I’ll Be Doggone.
With the Miracles, Pete co-penned the songs, ‘Ooo Baby Baby’ (in 1965), ‘The Tracks Of My Tears’ (the same year), ‘My Girl Has Gone’, ‘Going to a Go-Go’ (in 1965), and, later, ‘Love Machine’.
As a producer, Pete worked on the songs ‘Choosey Beggar’, ‘Here I Go Again’, ‘Baby Baby Don't Cry’, and the ‘City Of Angels’ album, which featured Billy Griffin on lead vocals.
Pete was also the Miracles uncredited vocal arranger.
As a songwriter, his compositions have been recorded by the likes of Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Ramsey Lewis, Luther Vandross, The Temptations and The Four Tops.
Pete is a 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of FameInductee, and a BMI and ASCAP award-winning songwriter.
Pete is survived by his wife Tina and two daughters, Monette and Monique.
...the miracles page at soulwalking...
della reese
b. Delloreese Patricia Early, 6th July 1931, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
d. 19th November 2017, Encino, California, U.S.A.
The singer, actress, minister, T.V. hostess, director, producer and ordained minister, Della Reese, has died. Della was 86.
Born Delloreese Patricia Early, Della Reese began her career as a nightclub, jazz, gospel, and pop singer.
She went on to become a film and television actress and a talk-show hostess.
Della later became an ordained minister.
Her overall career spanned six decades, beginning with her 1959 single ‘Don't You Know?’.
Della recorded for several labels, including Labels Jubilee Records, ABC Paramount and RCA Records.
Between 1957 and 1970, Della recorded over 25 albums.
In the Sixties, she hosted her own talk show, called ‘Della’.
As an actress, Della starred in several films, including 1989’s ‘Harlem Nights’, ‘A Thin Line Between Love and Hate (in 1996) and ‘Expecting Mary’ (in 2010).
She also performed in the television series ‘Touched by an Angel’ (between 1994 and 2003).
...della reese page at soulwalking...
robert knight
b. Robert Peebles, 24th April 1945, Franklin, Tennessee, U.S.A.
d. 5th November 2017, Tennessee, U.S.A.
The singer, Robert Knight, has died. Robert was 72.
He was most famous for the songs 'Everlasting Love' (covered by the likes of Carl Carlton, the Love Affair, U2 and Gloria Estefan) and 'Love On A Mountain Top.
Robert died on Sunday the 5th, after a short illness, according to longtime friend (and 'Everlasting Love' co-writer) Mac Gayden.
Funeral arrangements are unknown at this time.
...robert knight page at soulwalking...
october 2017
keith wilder
b. Keith Edward Wilder, 20th December 1951, Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A.
d. 29th October 2017, Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A.
One of the co-founding members of the group Heatwave, Keith Wilder, has died. Keith was 65.
Keith had recently been suffering health problems. He passed away during his sleep.
Keith was the brother of Johnny Wilder, who passed away in 2006.
...heatwave page at soulwalking...
fats domino
b. Antoine Domino Jr., 26th February 1928, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A.
d. 24th October 2017, Harvey, Louisiana, U.S.A.
The pianist and singer-songwriter, Fats Domino, has died. He was 89.
Fats died at his home in Harvey, Louisiana after a long-term illness.
He was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, the eighth and last child of Antoine Caliste Domino and Marie-Donatille Gros.rescued.
In 2007, Fats was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
Fats has been credited with selling more records than any other 1950’s rock and roll artist, with the exception of Elvis Presley.
...fats domino page at soulwalking...
marva jones
b. Marva Ann Jones, 16th July 1939, Peoria, Illinois, U.S.A.
d. 19th October 2017, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois, U.S.A.
The singer, Marva Jones, has died, Marva was 78.
She passed away at the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.
Marva was born in 1939 to Edd Lee and Gloria C. Jones.
She was an accomplished musician who played in several Illinois based bands, (including the Volcanoes), of which she was the last surviving member, and Marva and Soul Progressives.
Marva was a singer, songwriter and recording artist active between 1956 and 2010.
She was also an ordained Minister and presided over several weddings.
Marva is survived by two daughters, Atasa (Jeffery) Summerville and Andreon (Joe) Long, along with two granddaughters, Jentura and Alana Summerville, and several cousins.
grady tate
b. Grady Bernard Tate, 14th January 1932, Hayti, Durham, North Carolina, U.S.A.
d. 8th October 2017, Manhattan, New York City New York, U.S.A.
The drummer and singer, Grady Tate, has died. Grady was 85.
Born in North Carolina, Grady relocated to New York City in 1963.
Grady then became the drummer in Quincy Jones's band.
He began to develop a pioneering hard bop sound during the mid-1960’s.
His playing is showcased on many classic Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery albums recorded on the Verve label in the 1960s.
Grady was the drummer on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson over a six year period.
In the 1970s he was a member of the New York Jazz Quartet.
In 1981 Grady played drums and percussion at Simon and Garfunkel's Concert in Central Park.
He also performed with many famous musicians including Jimmy Smith, Astrud Gilberto, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Quincy Jones, Stan Getz and Wes Montgomery.
Grady joined the faculty of Howard University in 1989.
bunny sigler
b. Walter Sigler (a.k.a. Bundino Siggalucci), 27th March 1941, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
d. 6th October 2017, U.S.A.
The Producer and Songwriter, Bunny Sigler, has died. He was 76.
Bunny died from a heart attack.
Alongside Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, Bunny was an integral part in the development of the Philadelphia International Record label throughout te Seventies and Eighties.
At the label, Bunny collaborated with the likes of The O'Jays, The Roots, Jackie Moore, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Barbara Mason, Billy Paul, Lou Rawls, Patti LaBelle and Stephanie Mills.
Bunny co-penned the O’Jays song’s ’Sunshine’ and ‘You Got Your Hooks In Me’.
He also wrote the Three Degrees song ‘I Didn’t Know’, Double Exposure’s evergreen ‘Everyman’, Lou Rawls’ ‘From Now On’, and the Spinners song ‘He’ll Never Love You Like I Do’.
He was a performer in his own right, releasing material for Philadelphia International, which included the album ‘Keep Smilin’, the title track of which became a huge Jazz fusion favourite in the hands of the late Gabor Szabo in 1976.
Bunny, initially, recorded for the V-Tone Records label during 1959.
He recorded for several other imprints, including the Decca, Parkway, Gamble, Philadelphia International and Gold Mind labels (associated with Salsoul Records).
In 1967, Bunny charted on Parkway Records, with a cover of ‘Let the Good Times Roll’ b/w ‘Feel So Good’ (which charted at number 22).
Bunny was a member of the group Instant Funk, penning ‘It Ain’t Reggae, (But It’s Funky)’.
