respect...
2018
'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 2018
nancy wilson
b. Nancy Sue Wilson, 20th February 1937, Chillicothe, Ohio, U.S.A.
d. 13th December 2018, Pioneertown, California, U.S.A.
The Jazz and Soul songstress, Nancy Wilson, has died. Nancy was 81.
Nancy died from a long-illness at her home in Pioneertown, California.
In recent years, Nancy had been hospitalized with anemia and potassium deficiency, and was on I.V. sustenance while undergoing tests.
In 2008, she had been hospitalized for lung related complications.
Since the 1950’s Nancy’s career has spanned many genres, although she will be, probably, best remembered for her contributions to Jazz.
Nancy recorded more than seventy albums and won three Grammy Awards as part of her C.V.
She was born on the 20th of February 1937 in Chillicothe, Ohio and was the first of six children.
Nancy won a TV-talent show when she 15, and began appearing regularly on the TV show ‘Skyline Melodies’ whilst still in high school.
She attended Ohio's Central State College before leaving to become a professional singer.
Nancy recorded her first record with Rusty Bryant's Carolyn Club Big Band in 1956.
She later signed to the Dot Records imprint.
Cannonball Adderley then advised her to relocate to New York in 1959.
She began a series of shows at The Blue Morocco Night Club in The Bronx, where Adderley's agent heard her and signed her.
Nancy signed to Capitol records in 1960, releasing ‘Guess Who I Saw Today’.
Her 1964 song ‘(You Don't Know) How Glad I Am’ reached number 11 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart.
Nancy went on to achieve 11 songs in the Hot 100.
She released four albums in Billboard's Top LP charts between March 1964 and June 1965.
In 1964, she won her first Grammy Award for the album ‘How Glad I Am’.
In addition to singing, she enjoyed a successful career as an actress.
Nancy was married twice, to drummer Kenny Dennis from 1960-70.
She also married the Presbyterian minister Wiley Burton in 1973.
They were married for 35 years until his death in 2008, and had two children.
...nancy wilson page at soulwalking...
paul 'trouble' anderson
b. Paul Anderson, 28th September 1959, East London, United Kingdom.
d. 2nd December 2018, Kings College Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
The deejay, Paul ‘Trouble’ Anderson, has died. He was 59.
Paul had been diagnosed with cancer in his left lung in 2011 and was in remission until earlier this year when tumours were discovered in his brain and his right lung.
During his earlier life, Paul was considered one of London's best dancers.
In 1979 and was one of the first black DJs to play in London's West End at the nightclub, Crackers (going on to deejay at other venues, including Spats, The Embassy, Global Village and the Electric Ballroom).
Paul hosted the Trouble Funk Soundsystem.
During the Eighties he DJ'd at Camden's Electric Ballroom.
Paul (along with the late George Power and Gordon Mac), was one of the founding members of Kiss FM in 1985.
He continued to deejay until his passing.
Paul is survived by five siblings and three children Heidi, Paul Jnr, Rio and grandson Jamie
november 2018
peter young
b. 12th August 1951, London
d. 1st November 2018, West London
I must confess to being a little confused and distracted right now. I never thought I would be writing an obituary for a good friend on these pages, but today, this is the case. My friend, Peter Young, has died.
Running this page on Soulwalking, is a bit like being a librarian at times. There’s an urge to remember those who pass away, and who have given so much to Black Music. These guys ought to be remembered for their service. Every now and then, the matter becomes something very close to home. That is bound to be the case, especially, if the person who has passed, has become something of a family friend. Whether behind the mike, or sitting at a turntable, the contributions of musicians and deejays are equally as important. One perpetuates the other, and we all are very much culturally the better for this.
I have been traveling to and from a couple of hospitals in North West London, over the last 18 months or so, to see Peter, who had good and bad days when I was there. Sometimes he fell asleep. Other times, he was confused and frustrated.
The thing with life and death situations, are that, the ‘life’ aspect is something of a breeze. You arrive, the nurses tell you what to do, what to eat, what to wear, the best type of bed to sleep in etc......however....the ‘death’ part of the journey is far more complex. There is no manual, or no person to guide you. My first thought, when I heard PY has passed, was ‘I could have done more’. Guilt, all told. I loved the man, and I hated to see the way he was, whenever I visited. I did take him some of the latest music during his stay in hospital. I liked to play material to him, through an iPad into a small speaker, which he held onto tightly. For many of the songs, PY said he wanted to play these on his show, and he wanted to get back on the radio as soon as possible.
I seem to remember writing here previously, that Stevie Wonder once stated that ‘the most valuable thing anyone person can give to another, is their time’. Peter’s partner Elaine gave him the most valuable gift in this case. She was tireless in her support through some very dark days. A superb woman, all told.
Many of the other deejays, Peter had become friends and colleagues with over the years, were also quite superb. I was asked at one stage, whether one friend who had visited, had wasted their time, as Peter was asleeep all the time they were there. The truth of the matter, I told him, was the fact that he had taken time to go visit, and that was a gift in itself. Something PY appreciated he told me.
I have been friends with PY for around 25 years or so. Firstly, as a fan, and later, as a good friend. He sent me his playlists, which I posted, and I sent him musical suggestions for his show. I will miss is humour, and I have in recent years, missed the ‘sound-board’ the man became, as new music arrived here. He turned me onto many tunes, which now have pride of place here. I think I returned the favour in my own small way. We made a good team.
py with grace in 2007
My wife and daughter, Julie and Grace will both really miss PY. He became like a father figure to Grace throughout her childhood. He was a very thoughtful man, who came along to her shows, and cried when I recently showed him one of her recent video recordings.
PY. A very kind, generous and thoughtful man, as I have already mentioned.....and a very, very funny man, who I will never forget.
http://www.soulwalking.co.uk/Peter%20Young.html
This is one tune, (below), which Peter turned me on to, and I know this single was one of his absolute favourites.
roy hargrove
b. Roy Anthony Hargrove, 16th October 1969, Waco, Texas, U.S.A.
d. 2nd November 2018, New York City, New York, U.S.A.
The Jazz trumpet & flugelhorn musician, Roy Hargrove, has died. Roy was 49.
The cause of death was a heart attack.
During his career, Roy won two Grammy Awards.
His career took two separate roads, one as a straight ahead Jazz performer, the other taking a more experimental theme.
On the Jazz aspect, Roy worked alongside the likes of Wynton Marsalis and Herbie Hancock.
His more progressive group, The RH Factor, featured the likes of Chalmers ‘Spanky’ Alford, Pino Palladino, James Poyser, Jonathan Batiste and Bernard Wright.