He went on to work with the likes of Double Exposure, First Choice, Linda Clifford and Force of Nature
Bunny signed to the Gold Mind subsidiary label of Salsoul Records in 1977, where he released the song ‘Party Party Party’.
Bunny also appeared on the television show ‘Soul Train’, performing ‘That's How Long I'll Be Loving You’.
...bunny sigler page at soulwalking...
jerry jan ross
b. Jerry Jan Ross, 1st May 1933, Philadephia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
d. 4th October 2017, Holy Redeemer Hospital Hospice Unit, Meadowbrook, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
The songwriter, producer and arranger, Jerry J. Ross, has died. Jerry was 84.
He had been fighting prostate cancer.
Jerry co-wrote the classic song ‘I’m Gonna Make You Love Me’. along with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.
The song was a 1968 hit recorded as a duet by Diana Ross and the Supremes and the Temptations, and was covered many times by artists such as Madeline Bell.
As a producer, Jerry’s credit’s include ‘Sunny’ by Bobby Hebb, and ‘Venus’ by Shocking Blue.
Jerry produced The Mob on their self-titled first album in 1970.
Born in Philadelphia, Jerry studied at Temple University, and began working at WFIL-TV.
When Dick Clark began hosting the TV show American Bandstand, Jerry became his booth announcer.
He also founded the Heritage Records imprint in the late 1950's.Jerry helped Kenny Gamble and Thom Bell record ‘Someday’ for his label under the name of Kenny and Tommy.
He also produced the hit single ‘When We Get Married’ by the Dreamlovers on his label in 1961.
Jerry created his own record production and promotion business, Ross Associates, in Philadelphia in the early 1960s.
He signed the, 17-year-old singer, Kenny Gamble to a songwriting contract, and began writing songs together.
In 1965 he reloacted to New York to work in A&R at Mercury Records.
He was married to April Young until her death in 1989.
Jerry is survived by his daughter and two grandchildren.
Jerry was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame in 2013.
A funeral service will be at 11:15 a.m. Sunday, 8th October, at Goldsteins’ Rosenberg’s Raphael Sacks Suburban North, 310 Second Street Pike, Southampton.
september 2017
mick clark
b. 11th January 1956, Swindon, United Kingdom
d. 29th September 2017, London, United Kingdom
The Soul Music A&R executive, Mick Clark, has died. Mick was 61.
He passed away on the 29th of September 2017, suddenly, in hospital.
Mick is credited as discovering the likes of Soul II Soul, Leftfield, Maxi Priest, Loose Ends and Grooverider.
He was also the President of i10 Music Group, a company he founded in 2013.
Mick worked for Columbia Records (A&R Director), Virgin Records (in 1981), and was the Managing Director of Higher Ground (Sony Music).
Creation Records founder Alan McGee, said of Mick: ‘Mick was a musical genius. His sudden passing is a huge shock to me and the many people who loved him’.
Mick is survived by his two sons, Jamie and Callum.
charles bradley
b. Charles Edward Bradley, 5th November 1948, Gainesville, Florida, U.S.A.
d. 23rd September 2017, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.
The Soul singer, Charles Bradley, has died. He was 68.
Charles had been diagnosed with stomach cancer in October 2016.
He was signed to the Daptone Records label , which pioneered the funk and soul sound from the 1960s and 1970s.
Born in Gainesville, Florida Charles was abandoned by his mother at the age of eight months of age
His Grandmother took him to live with her in Brooklyn, New York.
In the early Sixties, Charles saw James Brown perform.
These shows gave a young Charles the inspiration for his later stage performances.
When he was fourteen, he ran away from home.
He lived on the streets during the day and slept at night in subway cars for two years.
Charles enlisted in the Job Corps which took him to Maine to train as a chef.
A colleague told him he looked like James Brown, after which Charles joined a band, and started performing some of the ‘Godfather’s’ material.
Charles remained as a chef as well, working in Maine as a cook for a ten year period.
In 1996, he was reunited with his mother.
Moving back to Brooklyn, Charles became a James Brown impersonator in local clubs under the name ‘Black Velvet’.
Charles was eventually discovered by Gabriel Roth, a co-founder of Daptone Records.
Daptone went on to release Charles’ recordings, including ‘No Time for Dreaming’ & ‘Soul of America’ in 2011 and 2012.
He released the album ’Victim of Love’ in 2013, which was followed buy ‘Changes’ in 2016.
tony ransom
b. Anthony Ransom, 23rd January 1962, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
d. 11th September 2017, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
The singer, Tony Ransom, has died. Tony was 55.
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Tony Ransom sang background vocals for many artists, including Richard Marx, Michael Bolton, Pete Cetera, R. Kelly, James Brown, Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King and Be Be & Ce Ce Winans.
ransom - 1985
He released one solo album for the U.S. based Expansion Records imprint, which was produced by Robert Irving III, with additional associate production from Miles Davis.
Tony, mainly was utilised as a House Music vocalist, releasing the 12” singles ‘In The Name Of Love’, ’Spread Some Love’, ‘Crazy’, ‘Didn’t Mean To Break Your Heart’, ‘Sanctified Lady’ and ‘Ice’, throughout the Nineties.
Tony voice also featured in the movie soundtrack for the film, ‘My Best Friends Wedding’ (starring Julia Roberts).
In 1994, Tony and Bobby Francavillo released a cover single of The Moment’s hit,’Sexy Mama’.
In recent years, he sang on the single ‘Heaven’ by the group Shinehouse.
Information for Tony’s memorial service is as follows:
Memorial Service - Tony Ransom
Wednesday - 20th September 2017 - 5:00 pm
All Purpose Room of Salem Baptist Church 10909 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago
morris ellis
b. Morris Ellis Sr., 23rd May 1929, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
d. 1st September 2017, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
Morris Ellis, of the Morris Orchestra, has died. He was 88.
Morris led The Morris Ellis Orchestra for many years and was an accomplished trombone player.
He performed for many musicians, including Peabo Bryson, The Chi-Lites (‘A Letter To Myself’), Donny Hathaway (‘Everything Is Everything’), The Dells (‘Freedom Means’), The Impressions, Jerry Butler (‘The Spice Of Life’), Walter Jackson (‘Feeling Good’), Loleatta Holloway (‘Loleatta’), Eugene Record (‘Overdose Of Joy’), The Valentine Brothers and Ramsey Lewis amongst others.
Morris was a student in high school at Jean Baptiste Point DuSable High School in Chicago and was a graduate of Howard University.
Morris worked in Chicago's Juvenile court for 12 years.
His orchestra also backed many famous stars such as Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr., Natalie Cole, Diane Carol, and Joe Williams.