Roy was born in Waco, Texas.
He attended the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas.
Roy went on to study at Boston's Berklee College of Music.
He relocated to New York. and in 1990 he released his first solo album, ‘Diamond in the Rough’.
In 1994, he signed to the Verve imprint.
‘With the Tenors of Our Time’ was released, featuring Joe Henderson, Stanley Turrentine, Johnny Griffin, Joshua Redman, and Branford Marsalis.
He recorded the album ‘Family’ in 1995.
In 1998 he released an album with an Afro-Cuban band he founded.
Roy won a Grammy Award in 2002 for ‘Directions in Music: Live at Massey Hall’.
The album featured Herbie Hancock and Michael Brecker.
In 2000, Roy collaborated with the Soul singer D'Angelo, on the album ‘Voodoo’.
Two years later, he collaborated with D'Angelo (again) and Macy Gray, the Soultronics, and Nile Rodgers, on two tracks for the compilation album ’Red Hot & Riot’.
The same year, he worked with the singer Erykah Badu, on her album ‘Worldwide Underground’.
october 2018
theodore 'teddy' scott
b. Theodore Scott, 1936, U.S.A.
d. 27th October 2018, Arlington, U.S.A.
Theodore 'Teddy' Scott, of the group the G-Clef's, passed away in October 2018.
http://www.soulwalking.co.uk/G%20Clefs.html
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bostonglobe/obituary.aspx?n=theodore-scott-teddy&pid=190602361&fhid=10108
sonny fortune
b. Cornelius Fortune, 19th May 1939, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
d. 25th October 2018, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City, New York, U.S.A.
The Jazz Saxophonist, Sonny Fortune, has died. He was 79.
Sonny passed away from complications relating to a series of strokes, which began in September this year.
He played the soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, clarinet, and flute.
Sonny moved from Philadelphia to New York City in 1966.
That year he released the album ‘Trip On The Strip’ with Stan Hunter.
In New York, he began playing with with in the drummer, Elvin Jones’s, group.
The following year he joined Mongo Santamaría's band.
Sonny worked with the singer Leon Thomas.
He also worked with pianist McCoy Tyner in the early Seventies.
Sonny then replaced Dave Liebman in Miles Davis's group for a year.
His own portfolio included the albums ‘Long Before Our Mothers Cried’ (in 1974), ‘Awakening’ (in 1975), ‘Waves Of Dreams’ (in 1976), ’Serengheti Minstrel’ (in 1977), ‘Infinity Is (in 1978) and ‘With Sound Reason (in 1979).
Sonny formed his own group in 1975, recording two albums for the Horizon Records that year and 1976.
He went on to record for the Blue Note, Atlantic, Europa Jazz, Black & Blue and DRG imprints.
Sonny worked with the likes of Roy Brooks, Buddy Rich, George Benson, Rabih Abou Khalil, Roy Ayers, Oliver Nelson, Gary Bartz, and Pharoah Sanders.
Sonny’s Eighties output was less prolific than his Seventies CV, although he continued to perform.
During the Nineties he released several albums on Blue Note Records, including ‘Four in One’ (in 1994), ‘A Better Understanding’ (in 1995), and ‘From Now On’ (in 1996).
During the new millennium he continued to perform and released the album ‘In the Spirit of John Coltrane’ (in 2000), ‘Continuum’ (in 2003), ‘You and the Night and the Music’ (in 2007), and ‘Last Night at Sweet Rhythm’ (in 2009).
david johnson jnr.
b. David Johnson Jr., a.k.a. David 'Caesar' Johnson, 16th June 1934, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
d. 25th October 2018, California, U.S.A.
In 1957, David became a member of the Du-Tones.
Little Caesar and The Romans (David Johnson: far right)
In 1961 the group became Little Caesar and the Romans, who recorded ‘Those Oldies But Goodies Remind Me of You’.
The line-up included:
Carl (Little Caesar) Burnett - lead singer
Johnny Simmons - first tenor
Early Harris - second tenor
David Johnson - baritone
Leroy Saunders - bassLittle Caesar and The Romans appeared on American Bandstand with Dick Clark.
In 1975, David put together a new version of the group, and recorded a single called 'Disco Hully Gully'.
For a while they toured as Marvin Gaye's opening act.
https://www.californiacremation.com/notices/David-Johnson
tony joe white
b. Tony Joe White, 23rd July 1943, Oak Grove, Louisiana, U.S.A.
d. 24th October 2018, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A.
The singer and songwriter, Tony Joe White, has died. Tony was 75.
He had suffered a heart attack.
Tony penned the song ‘Rainy Night in Georgia’, which he wrote but was first made popular by Brook Benton in 1970 (later made an evergreen by Gladys Knight & The Pips, and covered additionally by, The Originals, Otis Rush, The Jazz Crusaders, Chuck Jackson, Ray Charles, Herbie Mann and Esther Marrow).
He also penned the songs ‘Steamy Windows’ and ‘Undercover Agent for the Blues’ (covered by Tina Turner) and ‘Polk Salad Annie’ (recorded by Elvis Presley and Tom Jones, amongst others).
Tony hailed from Oak Grove, Louisiana.
In 1967, he was signed to Monument Records imprint.
His own version of ‘Polk Salad Annie’ entered the U.S. charts in 1969.
This song has been covered by Clarence Reid, Tina Turner and Richard ‘Groove’ Holmes,
The same year he released his first album ‘Black and White’, which featured a cover version of Jimmy Webb's ‘Wichita Lineman’.
The song ‘Willie and Laura Mae Jones’ was covered by Dusty Springfield on her album ‘Dusty in Memphis’ that year.
It was also covered by Nancy Wilson, Fats Domino, Clarence Carter, Bettye Swann and Chuck Berry.
Tony then toured with Sly & the Family Stone, and appeared in the film ‘Catch My Soul’ (song covered by Johnny Hammond).
In 1973, Tony worked with Jerry Lee Lewis and his album ‘Southern Roots’.
The album brought together the MGs (Steve Cropper, Donald ‘Duck’ Dunn and Al Jackson, Jr.) and the Memphis Horns.
In the Seventies and Eighties, Tony released three further albums.
In 1989, he worked on Tina Turner's ‘Foreign Affair’ album, with Dan Hartman featuring on other songs.
In 1991 he released ‘Closer to the Truth’, followed by two more albums for Polydor.
Tony went on to tour with Joe Cocker and Eric Clapton.
In 1996, Tina Turner released his song ‘On Silent Wings’.