The orchestra performed at the inauguration of Chicago’s Mayor Harold Washington.
Morris retired in 2010.
rick stevens
b. Don Carlos Stevenson, 1940, Port Arthur, Texas, U.S.A.
d. 5th September 2017, Oakland, California, U.S.A.
The former lead singer of Tower of Power, Rick Stevens, has died. Rick was 77.
He passed away following a battle with cancer.
Rick joined Tower of Power as a replacement for the singer, Rufus Miller, in 1969.
He sang on the 1972 album ‘Bump City’, which featured the popular song ’You’re Still a Young Man’.
In the mid Seventies, Rick had become dependent on drugs, and was arrested as a result of a shooting.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment, went on to become clean of the addition, and was released on parole in 2012.
Rick formed a new group called Rick Stevens & Love Power.
The group toured in Northern California.
Tower of Power founder Emilio Castillo left a dedication on Tower Of Power’s Facebook page.
walter becker
b. Walter Carl Becker, 20th February 1950, Queens, New York, U.S.A.
d. 3rd September 2017, Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A.
A founding member of the group Steely Dan, Walter Becker, has died. Walter was 67.
Walter’s official website reported that he had died, however, no cause of death or other details have yet been announced.
He was best known as the guitarist, bassist, and co-songwriter of Steely Dan.
Walter met his songwriting partner, Donald Fagen whilst at Bard College.
The duo relocated from New York to California in 1971, where they formed Steely Dan.
The group were hugely successful, and were together for a 10 year period.
Steely Dan released some of pop music’s classic albums, including ‘Can’t Buy A Thrill’ (in 1972, feat. ‘Reelin’ In The Years’), ‘Countdown To Ecstasy’ (in 1973), ‘Pretzel Logic’ (in 1974, feat. ‘Rikki Don't Lose That Number’), ‘Katy Lied’ (in 1975), ‘The Royal Scam’ (in 1976, feat. ‘Haitian Divorce’) and ‘Aja’ (in 1977, feat. ‘Peg’)
Walter then relocated to Hawaii, where his work continued, mainly as a record producer.
Steely Dan got back together in 1993, releasing ‘Two Against Nature’ in 2000.
Walter was married to Elinor, a yoga teacher, and they had two children.
august 2017
melissa bell
b. Melissa Cecelia Ewen Bell, 5th March 1964, London, England.
d. 28th August 2017, England.
The former Soul II Soul vocalist, Melissa Bell, has died. Melissa was 53.
She had been suffering from diabetes, and subsequent kidney failure.
In addition to her part in the Soul II Soul story, Melissa was an artist in her own right, and was the mother of X Factor winner, Alexandra Burke.
She was the mother of four children (including singer Alexandra).
Melissa fronted the group Soul Explosion.
She had also worked with the likes of Liza Minnelli, Whitney Houston, and Stevie Wonder.
Melissa graduated from Southwark College in London Borough of Southwark, and worked in customer service for Marks and Spencer in her earlier career.
In 1992, she released the single ‘Reconsider’.
The following year she joined Soul II Soul.
Melissa left the group in 1995, and released several solo singles.
In 2010, she released her autobiography ‘Heart and Soul: The Emotional Autobiography of Melissa Bell’.
july 2017
chuck loeb
b. Charles Samuel Loeb, 7th December 1955, Nyack, New York, U.S.A.
d. 31st July 2017, U.S.A.
The Jazz guitarist, (and member of the group’s Steps ahead and Fourplay), Chuck Loeb has died. Chuck was 61. He had been fighting cancer.
From Nyack in New York, a young Chuck was influenced by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Cream, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan.
He became interested in Jazz guitar as a late teenager, influenced by the likes of Wes Montgomery, George Benson and John McLaughlin.
He studied in New York, relocating to Philadelphia and becoming a student of jazz guitarist Dennis Sandole and Jim Hall.
Chuck attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, before relocating back to New York City to pursue his career.
He began performing with the likes of Chico Hamilton, Ray Barreto, and Hubert Laws.
Chuck performed with Stan Getz's group, before joining the ranks of the group, Steps Ahead.He went on to replace Larry Carlton as the guitarist in the Fusion group Fourplay.
As a solo performer, he released 1988’s debut album ‘My Shining Hour’ , followed by ‘The Music Inside’ in 1996.
Chucks music appeared in the movies ‘The Untouchables’, ‘You've Got Mail’, and ‘Hitch’.
He is survived by his wife, singer Carmen Cuesta Loeb, and daughters Lizzy and Christina.
bobby taylor
b. Robert Edward Taylor, 18th February 1934, Washington, D.C., U.S.A..
d. 22nd July 2017, Hong Kong.
The singer and songwriter, Bobby Taylor, has died. Bobby was 83.
He passed away in Hong Kong, where he had resided for the previous 3 years.
Bobby (who helped bring the Jackson 5 to Motown in the late Sixties), died on Saturday morning, the 22nd of June 2017, at a hospital in Hong Kong.
He had been suffering from cancer, and was undergoing treatment for leukaemia and tumors in his spine.
...bobby taylor & the vancouvers page at soulwalking...
image by courtesy of natasha johnson (claude's niece)
b. Claude Winslow Johnson, 24th November 1940, Slab Fork, West Virginia, U.S.A.
d. 18th July 2017, Jewish Home & Hospital, The Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.A.
The singer with the group, New York City, Claude Johnson, has died. Claude was 76.
Claude had battled Alzheimer’s Disease in later years, according to his Grand Niece, Natasha Johnson.
He was the youngest of 11 children, relocating to New York in 1950.
Claude served in the U.S. Army between 1961 to 1963.
He was divorced, with no children. After New York City disbanded he performed a few local solo gigs.
Later on he worked as a career counselor for Martin Luther King Jr Educational Campus in Manhattan.
New York City are best remembered for their Sherman Marshall/Thom Bell penned hit ‘I’m Doin’ Fine Now’ in 1973.
claude johnson (front centre)
note:
This vocalist was not the same R&B/Doo Wop singer who passed away in 2002 (and sang with Don & Juan).
...new york city page at soulwalking...
john blackwell
b. John Blackwell Jr., 9th September 1973, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.A.
d. 4th July 2017, Tampa, Florida, U.S.A.
The R&B, Funk, Jazz, Fusion, and pop drummer, John Blackwell, has died. John was 43.
In June 2016, John had lost the use of his left arm and leg, and was then diagnosed with a brain tumor.
John is best known for his work with Prince.
He was also a member of D'Angelo's backing band, The Vanguard.
Born in Columbia, South Carolina, John played drums from a very early age.
His father, (also a drummer) John Blackwell Sr., played drums for the likes of Mary Wells, King Curtis, Joe Simon, J.J. Jackson, The Drifters and The Spinners.
John attended the Berklee College of Music and then played drums for the group Cameo.
He performed with Patti LaBelle for three years, before joining Prince's band, The New Power Generation, in 2000.
John played drums for Prince for 12 years.
He also toured with Justin Timberlake, Crystal Kay, P Diddy and Charlie Singleton.
John also played with Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly.
june 2017
geri allen
b. Geri Allen, 12th June 1957, Pontiac, Michigan, U.S.A.
d. 27th June 2017, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
The Jazz pianist and composer, Geri Allen, has died. Geri was 60.
She died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania following a battle with cancer.
Raised in Detroit, Michigan, Geri collaborated with many musicians, during her career.
These included Ornette Coleman, Ron Carter, Carmen Lundy, Tony Williams, Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette, McCoy Tyner, Andy Bey, Dwight Andrews, Mary Stallings, Carmen Lundy, Nnenna Freelon, Jay Hoggard, and Charles Lloyd.
During the early Eighties, she toured with Mary Wilson and The Supremes.
Geri was an Associate Professor of Music and the Director of the Jazz Studies Program at the University of Pittsburgh.
In 2014, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Berklee College of Music.
Geri was married to Wallace Roney.
jimmy nalls
b. James Albert Nalls, 31st May 1951, Washington, D.C., U.S.A.
d. 22nd June 2017, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A.
The American guitarist, from the group Sea Level, Jimmy Nalls, has died. Jimmy was 66.
He suffered from Parkinson's disease and died after a fall at his home.
Sea Level are fondly remembered, by Soul Music fans, for their Capricorn Records, 1978 instrumental, ‘Fifty Four’.
The group comprised of several members of the Allman Brothers Band.
Jimmy had lived in Nashville since the mid 1980s.
During his career, he collaborated with the likes of Dr. John, Gregg Allman, T. Graham Brown and Lee Roy Parnell.
Jimmy released his most recent album, ‘The Jimmy Nalls Project’, only a few days earlier.
The album featured the likes of Joe Bonamassa, Larry Carlton, Robben Ford, Warren Haynes, Jack Pearson, Johnny Hiland, J.D. Simo, Kenny Greenberg, along with ex Sea Level member, Chuck Leavell.
Jimmy’s Parkinson’s symptoms left him unable to play the guitar in recent years.
The recent project was intended to raise funds, which went to Jimmy’s care.
The proceeds now will go to his family.
may 2017
curtis womack
b. Howard Curtis Womack, 22nd October 1942, Charleston, West Virginia, U.S.A.
d. 21st May 2017, Bluefield Regional Medical Center, Bluefield, Mercer County, West Virginia, U.S.A.
American soul singer with The Valentinos, Curtis Womack, has died. Curtis was 74.
He passed away from respiratory heart failure.
Along with his brother's Bobby, Cecil, Curtis, Harry and Friendly Womack, the group originally recorded as a Gospel group.
The Valentinos signed with Chess Records and recorded a number of hit singles.
The group backed Bobby on several of his 1970’s hit songs.
They also charted with the 1973 hit ‘I Can Understand It’.
Following the murder of Harry Womack in 1974, the group went their seperate ways.
Curtis is survived by his five children and thirteen grandchildren, as well as his his wife, Bernice Carruthers, and his brother Friendly, who is now the last surviving Womack brother.
...the valentinos page at soulwalking...
april 2017
kerry turman
b. 1958, U.S.A.
d. 23rd April 2017, Cape Girardeau, Scott, Missouri, U.S.A.
Kerry Turman, the bassist for Motown group The Temptations, has died. He was 59 years old.
He was a featured musician within the Temptations since the Eighties.
The coroner in Cape Girardeau County says Turman was found dead early Sunday at his hotel in Cape Girardeau, about 100 miles south of St. Louis.
Coroner John Clifton says an initial autopsy indicates Kerry had died from natural causes.
The full autopsy report is pending.
Kerry had performed with The Temptations since the 1980's.
The band were touring with the Beach Boys and performed recently in Cape Girardeau.
Kerry featured on many R&B recordings, by the likes of Gene Dunlap, Roy Ayers and the Temptations.
cuba gooding
b. Cuba Gooding, 27th April 1944, New York City, New York, U.S.A.
d. 20th April 2017, Woodland Hills, California, U.S.A.
The ex-lead singer of the group the Main Ingredient, Cuba Gooding Snr, had died. Cuba was 72.
Cuba was found dead in his vehicle whilst parked on a street in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles.
CPR was performed by the fire department but they were unable to revive him.
Cuba was the lead singer of the soul group The Main Ingredient.
The Main Ingredients biggest hits were ‘Everybody Plays the Fool’ (1972) and ‘Just Don't Want to Be Lonely’ (1974).
He pursued a solo career during the late Seventies, recording for Motown, releasing two albums for the label.
The Main Ingredient’s version of Brian Auger's ‘Happiness Is Just Around the Bend’ in 1983 became another huge hit.
He sang vocals on the popular Soul dancer ‘Evening Of Love’ in 1981 (from their ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’ album).
From New York, Cuba was the son of Dudley MacDonald Gooding and Addie Alston.
Due to family events, Cuba was, actually, named after the country.
He was the father of the actor Cuba Gooding Jr.
...main ingredient page at soulwalking...
scotty miller
b. Steven Scott Miller, 22nd August 1951, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.A.
d. 11th April 2017, Capital Health Regional Medical Center, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.A.
The songwriter and drummer from the band Instant Funk, Scotty Miller, has died. He was 65.
Scotty was educated and graduated from Trenton Central High School.
Whilst at school, Raymond Earl met Scotty and they formed a group called The Music Machine.
The group gigged around New Jersey, before merging with another group called the TNJ’s.
Bunny Sigler took the group under his wing, releasing a couple of singles under that name.
The TNJ’s became Instant Funk, who went on to release 7 albums.
Scotty co-wrote Instant Funk’s evergreen 1979 dancer, ‘I Got My Mind Made Up’, as well as performed on many albums, by the likes of Carl Carlton, Gabor Szabo, Bunny Sigler, The Salsoul orchestra, Archie Bell & The Drells, Johnny Nash, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Evelyn Champagne King and The O’Jays amongst others.
Funeral service will be 11am Wed April 19, 2017 at Union Baptist Church 301 Pennington Ave. Trenton, NJ.
...instant funk page at soulwalking...
sylvia moy
b. Sylvia Rose Moy, 15th September 1938, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
d. 15th April 2017, Beaumont (Oakwood) Hospital, Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.A.
Sylvia Moy, Motown’s first female producer and songwriter, has died. Sylvia was 78.