In 2018, Tony released the album ‘Bad Mouthin' on Yep Roc Records, which contained songs penned by Charley Patton and John Lee Hooker.
wah wah watson
b. Melvin M. Ragin, 8th December 1950, Richmond, Virginia, U.S.A.
d. 24th October 2018, Santa Monica, California, U.S.A.
The R&B guitarist, Wah Wah Watson has died. He was 67. There are no details at this time, regarding the cause of death.
His real name was Melvin Raglin, but was given the nickname ‘Wah Wah’ later, as reference to his expertise on the guitar pedal.
Melvin died on the 24th of October 2018 at the St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California.
During his career, Melvin was a producer, songwriter, musician, composer, arranger, as well as an accomplished guitarist.
During his career, he worked at Motown, (with the Funk Brothers) as well as with Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Clarence Carter, Norman Connors, Buddy Miles, Paulinho Da Costa, Eric Gale, Carrie Lucas, Norman Whitfield, Herbie Hancock, Hamilton Bohannon, Peaches & Herb, and the singer Maxwell.
As a member of the The Funk Brothers, he played for the likes of The Temptations, The Jackson 5, The Four Tops, Gladys Knight & The Pips, and The Supremes.
Melvin’s recording credits include, ‘Papa Was A Rolling Stone’ (with the Temptations), ‘Let's Get It On’ (with Marvin Gaye), ‘Smiling Faces Sometimes’ (with The Undisputed Truth), ‘Body Heat’ (with Quincy Jones), the ‘Man-Child’ album (with Herbie Hancock) album, the ’Off The Wall’ album (with Michael Jackson), ‘I Will Survive’ (with Gloria Gaynor ), ‘L.O.V.E.’ (with Demis Roussos), the ‘Car Wash’ album (with Rose Royce) and Maxwell's ‘Urban Hang Suite’.
During the Seventies, he collaborated with Herbie Hancock and he Pointer Sisters.
He recorded a solo album in 1977, entitled ‘Elementary’ for Columbia Records.
In the Nineties, Melvin appeared on the Red Hot Organization's compilation album, ‘Stolen Moments: Red Hot + Cool’.
Melvin later featured on Maxwell's album ‘Now’ (in 2001).
He also appeared on Angie Stone’s ‘Black Diamond’ (in 2000).
Melvin appeared on the soundtrack to the film ‘Shaft’ (in 2000), ‘Damita Jo’ (in 2004) for Janet Jackson, and Alicia Keys' ‘Unplugged’ album in 2005, and her recording ‘The Element of Freedom’ (in 2009).
george power
b. Akis Eracleous, 1953, Cyprus.
d. 19th October 2018, United Kingdom.
The deejay, George Power has died. George was 65.
The cause of his passing is not yet known. He passed away on the morning of Friday 19th October 2018.
George arrived in the U.K. in 1967 at the age of 14.
In 1973 George was approached by Invicta Radio, and in 1978 began presenting full time for the station.
George was the resident DJ at the nightclub Crackers between 1975 until 1981.
Crackers was a club based above the Dominion Theatre in Tottenham Court Road in London.
He was a principal founder of Kiss FM London on 94.0 FM from 1985.
In 1983, George co-founded London Greek Radio with Chris Harmanda.
When London Greek Radio came off air, (pending an application for a legal license), in 1985 George founded and established Sunshine Radio, on the Cote D'Azur.
In 1993 he set up Nice 'N' Ripe Records.
In 2013 he created crackersradio.com.
George was a very active deejay, radio presenter and promoter.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/akis-george-power-eracleous-45a510102/
september 2018
al matthews
b. Alan Matthews, 21st November 1942, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.
d. 22nd September 2018, Orihuela, Spain.
The actor, singer and songwriter, Al Matthews, has died. Al was 75.
Al was found unresponsive by a neighbour at his home in Spain, and, subsequently, pronounced dead there.
In 1975, Al came to the attention of the U.K. music scene, with his 1975 CBS hit ‘Fool’, which reached number 16 in the U.K. charts.
Aside from ‘Fool’, Al released a CBS single called ‘Your Affair’ the same year.
He also went on to record for the Mercury, Electric, Polydor and Edge imprints.
Al was a United States Marine Sergeant (serving in Vietnam) and appeared as Gunnery Sergeant Apone in the film ‘Aliens’ (in 1986), General Tudor in ‘The Fifth Element’ (1997) and as a Sergeant in the film ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’ (in 1997).
He also appeared in the television series ‘Grange Hill’ .
big jay mcneely
b. Big Jay McNeely (a.k.a. Cecil James McNeely), 29th April 1927, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
d. 16th September 2018, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
The rhythm and blues saxophonist, Big Jay McNeely, has died. Big Jay was 91.
Big Jay passed away from cancer.
Born Cecil James McNeely, his first recordings (with Johnny Otis), were held at a Barrelhouse Club near Cecil’s home.
He was later signed by Ralph Bass, the A&R man for Savoy Records.
Ralph’s senior, Herman Lubinsky, gave him the name Big Jay McNeely. His real name sounded to mundane, according to Herman.
Big Jay’s first hit was ‘The Deacon's Hop’ in 1949.
During the Fifties and Sixties, Big Jay recorded for several imprints, including Exclusive, Warners, Aladdin, Imperial, Federal, Vee-Jay, and Swingin’.
In 1959 he released ‘There Is Something on Your Mind’, with Little Sonny Warner on vocals.
In 1971, Big Jay left the music industry and became a postman.
However, during the Eighties, he returned to touring and recording.
Big Jay was then inducted into The Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame.
In 1989, Big Jay McNeely performed with Detroit Gary Wiggins, and the two went on to tour in Germany and Italy.
In 2009, he performed at the International Boogie Woogie Festival in The Netherlands.
He later released the album ‘Party Time’.
randy weston
b. Randolph Edward Weston, 6th April 1926, New York City, New York, U.S.A.
d. 1st September 2018, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.A.
The American Jazz pianist and composer, Randy Weston, has died. Randy was 92.
Randy recorded for several imprints, including Riverside, Antilles, Verve, and Motéma Records.
Born in 1926, Randy was raised in Brooklyn
He graduated from Boys High School in Bedford-Stuyvesant
Randy served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
In the Fifties, he worked with Kenny Dorham and Cecil Payne, before forming his own trio and quartet in 1954.
In the Sixties, his music featured African aspects, showcased with the albums ‘Uhuru Afrika’ (in 1960) and ‘Highlife’ (in 1963).
In 1967, he journeyed through Africa, setting up the African Rhythms Club in Tangier.
In 1972, he produced Blue Moses for CTI Records.