She died of apparent complications from pneumonia, following a stay in Detroit's Harper University Hospital.
Sylvia penned (or co-penned) many of Motown’s most memorable songs, including ‘This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)’, ‘Uptight (Everything's Alright)’, ‘My Cherie Amour’, ‘I Was Made to Love Her’, ‘Never Had a Dream Come True’, ‘Angie Girl’, ‘Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day’, ’Forget Me Not’, ‘My Baby Loves Me’ and ‘It Takes Two’, for the artists Stevie Wonder, The Isley Brothers, Marvin Gaye, Kim Weston, and Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.
Born in Detroit, Sylvia studied and performed jazz and classical music at school.
After joining Motown, Sylvia was said to have been responsible for the label keeping Stevie Wonder, after Stevie’s voice had broken, and Berry Gordy had planned to drop Stevie from the label.
Sylvia (along with fellow songwriter, Henry Cosby) were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006.
Henry Cosby's widow stated:
'Sylvia with her imaginative mind was just (groundbreaking). If she were a man instead of a woman, there would have been a lot more you’d have heard from her. But once her work became known, the resistance waned away, and the producers started looking at her differently and could see the value of what she was trying to do'.
...sylvia moy page at soulwalking...
linda hopkins
b. Melinda Helen Matthews, 14th December 1924, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A.
d. 10th April 2017, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
Linda Hopkins, the actress and gospel singer has died. Linda was 92.
Born in New Orleans, at the age of 11, she was discovered by the gospel singer Mahalia Jackson.Between 1936 and 1946, she sang with the Southern Harp Spiritual Singers.
Linda relocated to California during the early 1950s, and changed her name to Linda Hopkins.
She toured and recorded for several record labels, including Atco, RCA, Brunswick and Columbia.
In 1960, she toured Europe in the production ‘Broadway Express’, and recorded her only hit single, ‘Shake a Hand’ with Jackie Wilson.
In the Seventies she performed with Sammy Davis Jr. on Broadway in the musical ‘Purlie’.
She won a Tony Award in 1972 for her performance in the musical ‘Inner City’.
In 1977, She performed at President Jimmy Carter's inaugural ball.
Linda received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005.
brian matthew
b. Brian Matthew, 17th September 1928, Coventry, Warwickshire, England
d. 8th April 2017, England
U.K. radio deejay, Brian Matthew has died. Brian was 88.
He introduced some of the best British acts to the listening public. He can be heard on several BBC recording sessions featuring the Beatles.
Brian, also, introduced some of the finest U.S. R&B based artists to a wider U.K. audience, including The Ronettes, Brenda Lee, and The Supremes.
For many years, Brian presented the ‘Sounds Of The Sixties’ radio show on the BBC every Saturday morning.
In January 2017, the BBC announced that Brian would not return to the programme because of ‘ill health’.
When asked about his failing health, Brian stated:
‘That's absolute balderdash. I was ready and willing and able to go back, and they’ve just said they are going to put the programme in the hands of other people’.
An e-petition was signed by thousands of listeners demanding his return.
The BBC allowed a final show on Saturday the 25th February 2017, after which the show was placed in the hands of the DJ Tony Blackburn.
brenda jones
b. Brenda Elaine Jones Williams, 7th December 1954, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
d. 3rd April 2017, Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.A.
Brenda Jones, of the female Soul group, the Jones Girls, has died. She was 62.
Brenda’s sister, Shirley Jones, said her sister was hit by several cars whilst attempting to cross the street.
She was visiting her daughter in Wilmington, Delaware.
Police are still investigating the incident.
Apart from her sessions with her sisters (in the Jones Girls), Brenda collaborated with many other R&B artists, including Isaac Hayes, Ben E. King, Peabo Bryson, Dexter Wansel, McFadden & Whitehead, Teddy Pendergrass, along with the whole Philadelphia International roster of artists..
Brenda Jones leaves behind two daughters and a granddaughter.
Her memorial will be held in The Jones Girls’ hometown of Detroit.
...the jones girls page at soulwalking...
lonnie brooks
b. Lee Baker, Jr., 18th December 1933, Dubuisson, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, U.S.A.
d. 1st April 2017, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
The Blues singer and songwriter, Lonnie Brooks, has died. Lonnie was 83.
Born in Dubuisson, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, Lonnie began his solo career under the name of Guitar Jr.
He signed to the Goldband label, releasing ‘Family Rules’, ‘Made in the Shade’ and ‘The Crawl’.
In 1960, he relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where he cahnged his name to Lonnie Brooks.
Lonnie recorded singles for several labels, including Chess, Chirrup, Mercury, Midas and USA Records.
In 1969, he recorded his first album called ‘Broke an’ Hungry’, for Capitol Records.
In 1974 he released ‘Sweet Home Chicago’, for the Black & Blue imprint.
Lonnie recorded for Alligator Records, releasing seven albums.
He appeared in the films ‘Blues Brothers 2000’ and ‘The Express’ and in two U.K. based television commercials for Heineken.
march 2017
arthur blythe
b. Arthur Murray Blythe, 5th July 1940, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
d. 27th March 2017, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
The composer and jazz saxophonist, Arthur Blythe, has died. Arthur was 76.
He was suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
During his career, Arthur was also employed as a security guard, amongst other trades.
Musically, he collaborated with the likes of Chico Hamilton, Gil Evans' Orchestra, Lester Bowie, Jack DeJohnette, and McCoy Tyner.
He released his debut album ‘The Grip’ in 1977 for the India Navigation imprint.
Arthur went on to record for many labels, including CBS, Adelphi, Enja, Jazz House, Red Baron, In & Out, AudioQuest, Konnex, Contemporary and Savant imprints.
clem curtis
b. Clem Curtis, 28th November 1940, Trinidad, West Indies.
d. 27th March 2017, Olney, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom.
Lead singer from the group the Foundations, Clem Curtis, has died. Clem was 76.
He had recently been diagnosed with two terminal cancers.
Clem was born in Trinidad.
He travelled to England and became an interior decorator.
Clem was a boxer for a while, winning many fights as a professional.
In 1967 Clem joined The Ramong Sound (which featured Raymond Morrison, Clem’s uncle).
The group featured Arthur Brown, for a short period, after which the group changed their name to the Foundations.
After several hits, Clem left the group and went on to pursue a solo career in the United States.
He later rejoined a reformed a version of The Foundations, teaming up with the original Foundations guitarist Alan Warner.
In 2004 he toured the U.K. as part of a group tour with Jimmy James & The Vagabonds.
Clem continued and perform until very recently.
...the foundations page at soulwalking...
buck hill
b. Roger W. Hill, 13th February 1927, Washington, D.C., U.S.A.
d. 20th March 2017, Greenbelt, Maryland, U.S.A.
The American jazz tenor and soprano saxophonist, Buck Hill, has died. Buck was 90.
Born in Washington D.C., Buck began his working career as a mail man (which kept him occupied for some 30 years or so).
He went on to play the saxophone, around 1943.
Between 1958 and 1959 he played with Charlie Byrd.
In 1973, he recorded with the trumpeter Allan Houser.
Since the Seventies, he performed as part the Buck Hill Quartet, releasing 4 albums, between 1978 and 1983, for Steeplechase Records.
The Quartet featured (at various times) Billy Hart, Buster Williams, Kenny Barron, Reuben Brown, Wilbur Little and Buck himself.
In 1982, he released ‘Plays Europe’ for the Turning Point Records imprint.
He released ‘Capital Hill’ for Muse Records in 1990.
chuck berry
b. Charles Edward Anderson Berry, 18th October 1926, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.
d. 18th March 2017, St. Charles, Missouri, U.S.A.
Chuck Berry has died. Chuck was 90.
One of the pioneers of rock and roll music, police in St. Charles County, Missouri, were called to Chuck’s house, where he was unresponsive.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
...chuck berry page at soulwalking...
robert 'p-nut' johnson
b. Robert Johnson, (a.k.a. Robert ‘P-Nut’ Johnson), 17th October 1947, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A.
d. 12th March 2017, Tallahassee, Florida, U.S.A.
The vocalist from the group’s Bootsy's Rubber Band, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, P-Funk All Stars and Sweat Band, Robert ‘P-Nut’ Johnson, has died. Robert was 70.
No cause of death has not been made available at this time.
Born in 1947, Robert originally performed in bands in the Baltimore area.
In 1976, he was recruited into Bootsy’s Rubber Band.
Bootsy Collins ceased touring in 1979 and Robert joined the George Clinton/P Funk Universe group permanently.
james cotton
b. James Henry Cotton, 1st July 1935, Tunica, Mississippi, U.S.A.
d. 16th March 2017, Austin, Texas, U.S.A.
The Blues harmonica player, singer and songwriter, James Cotton has died. He was 81.
James died at a medical center in Austin, Texas from pneumonia.
Born in Mississippi, James recorded for the Sun Records imprint.
He formed the James Cotton Band in 1966, and went on to collaborate with the likes of Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, B.B. King, Santana, Steve Miller, Dr. John, Todd Rundgren, David Sanborn and Freddie King.
In the Seventies, he recorded for Buddha and Capitol Records.
During the Eighties, James recorded for Alligator Records, and won the Best Traditional Blues Album Grammy for his Deep in the Blues LP in 1997.
James received six Living Blues Awards in his lifetime and 10 Blues Music Awards.
maxx kidd
b. Carl Lomax Kidd, 18th August 1941, West Virginia, U.S.A.
d. 13th March 2017, Chevy Chase, Maryland, U.S.A.
The Washington D.C. based producer and promoter, Maxx Kidd, has died. Max was 75.
He passed away from ‘a variety of health complications’, according to surviving family members.
Maxx helped pioneer the C.C. based Go-Go Sound during the late 1970s.
As a producer, Maxx worked for Curtis Mayfield’s Curtom Records, where he collaborated with several artists, including Jerry Butler and Gene Chandler.
He set up his own record company, entitled, T.T.E.D. Records, and was a member of the group’s Redds And The Boys (along with Anthony ‘Redds’ Williams, Carl Jones and Eric Thorngren) and The Enjoyables.
Maxx produced Chuck Brown’s Go Go anthem, ‘We Need Some Money’, and worked with the group’s Trouble Funk and E.U. (Experience Unlimited).
Maxx, in his capacity as a promoter, worked with the likes of O’Jays, the Temptations, Lou Rawls, Van McCoy, Johnnie Taylor and Shalamar.
He was also a founder of the Black Music Association (BMA).
Maxx is survived by five daughters (Jacqueline McCoy, Yvette 'Evie' Kidd, Sabrina Kidd, Joy Kidd, Corie Kidd) and one son (Victor Kidd), along with several grandchildren.
tommy lipuma
b. Thomas LiPuma, 5th July 1936, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.
d. 13th March 2017, New York, New York, U.S.A.
The Record Producer, Tommy LiPuma, has died. Tommy was 80.
During his production career, Tommy has collaborated with the likes of Miles Davis, George Benson, Phil Upchurch, Al Jarreau, Anita Baker, Natalie Cole, Michael Franks, Ben Sidran, The Crusaders and Randy Crawford.
From Cleveland, Ohio, Tommy worked for A&M Records, Blue Thumb Records and Verve Records.
He provided inspiration for others to follow, including John Snyder, Arnaldo DeSouteiro and Larry Rosen.
joni sledge
b. Joan Elise Sledge, 13th September 1956, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.)
d. 10th March 2017, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A.
Founding member of the American musical group, Sister Sledge, Joni Sledge, has died.
Joni was 60.
A statement from Sister Sledge reads:
'The medical examiner and Joni's personal physician determined on 10th March 2017, that her death was due to natural causes which arose from complications from a pre-existing condition.
Please continue to respect the family’s request for peaceful privacy during this very difficult time. Thank you & God Bless You!'
Sister Sledge were formed in 1971, in Philadelphia.
The group comprised of four sisters Debbie, Joni, Kim and Kathy Sledge.
Sister Sledge achieved several international hits, which included, ‘Mama Never Told Me’ (in 1975), ‘He’s the Greatest Dancer’ (in 1979), ‘We Are Family’ (in 1979) and ‘Lost In Music’.
Photographer: Camilla Camaglia
...sister sledge page at soulwalking...
dave valentin
b. David Joseph Valentin, 29th April 1952, South Bronx, New York, U.S.A.
d. 8th March 2017, The Bronx, New York, U.S.A.
The jazz flautist, Dave Valentin, has died. Dave was 64.
He passed away from complications of a stroke and Parkinson's disease.
Dave learned percussion at an early age, going on to teach himself to play the flute.
He, later, took lessons from Hubert Laws.
During the Seventies, Dave signed to GRP Records.
He released his debut album with Ricardo Marrero in 1977.
Dave collaborated with many musicians throughout his career, including, Noel Pointer, Patti Austin, Lee Ritenour, Chris Connor, David Benoit and Eliane Elias.
In 2012, he suffered a stroke which left him partially paralyzed.
In 2015, David suffered a second stroke.
february 2017
leon ware
b. Leon Ware, 16th February 1940, Black Bottom, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
d. 23rd February 2017, Marina del Rey, California, U.S.A.