He went on to records for several smaller imprints.
In 1992, he released ‘The Spirits of Our Ancestors’, which featured input from the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Pharoah Sanders.
In 2002, he performed for the inauguration of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Alexandria, Egypt.
In 2009, he participated in a memorial at the Jazz Gallery in New York for Ghanaian drummer Kofi Ghanaba.
In 2013, Sunnyside released Randy’s album ‘The Roots of the Blues’, with tenor saxophonist Billy Harper.
In 2014, Randy played a duo concert with Harper at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London.
He celebrated his 90th birthday in 2016 with a concert at Carnegie Hall.
Randy’s final release, ‘Sound’ (2018), was a recording of a concert that took place at the Hotel Montreux Palace, Switzerland.
august 2018
danny pearson
b. Daniel Earl Pearson, 6th January 1953, Stonewall, Mississippi, U.S.A.
d. 17th August 2018, U.S.A.
The American composer and singer-songwriter, Danny Pearson, has died. Danny was 65.
He passed away from liver cancer.
During the early 1970s, he fronted the group, Danny & Company.
The group also featured his brother, Jonas Pearson, who was the group’s guitarist.
Jonas Pearson also accompanied his brother as a guitarist later in his career.
Danny’s sole release was the 1978 album ‘Barry White Presents Mr. Danny Pearson’.
Produced by Barry White, the single ‘What's Your Sign Girl?’, reached number 16 on the U.S. R&B chart.
During his career, Danny collaborated with the likes of Sly Stone and Ray Parker Jr.
Danny was, recently, in the process of recording a new album entitled ‘We The People’.
eddie 'chank' willis
b. Edward Willis, 3rd June 1936, Grenada, Mississippi, U.S.A.
d. 20th August 2018, Gore Springs, Mississippi, U.S.A.
Eddie Willis, of the Motown Records house band, the Funk Brothers, has died. Eddie was 82.
He was the group’s electric guitarist during the Sixties and Seventies.
Eddie died from complications related to polio.
Eddie was born in Grenada, Mississippi.
He performed on many of Motown’s best known songs, including ‘Please Mr. Postman’ (The Marvelettes), ‘The Way You Do the Things You Do’ (The Temptations), ‘You Keep Me Hanging On’ (The Supremes), and ‘I Was Made to Love Her’ (Stevie Wonder) amongst others.
Eddie, later, collaborated with Phil Collins on his album ‘Going Back’.
...funk brothers page at soulwalking...
b. Aretha Louise Franklin, 25th March 1942, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.A.
d. 16th August 2018, Bloomfield Hills, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
To avoid repetition regarding many other sites, who will give you a straight ahead rundown of this singers career, I have decided to pen my own personal take on this superb woman, which has a link to her page at Soulwalking at the end of the texts.
Aretha’s passing will affect many peoples lives in many different ways. In some aspects, I wish I had been born at the start of the Fifties, rather than the latter part of that decade. I would have appreciated her work all the more. I was just a kid back in the Sixties, and in 67, I had turned 11 years old, and it was time to get those troublesome tonsils out of my throat, so I was booked in to hospital following months of tonsilitis. As part of the recovery process, my parents thought I would use a reel to reel tape if they got me one. Stick him in the corner of the room, with the darned thing, and that should keep him quiet. It did! I was showing some early signs of a love for music, so I was sent home with a sore throat, and this valved-up piece of technology, which I really appreciated. I did the first thing, that you were told not to do, and started recording songs off the radio. I remember taping ‘Hole In My Shoe’ by Traffic (which I loved), the Beatles songs, Stevie, the Beach Boys, loved ‘Patches’, the Monkees and found myself taping a woman singing about putting her makeup on first thing in the morning. It wasn’t the subject matter, but I remember thinking to myself ‘what a beautiful voice’. At 11 years old, if I told you I was deeply into John Coltrane, you would be suspicious to say the least, however Soul music really does have a a habit of creeping up on you unawares, and here I sat, with the sound on my reel to reel slipping on an off the tape heads, falling in love with this singer and her melody ‘Say A Little Prayer’. For one human being to affect people, especially children, on such a personal level, well, it’s unique. I can only remember seeing something similar, when I watched children listening to Michael Jackson circa 1970. They are completely on the same wave length.
That old tape machine has long been gone to the recycling centre, however, some 50 years later, Aretha Franklin’s vinyl weighs heavy on the shelves here. There are loads of the things, and I unashamedly love every one of them. You see, Aretha has a really annoying habit of emotionally catching you unawares, and in those moments, she privately moves you to tears, so you end up making out you are fine to others, when you certainly are not. Aretha sang, not to the many, but sang to the one. A personal conversation between her and you. It is the same situation for millions of others who, also, think they are ‘the one’. This songstress was so gifted, she would have the affect of moving the listener, singing about getting her dry cleaning, throwing out the trash, or putting petrol in the car. A complete one off, and I feel blessed to have been alive when she was alive. Aretha is only going one way, and that way is up! Sista gone too soon. Man upstairs sent us down an angel, to remind us all precisely, what true beauty is all about. Aretha Franklin was, undoubtedly, one of the greatest voices of the Twentieth Century, and I for one, will really miss her singing, ‘just to myself!’ :)).
toby walker - august 2018
...aretha franklin page at soulwalking...
july 2018
clinton ghent
b. Clinton Ghent, 1940, Chicago, Illinois, , U.S.A.
d. 7th July 2018, Vitas Hospice, Mercy Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
Clinton Ghent, a dancer, choreographer and ‘Soul Train’ host, has died at the age of 78.
Clinton passed away from emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
He choreographed for the Emotions, the Chi-Lites, the Whispers amongst others.
clarence earl scott
b. Clarence Earl Scott, 3th December 1937, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
d. 7th May 2018, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Clarence Scott has died.
Clarence was also known as ‘Scotty’.
Scotty was part of The Royal Serenaders in the early 1950s in Philadelphia.
He was also a member of the Valets, and wrote and sang lead vocals for the song, ‘Sherry’.
He was also a member of the Castelles.
In 1959, Clarence recorded ‘Love Potion Number 9’ with the Clovers.
joe valentine
b. Joseph Valentine Sr., 3rd February 1937, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A.
d. 13th July 2018, Austin, Texas, U.S.A.
Joe Valentine was a prolific songwriter, producer, promoter and club owner.
He performed with the likes of James Brown, Joe Tex, and Jackie Wilson as a keyboard player.
Joe’s own band were called Joe Valentine and the Imperials.
june 2018
joe jackson
b. Joseph Walter Jackson, 26th July 1928, Fountain Hill, Arkansas, U.S.A.
d. 27th June 2018, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A.