The singer and songwriter, Leon Ware has died. Leon was 77. He passed away a week after his 77th birthday.
Leon passed away in Marina del Rey, California.
His wife, Carol, said the cause was complications of prostate cancer.
Leon was previously married to Susaye Green.
In addition to his wife, Carol, Leon is survived by his sons, Mark and Leon, a granddaughter, Zaria, and two brothers, Robert and Bernard.
A daughter, Laura, died in 2003.
At the time of his passing, Leon was working on a new album, entitled ‘Rainbow Deux’.
...leon ware page at soulwalking...
larry coryell
b. Larry Coryell, 2nd April 1943, Galveston, Texas, U.S.A.
d. 19th February 2017, New York City, New York, U.S.A.
The Fusion guitarist, Larry Coryell has died. Larry was 73.
He passed away in his sleep from natural causes.
Larry had performed two shows at the weekend at New York's Iridium Jazz Club.
During the Seventies, Larry was part of the fusion band The Eleventh House.
Throughout his career he worked with many of the major Jazz artists, including Miles Davis, Gary Burton, Alphonse Mouzon, Ron Carter and Chet Baker.
Larry had been planning an extensive 2017 summer tour with a reformed The Eleventh House.
Born in Galveston, Texas in 1943, Larry grew up near Seattle.
He studied journalism at The University of Washington whilst learning the guitar.
Larry played on Chico Hamilton's album ‘The Dealer’.
He formed the psychedelic band The Free Spirits, moving on to release two solo albums.
Larry’s later album, ‘Spaces’, was released in 1969.
The album has been considered the beginning of the 1970s' fusion jazz movement.
Larry is survived by his wife, Tracey, four children and six grandchildren.
clyde stubblefield
b. Clyde Stubblefield, 18th April 1943, Chattanooga, Tennessee, U.S.A.
d. 18th February 2017, Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
The drummer, Clyde Stubblefield (famous for his groundbreaking work with James Brown, has died. Clyde was 73.
He passed away from kidney failure (he had been suffering from kidney disease since 2002).
Clyde’s drumming can be heard on several of the most famous James Brown recordings, including ‘Cold Sweat’, ‘There Was a Time’, ‘Say It Loud, I’m Black and I'm Proud’, ‘Mother Popcorn’ and ‘Sex Machine’.
His most famous drum riff featured on the James Brown track ‘Funky Drummer’, which is believed to be the world's most sampled record.
Clyde also played drums for, the late, Otis Redding, Marva Whitney, Ben Sidran, Pee Wee Ellis, Bobby Byrd, Phil Upchurch and Public Enemy.
barbara carroll
barbara carroll with dizzy gillespie
b. Barbara Carole Coppersmith, 25th January 1925, Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
d. 11th February 2017, Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York State, U.S.A.
The jazz pianist, Barbara Carroll, has died. Barbara was 92.
She will be fondly remembered by the emerging Acid Jazz scene of the late Seventies and early Eighties, for her instrumental track ‘From The Beginning’ (taken from the United Artists album of the same name).
from the beginning - united artists 1977
The track became a cult dance-floor hit over that era, with the album becoming a highly collectable item amongst Jazz and Fusion fans alike.
Barbara hailed from Worcester, Massachusetts.
She was classically trained as a child, later attending the New England Conservatory of Music.
Her Jazz trio worked with Benny Goodman.
Barbara released her, self-titled, debut album in 1952, and continued to release records up until 2013.
In 1975 she worked with Rita Coolidge, before signing to United Artists for her ‘From The Beginning’ album in 1977.
In 1978 she toured with Rita and Kris Kristofferson, before touring on the concert circuit during her later career.
al jarreau
b. Alwin Lopez Jarreau, 12th March 1940, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
d. 12th February 2017, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, U.S.A.
The Soul and Jazz vocalist, Al Jarreau, has died. Al was 76.
He had recently been hospitalized in Los Angeles, as a result of exhaustion.
In 2010, he had become critically ill at a hospital in France, and was treated for respiratory problems and cardiac arrhythmias.
Al was then moved to a cardiology unit of La Timone hospital in Marseille
In 2012, Al was then diagnosed with pneumonia, from which he recovered, and began touring again.
...al jarreau page at soulwalking...
david axelrod
b. David Axelrod, 17th April 1933, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
d. 5th February 2017, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
The songwriter, producer and arranger, David Axelrod, has died. David was 83.
He died from complications relating to a brain aneurysm.
David became an in-demand producer, during the Sixties, for several jazz and R&B artists.
During 1963, he joined Capitol Records as a producer, working with the labels roster of Black artists.
He worked with Lou Rawls, producing several gold albums and hit singles including, his own songs, ‘Love Is a Hurtin' Thing’, and ‘Dead End Street’.
David also worked with Julian ‘Cannonball’ Adderley, producing his 1967 album ‘Mercy, Mercy, Mercy! Live at 'The Club', which featured the hugely successful, Joe Zawinul penned, ‘Mercy, Mercy, Mercy’.
He also collaborated with the likes of Earl Palmer, Jimmy Witherspoon, H.B. Barnum, Willie Tee, Funk Inc., Joe Williams, Betty Everett, Weather Report and Letta Mbulu, and also worked with the Man From U.N.C.L.E. actor, David McCallum.
David’s work has been sampled by many of the newer generation of R&B artists, including D.J. Shadow, Madlib, The Beatnuts and Lauryn Hill.
He recorded as a solo artist from 1968 onwards, and was a boxer in his youth.
David recently had signed to Blue Note Records.
january 2017
bobby freeman
b. Robert Thomas Freeman, 13th June 1940, San Francisco, California, U.S.A.
d. 28th January 2017, Anson, Texas, U.S.A.
The Record producer, Songwriter, Soul and R&B singer, Bobby Freeman, has died. Bobby was 76.
His death was confirmed by someone who had recently been in touch with the singer.
Details on the cause of death have not been revealed.
He is, probably, best well known for the self penned 1958 Top Ten hit ‘Do You Want to Dance’.
Further success followed in 1964, with another Top Ten hit, with the Sylvester Stewart penned dance-craze hit, ‘C’mon and Swim’ (which reached number 5).
Bobby began his recording career at age of 14 with the group The Romancers.
The group signed to Dootone Records, they recorded two singles.
He then formed a group called the Vocaleers, and then went on to record ‘Do You Wanna Dance’ b/w ‘Big Fat Woman’, which climbed the Billboard singles chart, reaching number 5.
The song was later covered by Cliff Richard, in the U.K.
Bobby went on to record with several imprints, including Autumn, Josie, Loma and King Records.
...bobby freeman page at soulwalking...
junie morrison
b. Walter B. Morrison Jnr., 1954, Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio, U.S.A.
d. 21st January 2017, London, City of London, Greater London, England.
Junie Morrison, of the group the Ohio Players, has died. Junie was 62.
Walter died on the 21st of January 2017.
Details surrounding his death have not yet been made public.
Walter played keyboards for the group’s Funkadelic and the Ohio Players.
With the group Funkadelic, Walter co-wrote ‘One Nation Under a Groove’, which reached Number 28 on the Hot 100.
Walter was born in 1954 in Dayton, Ohio and made his debut on the Ohio Players album ‘Pain’ in 1972.
The follow up album ‘Pleasure’, featured ‘Funky Worm’.
He recorded a further album, ‘Ecstasy’, in 1973.
He then left the group and released three solo albums between 1975 and 1976 under the name ‘Junie’.
Walter joined Parliament and Funkadelic becoming musical director for the latter.
In 1997, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Funkadelic.
...the ohio players page at soulwalking...
ronald mundy
b. Ronald Mundy (a.k.a. Ronald 'Bingo' Mundy), 20th April 1940, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
d. 20th January 2017, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
The vocalist and member of doo-wop group The Marcels, Ronald Mundy, has died. Ronald was 76.
He passed away from pneumonia at the Allegheny General Hospital.
As a member of the Marcels, the group were made famous by their evergreen melody ‘Blue Moon’.
The Marcels formed in 1959 whilst students at Allegheny High School.
A demo tape sent to Colpix Records took them to New York’s RCA Studios in 1961, where they recorded their version of the Rodgers and Hart classic ‘Blue Moon’.
They went on to reach No. 7 with ‘Heartaches’ and No. 24 with the classic ‘Summertime’.
Ronald left the group at the end of 1961.
He is survived by wife: Janet, daughter: Sharon, son: Ronnie, brothers: William and Ramon, and two grandchildren.
...the marcels page at soulwalking...
marvell thomas
b. Marvell Thomas, 22nd August 1941, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.A.
d. 23rd January 2017, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.A.
The keyboardist, songwriter, arranger and producer, Marvell Thomas, has died. Marvell was 75.
Marvell was the son of Rufus Thomas and the brother of Carla Thomas and Vaneese Thomas.
He will be best remembered for his contribution to Memphis Soul, and was sometimes called ‘Memphis's other King’ (the first being his father, Rufus Thomas).
Carla Thomas is well known for her work with the late Otis Redding, and for her chart hit ‘Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes)’.
Marvell was one of the first piano players to work at Stax Records.
His performances can be heard on recordings by the likes of The Triumphs, Wilson Pickett, William Bell, Clarence Carter, Eddie Hinton, Johnnie Taylor, The Staple Singers, Little Milton, The Emotions, Albert King, Mavis Staples, Yvonne Elliman, Etta James, Denise LaSalle, along with sides by his family members, Rufus and Carla Thomas.
Marvell co-produced and played keyboards on the Isaac Hayes album, ‘Hot Buttered Soul’.
rufus, carla, vaneese and marvell thomas
tommy tate
b. Tommy Lee Tate, 29th September 1945, Homestead, Florida, U.S.A.
d. 20th January 2017, Jackson, Mississippi, U.S.A.
The Soul, R&B, drummer, singer & songwriter, Tommy Tate, has died. Tommy was 71.
Tommy recorded three albums for the Malaco, Juana and Urgent! imprints.
These were ‘Hold On’ (in 1979), ‘Tommy Tate’ (in 1981) and ‘Love Me Now’ (in 1990).
His debut 45, ‘Ordinarily’ b/w ‘’What’s The Matter’ was released in 1965 on ABC Records.
Tommy also sang in the group’s, Tommy & The Derby's (line-up: Tommy Tate, Dorothy Moore, Cliff Thomas, Ed Thomas, Patsy McKewn and Rosemary Taylor), The Turrabull Brothers, Tim Whittset and The Imperial Showband featuring Tommy Tate.
In 1970, he had joined the groups The Nightingales and (later) Southern Passion.
His, Frederick Knight produced, self titled, 1981 album was re-issued on Timeless Records in 1987, and featured Tommy’s take on the Joe Shamwell original, ‘Listen To The Children’ (also recorded by the Controllers in 1978).
b. William Onyeabor, 26th March 1946, Enugu, Nigeria.
d. 16th January 2017, Enugu, Nigeria
William Onyeabor passed away at his home in Nigeria on the 16th of January 2017. William was 70.
His passing was announced by Onyeabor’s record label, Luaka Bop.
Luaka Bop was founded by David Byrne, the former Talking Heads lead singer.
William died peacefully in his sleep following a brief illness, at his home.
During his recording career, William achieved a number of hit songs in Nigeria during the 1970's, the biggest of which was ‘Atomic Bomb’ in 1978.
Previously, he had studied cinematography in Russia.
William returned to Nigeria in the mid-1970's to start his own Wilfilms Records music imprint.
He also created a music and film production studio called Wilfilms (Recording Studios) Ltd.
William composed and self-released 9 electronic-funk album between 1977 and 1985.
richie ingui
b. Richard Ingui, 15th November 1947, Manhattan, New York, U.S.A.
d. 13th January 2017, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Richie Ingui, one of the founding members of the group, The Soul Survivors, has died. Richie was 70.
The causes of his passing have not yet been confirmed.
The Soul Survivors recorded the 1967 top 5 hit ‘Expressway to Your Heart’.
The song helped launch the careers of Philadelphia International Records producersand songwriters, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.
The group were formed in New York City in 1965 by Richie and his brother Charlie Ingui, along with Kenny Jeremiah.
The Soul Survivors were originally known as the Dedications, a group formed in 1962.
‘Expressway’ went on to reach number 4 on the Billboard listings.
The single remained on the singles chart for 15 weeks total.
The group went on to perform with the likes of Jackie Wilson, The Miracles, Sam and Dave, Janis Joplin, the Beach Boys and Sly and the Family Stone.
The Soul Survivors went their separate ways in 1970, Charlie and Richie performed in other groups, as well as singing in a reformed version of the Soul Survivors.
Richie worked as a painter and decorator for a while, after the groups separation.
In 2013, The Soul Survivors were honored by Philadelphia International Records with the annual Phillies Gamble & Huff Community Partnership Award at Citizens Bank Park.
sylvester potts
b. Sylvester Potts, 1938, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
d. 6th January 2017, Detroit Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
The Soul singer, Sylvester Potts, has died. Sylvester was 78.
Sylvester was a vocalist in the group The Contours for over 50 years.
He had recently been performing with the group, under the name Sylvester Potts and the Contours.
Sylvester joined the group in 1961.
...the contours page at soulwalking...
...those who left us in 2016...