Joe Jackson, the father of the Jackson siblings Michael, Janet, Jermaine, Rebbie, Randy, Jackie, Tito, Marlon, Latoya and Brandon, has died. He was 89.
Joe passed away from pancreatic cancer.
He was a talent manager and parent of the Jackson family
Joe was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 2014.
Born in Fountain Hill, Arkansas, in 1928, Joe was the eldest of five children.
When he was twelve, the family moved to East Chicago in Northwest Indiana, whilst Joe moved with his father to California.
He then relocated to Indiana, after his father remarried.
Joe worked at the Inland Steel Company, and became a boxer.
Whilst boxing, he met and (later) married Katherine Scruse in 1949.
In 1950, they bought 2300 Jackson Street, in Gary, Indiana.
The couple started a family, and Joe became a crane operator.
Joe and Katherine went on to have ten children.
Brandon Jackson, sadly, died just after he was born in 1957.
Joe performed for a while in a group called The Falcons, playing guitar.
In the Sixties, Joe began working with the family as performers.
Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael, originally, performed under the name ‘The Jackson Brothers’.
They performed at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, and were signed by Jackson tothe Steeltown Records imprint.
The first single ‘Big Boy’, which led to a label move, this time, to Motown Records in Detroit.
The group achieved a series of chart hits, included ‘I Want You Back’ (in 1969), ‘ABC’ (in 1970), ‘The Love You Save’ (in 1970), and ‘I’ll Be There’ (in 1970).
Joe then began working with the younger children and set up his own record label, Ivory Tower International Records.
Joe’s marriage wasn’t without incident, however, despite living separately, Katherine and Joe remained officially married until his death.
In 2015, Joe was rushed into a hospital following a stroke and heart arrhythmia.
He passed away at a hospital in Las Vegas.
...the jacksons page at soulwalking..
lowrell simon
b. Lowrell Simon Jnr. a.k.a. Lowrell (b. 18th March 1943, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.)
d. 19th June 2018, Bedford Care Center, Newton, Mississippi, U.S.A.
The singer and songwriter, Lowrell Simon, has died. He was 75.
He passed away from multiple health complications in Mississippi.
Lowrell was part of the Sixties and Seventies group, the Lost Generation, before achieving mainstream success, through his 1979 mid-tempo Soul evergreen ‘Mellow, Mellow, Right On’.
His career compositions included doo-wop, gospel, movie and funk and disco tracks.
As a teenager, Lowrell grew up in Chicago’s Stateway Gardens public housing development at 35th Street and Federal Avenue.
He sang in church and at neighbourhood talent shows,
Lowrell joined the group, the Vondells, writing the group’s song ‘Lenora’.
He formed the Lost Generation, who were signed to the Brunswick Records imprint.
Lowrelll penned the song ‘The Sly, Slick and the Wicked’, a track he later said was loosely based on the movie title ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’.
The song went on to sell 600,000 copies.
When the Lost Generation went their separate ways in the Seventies, Lowrell began writing for Curtis Mayfield’s imprint, Curtom.
He wrote songs for the Impressions including the title of the movie soundtrack ‘Three the Hard Way’.
Lowrell Simon's additional writing credits include 'Keep on Playing the Music' by Mystique featuring Ralph Johnson from their 1976 Curtom / Warner Bros. debut, the LP track 'All About the Paper' by Loleatta Holloway / The Dells and 'Dance Master' (part one and two), a hit single by Chicago resident Willie Henderson in 1974.
By 1979, Lowrell recorded his self titled AVI album, which featured ‘Mellow Mellow Right On’.
The track was sampled by several artists, including Common (‘Reminding Me (Of Sef’) and Massive Attack (‘Lately’).
More recently, Lowrell rarely performed, however, his brother, Fred Simon, said that when the group toured overseas, many people wanted to talk about his brother.
Lowrell is survived by three daughters, Rae Simon Brown, Kellan Simon Taylor and Shondrae; a son, Tony Baird; two grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
...lowrell simon page at soulwalking..
ghalib ghallab
b. 1951, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
d. 12th June 2018, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A.
The Jazz pianist & composer, Ghalib Ghallab has died. He was 67.
Ghalib had been fighting cancer and had been ill for more than a year.Over the years, he had performed at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.
He had accompanied with Natalie Cole and Lou Rawls amongst others at the venue.
Ghalib attended the Harlan High School in Chicago, and appeared at several clubs including the Back Room, the Cotton Club, George’s, Jazz Bulls, M Lounge and the Promontory.
Whilst at the school, he played tuba in the band.
After a period in the United States military, Ghalib relocated to San Francisco, California, studying music at Napa Junior College and San Francisco State University.
He performed in Las Vegas for the first time in 1989, which were attended by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and James Brown.
He recorded several albums over the years, which included the Soul favourite, 1987’s ‘Let Me Love You’.
He also released ‘Morning Sunrise’ in 1980, ‘Jazz 'n' It With Ghalib Ghallab: Live At The Bulls’ in 1981, and ‘A Milestone In My Life’ in 1985.
Ghalib is survived by his children Ghalib II, Jihad and Khalid and three grandchildren.
Graveside services are planned Friday at Woodlawn Cemetery in Las Vegas.
jalal mansur nuriddin
b. Jalaluddin Mansur Nuriddin, July 1944, Fort Greene, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.
d. 4th June 2018, U.S.A.
Jalal Mansur Nuriddin, former member of the musical and politically active group, the Last Poets, has died. He was 74.
The singer was affectionally referred to as ‘the Grandfather of Rap’.
Jalal passed away following a long battle with cancer.
During his career, Jalal contributed to the Last Poets' 1970 debut album, and also the group’s album ‘This Is Madness’.
The releases are recognised today, as early examples of the hip-hop genre.
He went on to release a solo album in 1973, entitled ‘Hustlers Convention’.
Public Enemy's vocalist, Chuck D spoke about the record in a documentary about the album.
Jalal spoke about the rappers who followed on from his earlier work stating he felt the later artists ‘bitched about their lives, boasted about their women, their drugs, their money, their ego’.
Jalal was born in 1944.
The Last Poets, were formed in the late 1960’s, and in 1970, the Last Poets released their self titled album (which reached Number 29 on Billboard's albums chart).
‘This Is Madness’ followed, and the solo album ‘Hustlers Convention’ featured an early incarnation of the group Kool & the Gang.
Since that time, Jalal continued to record at various times.
He appeared briefly in the movie ‘Poetic Justice’ in 1993.
In 2014, he travelled to the U.K. to perform live the ‘Hustlers Convention’ album, live at the Jazz Café in Camden Town, London.
Jalal’s family said that details regarding his funeral will be forthcoming shortly.
...the last poets page at soulwalking..
clarence fountain
b. Clarence Fountain, 28th November 1929, Selma, Alabama, U.S.A.
d. 3rd June 2018, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.A.
Clarence Fountain, a founding member of the gospel group, Blind Boys of Alabama, has died. He was 88.
Clarence was born in Selma, Alabama.
He lost his sight as a small child, and was enrolled at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Deaf and Blind in Talladega.
Clarence joined the school’s large boys choir, where he joined a singing group, eventually called the Blind Boys.
Blind Boys of Alabama first began singing together, and were praised by National Public Radio as ‘pioneers’, being one of a few groups who transcended barriers of race and genre to become a highly respected group in modern music.
The Blind Boys of Alabama went on to win several Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and an NEA National Heritage Fellowship, as well as being inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and performing at the White House.
Due to declining health, Clarence stopped touring with the band in 2007 but did contribute vocals to the Blind Boys’ latest album, ‘Almost Home’.
may 2018
reggie lucas
b. Reginald Grant Lucas, 25th February 1953, Queens, New York, U.S.A.
d. 19th May 2018, New York City, U.S.A.
The musician, songwriter and record producer, Reggie Lucas, has died. He was 65.
Reggie died of heart disease in New York City.
Along with his songwriting/group colleague, James Mtume, the duo formed a prolific partnership throughout the Seventies and Eighties.
Reggie produced a large part of Madonna's 1983 self-titled debut album.
He was also part of the Miles Davis electric band during the early Seventies.
Reggie also performed as a guitarist for Billy Paul in the early 1970s.
His work with Miles Davis led to Reggie meeting James Mtume.
As a duo, they toured with Roberta Flack in the mid Seventies.
With James Mtume, Reggie wrote and performed with the likes of Stephanie Mills (‘What Cha Gonna Do With My Lovin’), Phyllis Hyman (‘You Know How To Love Me’), Lou Rawls, the Spinners (‘Got To Be Love’), Eddie Henderson (‘Say You Will’), Gary Bartz (‘Music’) and Roberta Flack (‘The Closer I Get To You’).
Reggie went on to collaborate with several artists, including Rebbie Jackson, Randy Crawford, and The Four Tops.
He was also a member of the group Sunfire, whose songs included ‘Young Free and Single’ and ‘Step In The Light’.
Reggie set up the recording studio Quantum Sound (who recorded the likes of the Pet Shop Boys, Jodeci, Jeff Buckley and Sepultura).
...mtume page at soulwalking..
jabo starks
b. John Henry Starks, 26th October 1938, Jackson, Alabama, U.S.A.
d. 1st May 2018, Mobile, Alabama, U.S.A.
The drummer, Jabo Starks, has died. He was 79.
Jabo will, probably, be best remembered for his performances alongside James Brown.
He perfomed alongside Clyde Stubblefield, on many of the Godfathers most memorable sides.
These included ‘The Payback’, ‘Sex Machine’, ‘Talkin' Loud and Sayin' Nothing’, ‘Get On The Good Foot’, ‘Hot Pants’ and ’Super Bad’.
Jabo performed with many acts associated James Brown, including Lyn Collins, The JB’s (‘Blow Your Head’), and Bobby Byrd.
In the early Sixties, Jabo performed on many popular Blues records, performing on sides by the likes of Bobby Blue Bland and B.B. King.
He played the drums on Bobby Blue Bland’s hit ‘I Pity the Fool’ in 1961.
In recent years, Jabo performed at some live venues in Alabama, and performed with Bootsy Collins at a James Brown tribute show.
april 2018
reginald mcarthur
b. Reginald Duwayne McArthur, 25th September 1954, Fairfield, Alabama, U.S.A.
d. 19th April 2018, Bessemer, Alabama, U.S.A.
The lead vocalist with the group, the Controllers, Reginald McArthur, has died. Reginald was 63.
He passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Reginald was the second child of four born to the late Daniel McArthur and Beatrice Brown McArthur.
He was educated in the Fairfield School System and later received an Associate’s Degree from Lawson State Community College.
Reginald sang lead vocals with The Controllers, along with his brother, Larry McArthur and his cousins, Leonard Brown and Ricky Lewis.
The Controllers accumulated 18 Billboard charted records and five gold records.
They won five Soul Train Awards, achieved five HBO appearances and 5 MTV appearances.
In recent years, Reginald joined New Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Hueytown, Alabama and was baptized on the 10th of August 2003.
The Controllers are, probably, best remembered for their Seventies Soul ballad 'Somebody's Gotta Win'. There is more about the group here....
...the controllers page at soulwalking..
charles neville
b. Charles Neville, 28th December 1938, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A.
d. 26th April 2018, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Charles Neville, of the Neville Brothers band, has died. He was 79.
Charles had been suffering from pancreatic cancer.
Neville's career goes back to the 1950s when he performed with B.B. King.
He grew up in Valence Street, in the Calliope housing development in New Orleans.
Charles started performing music in his teens.He went on to tour with Gene Franklin and the Houserockers, Johnny Ace, Big Maybelle, Little Walter and Larry Williams.
Charles served in the U.S. Navy in Memphis between 1956 to 1958.
It was, however, the three decades of performances with his brothers, Aaron, Art and Cyril, as part of the group the Neville Brothers band, which he will be best remembered for.
The group were formed in the 1970s, playing their own interpretation of funk, jazz and New Orleans rhythm and blues.
The Neville Brothers performed together, up until 2015.
Charles is survived by his wife Kristin Neville, daughter Charmaine Neville, sons Talyn Neville and Khalif Neville; sister Athelgra Neville Gabriel, and brothers Art, Cyril and Aaron.
...the neville brothers page at soulwalking..
yvonne staples
b. Yvonne Staples, 23rd October 1936, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
d. 10th April 2018, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
The baritone, Gospel, R&B and soul singer, Yvonne Staples, has died. She was 80.
Yvonne recorded and performed with her family's band The Staple Singers, and is the daughter of Pops Staples, and sister of Cleotha Staples, Mavis Staples and Pervis Staples.
She passed away at her home this week, according to the newspaper, the Chicago-Sun Times.
With Mavis, Cleotha and her father Roebuck ‘Pops’ Staples, the family group performed in churches across Chicago before making records in 1953.Between 1971 to 1975, the Staples Singers achieved several Top 40 hits.
Yvonne's sister, Cleotha, the oldest of the Staples siblings, died in 2013 after a 12-year battle with Alzheimer’s, whilst Pops Staples died in December 2000.
The surviving sibling, Mavis, is due to perform at the Love Supreme concert in Glynde during July this year.
cecil taylor
b. Cecil Percival Taylor, 25th March 1929, New York City, U.S.A.
d. 5th April 2018, U.S.A.
The pianist and performer of ‘free jazz’, Cecil Taylor, has died. Cecil was 89.
From New York City, Cecil attended the New York College of Music and New England Conservatory.
In 1955, he formed a quartet with soprano saxophonist, Steve Lacy, the bassist Buell Neidlinger, and drummer Dennis Charles.
Cecil’s Quartet appeared at the 1957 Newport Jazz Festival which went on to comprise the album ‘At Newport’.
He worked with John Coltrane, in 1958, on the album ‘Stereo Drive’.
In 1959 he released the album ‘Looking Ahead!’, and in 1961, Cecil collaborated with alto saxophonist Jimmy Lyons.
During the late sixties, Cecil began performing solo shows.
He performed for then President Jimmy Carter on the White House Lawn, and was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1973.
In the new millennium, he performed with the Cecil Taylor Ensemble and the Cecil Taylor Big Band.
ron dunbar
b. Ronald Dunbar, 1939, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
4th April 2018, U.S.A.
The record producer and songwriter, Ron Dunbar, has died, Ron was 79.
During the late Sixties, Ron worked with the Holland, Dozier, Holland songwriting team, co-penning many big hits of that era, including ‘Patches’, ‘Everything’s Tuesday’, ‘Band Of Gold’, ‘Give Me Just A Little More Time’ for the Invictus imprint.
Hailing from Detroit, Ron was employed by the Motown imprint during the late Fifties onwards.
With Holland, Dozier, Holland, Ron was utilised as an uncredited songwriter, following various financial issues, however, this did not stop him moving with the HDH team on to their Invictus and Hot Wax imprints after their departure from Motown.
When the Hot Wax and Invictus labels folded in the Seventies, Ron moved on to George Clinton's Uncle Jam Records as an A&R Director in 1978.
Ron worked with George until 1980, when he decided to become an independent producer.
Since 1998 he has worked for the Holland Group Productions company in Los Angeles.
march 2018
february 2018
eddie amoo
b. Edward Robert Amoo, 5th May 1944, Liverpool, England.
d. 23rd February 2018, Australia.
The singer, guitarist, songwriter and producer with the group The Real Thing, Eddie Amoo, has died. Eddie was 74.
He passed away, suddenly, in Australia.
The Real Thing were four working class boys, born to Ghanaian parents.
From Toxteth, the group wrote and performed their own songs and became Britain’s biggest-selling Black pop act ever.
The group had been touring as a three-piece for many years.
...the real thing page at soulwalking..
barbara alston
b. Barbara Ann Alston, 28th September 1943, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
d. 18th February 2018, Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.A.
The singer, Barbara Alston, has died. Barbara was 74.
Barbara passed away on the 16th of February after contracting flu, her daughter said.
The Crystals singer recorded hits including ‘Da Doo Ron Ron’ and ‘Then He Kissed Me’.
The group, along with The Ronettes, were amongst the girl groups of the 1960s who were part of Phil Spector's Wall of Sound.
Barbara sang lead vocals on the group’s first three singles, including the US top 20 hit ‘There's No Other Like My Baby’.
The Crystals were originally a quintet consisting of Barbara, Dee Dee Kennibrew, Mary Thomas, Patricia Wright and La La Brooks.
They all grew up singing in their local church.
...the crystals page at soulwalking..
lamar thomas
lamar thomas (left) with judy taylor (thomas)
b. Lamar Rowry Thomas, 8th February 1949, Leland, Mississippi, U.S.A.
d. 9th February 2018, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
The singer, Lamar Thomas, has died. Lamar was 69.
He passed away in his sleep at his home in Tobyhanna, Pennsylania. He had been suffering from cancer.
Lamar was the husband of Judy (Taylor) Thomas with whom he had beem married for 48 years.
Born in Leland, Mississippi, he was a Grammy Nominated Singer, Songwriter, Educator and humanitarian for his community.
...the thomas and taylor page at soulwalking..
lovebug starski
b. Kevin Smith, 16th May 1960, The Bronx, New York, U.S.A.
d. 8th February 2018, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A.
The MC and musician, Lovebug Starski, has died He was 57.
Born Kevin Smith, he passed away from a heart attack in Las Vegas on the 8th of February 2018, according to several sources.
Better known as Lovebug Starski, he was considered one of the first of the Hip Hop style rappers.
Starski recorded his first single, ‘Positive Life’, on the Tayster record label in 1981.His best known single, ‘Amityville (The House on the Hill)’, was a parody song named in reference to the film The Amityville Horror.
The song was a number 12 hit on the U.K. Singles Chart in 1986.
In the 1990’s, Starski began DJing again with his friend DJ Hollywood.
Kevin has three daughters.
leon 'ndugu' chancler
b. Leon Chancler, 1st July 1952, Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.A.
d. 3rd February 2018, California, U.S.A.
The Soul, Funk and Jazz drummer, percussionist, songwriter and producer, Leon ’Ndgugu’ Chancler, has died. Leon was 65.
He passed away from prostate cancer, which he had battled with since 2003.
He was a hugely sought after performer, as a studio percussionist in the music industry, collaborating with the likes of George Duke, Santana, Patrice Rushen, Hubert Laws, The Crusaders, Frank Sinatra, Weather Report, Lionel Richie, Kenny Rogers, Thelonious Monk and John Lee Hooker amongst others.
Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, and began playing drums when he was a youngster (becoming interested in the instrument at the age of 6).
In high school, he played with Willie Bobo and the Harold Johnson Sextet , whilst playing in locals groups including 'The Jazz Prophets' and 'The United Groove'.
He graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hills with a degree in music education.
At that time he had already performed with the likes of the Gerald Wilson Big Band, Freddie Hubbard, Hugh Masekela, Herbie Hancock, and recorded with Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Minnie Riperton, Bill Summers and Bobby Hutcherson.
In 1972, Leon joined the George Duke Band.
Between 1974 and 1976, he toured with Santana.
In 1978, he left the George Duke Band to record with his own band The Chocolate Jam Co.
Leon later played on Michael Jackson’s evergreen dancer, ‘Thriller’ in 1982.
In 2006 he became an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California.
dennis edwards
b. Dennis Wayne Edwards Jnr., 3rd February 1943, Fairfield, Alabama, U.S.A.
d. 1st February 2018, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
The former lead singer of the group The Temptations, Dennis Edwards, has died. Dennis was 74.
Dennis had recently been battling with meningitis and pneumonia.
He passed away in a Chicago hospital on the 1st of February, two days before his 75th birthday.
Dennis had suffered a stroke.
In the Seventies, Dennis was briefly married to Ruth Pointer.
The couple had one daughter, Issa Pointer, who became a member of her mother's vocal group, The Pointer Sisters.
...dennis edwards page at soulwalking...
...the temptations page at soulwalking...
january 2018
hugh masekela
b. Hugh Ramopolo Masekela, 4th April 1939, Witbank, South Africa.
d. 23rd January 2018, Johannesburg, South Africa.
The trumpet player and singer, Hugh Masekela, has died Hugh was 78.
He passed away in Johannesburg from prostate cancer
...hugh masekela page at soulwalking...
edwin hawkins
b. Edwin Reuben Hawkins, 19th August 1943, Oakland, California, U.S.A.
d. 15th January 2018, Pleasanton, California, U.S.A.
The Gospel musician, Edwin Hawkins has died. Edwin was 74.
He passed away from pancreatic cancer in Pleasanton, California.
Edwin Hawkins Singers were most fondly remembered for the Edwin Hawkins penned, 1969 spiritual song, ‘Oh Happy Day’.
Born in Oakland, California in 1943, Edwin performed in his local choir as a child.
Edwin and Betty Watson founded the Northern California State Youth Choir of the Church of God in Christ.
The choir recorded their debut album ‘Let Us Go into the House of the Lord at the Ephesian Church of God in Christ’ in Berkeley, California.
‘Oh Happy Day’ was a featured song on the album.
Local radio stations began playing ‘Oh Happy Day’ as a stand-alone melody.
Featuring Dorothy Combs Morrison, the single released went on to sell over a million copies.
In 1969, ’Oh Happy Day’ reached No.4 on the U.S. charts, and No.2 on the U.K. charts.
Edwin was awarded his first Grammy for the song.
‘Oh Happy Day’ was followed by the 1970 Melanie with The Edwin Hawkins Singers single ‘Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)’.
The single reached No. 6 in the U.S. charts.
In 1992, in the movie ‘Leap of Faith’, Edwin is featured as the choir master for the gospel songs.
...edwin hawkins page at soulwalking...
danny woods
b. Danny Woods, 10th April 1944, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
d. 13th January 2018, U.S.A.
A member of the group, Chairmen of the Board, Danny Woods, has died. Danny was 73.
More recently, his health began failing and he lost one of his legs, and was on dialysis.
Apart from the membership of the Chairmen of the Board, Danny was an influential voice in the Carolinas beach music scene.
...chairmen of the board page at soulwalking...
denise lasalle
b. Ora Denise Allen, 16th July 1939, Sidon, Mississippi, U.S.A.
d. 8th January 2018, Jackson, Tennessee, U.S.A.
The Blues and R&B singer, Denise LaSalle has died. Denise was 78.
In recent months, Denise had suffered from heart problems. She also recently underwent a leg amputation at the Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville.
Denise will be remembered by U.K. Soul Music fans for her songs 'Come To Bed', 'Lady In The Street', 'When We're Makin' Love', 'Trapped By A Thing Called Love' and 'I'm So Hot'.
...denise lasalle page at soulwalking...
rick hall
b. Roe Erister Hall, 1st January 1932, Tishomingo County, Mississippi, U.S.A.
d. 2nd January 2018, Muscle Shoals, Alabama, U.S.A.
The songwriter, owner and chief producer at legendary Fame Recording Studios, Rick Hall, has died. Rick was 85.
Rick owned the Rick Hall Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
He died on the 2nd of January at his home in Muscle Shoals, following returning from a stay in a local nursing home shortly before Christmas.
During the Fifties, Rick’s songs were recorded by several artists.
George Jones recorded his song ‘Achin', Breakin' Heart’, Brenda Lee recorded ‘She'll Never Know’, and Roy Orbison recorded ‘Sweet and Innocent’.
In 1960 he set up FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, where one of his first recordings was Arthur Alexander's ‘You Better Move On’.
Later that decade, he helped license Percy Sledge's ‘When a Man Loves a Woman’, whilst his studio produced further hit records for Wilson Pickett, James and Bobby Purify, Aretha Franklin, Clarence Carter, Otis Redding, Candi Staton, Etta James and Arthur Conley.
In 1971, Rick was named Producer of the Year by Billboard magazine.
Rick was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1985.
wilbert longmire
b. Wilbert Longmire Jnr., 7th December 1940, Mobile, Alabama, U.S.A.
d. 1st January 2018, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.A.
The Jazz guitarist, Wilbert Longmire Jnr., has died. He was 77.
The cause is unknown at this point in time.
Wilbert was born in Mobile, Alabama.
He relocated, with his parents, to Cincinnati when he was three years old.
Wilbert was a violinist in his school’s orchestra.
His his first album was released in 1969.
He became well known to Jazz-Funk fans during the late Seventies and early Eighties.
Wilbert recorded for Bob James' short-lived Tappan Zee label, where he recorded 3 albums.
1978’s, ’Sunny Side Up’, featured the classic dance track ‘Black Is The Color’.
More recently, his albums for Tappan Zee have been been reissued in the U.K. and Japan.
betty willis
b. Betty Jane Willis, 10th March 1941, Overton, Nevada, U.S.A.
d. 1st January 2018, Santa Ana, California, U.S.A.
The singer, Betty Willis has died. Betty was 76.
Tragically, Betty was homeless recently, and was murdered by a 22 year old homeless man, Rosendo Xo Pec, who tried to rape her.
She was attacked at 4 a.m. on New Years Day, and died at the scene.
In the Sixties, Betty started out singing in the clubs around Santa Ana, California.
Betty recorded a duet with Ray Lockhart as Betty & Ray on Rendezvous Records entitled 'You're Too Much' in 1962.
The follow up single, released the same year, was entitled, 'Take Your Heart’.
She also provided vocals for a group called the Instants at this time.
Betty sang with Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers on an unreleased song called ’My Tears Will Go Away’.
She collaborated with Leon Russell for Phi-Dan Records.
In 1967, Betty released 'Ain’t Gonna Do You No Good' b/w 'Gone With The Wind (Is My Love)’, a much sought after single.
Betty never gained widespread commercial success as a singer and left her career to raise her daughter in Orange County.
...those who left us in 2017...
