Browsing: Obituary

Sam Moore, one half of the influential soul duo Sam & Dave, has passed away at 89. Known for hits like “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” Moore’s distinctive voice and contributions to soul music left a lasting impact on the genre and generations of artists.

Peter Yarrow’s passing leaves Paul Stookey as the only member of Peter, Paul and Mary left alive. The trio’s “Puff the Magic Dragon” in 1963 introduced a mass market to the folk boom that had been primarily the genre of choice for the academic community spearheaded by acts like Dylan, Tom Paxton, and Tom Rush.

To his family, friends, and the local blues communities he was a titan. Robert was the founder and artistic director of The Ealing Blues Festival, the longest running event of its type in London. He was also a self-deprecating “bluesmaster, funkateer, global groover and raconteur.”

His unconventional bass playing style was influenced by his classical music and jazz background, which played a key role in shaping the Dead’s distinctive sound.

Kris belonged to a small group of iconoclastic artists who fought for and won their creative freedom outside of the Nashville establishment that dictated the sound of most country music of the era.

There is a pain and loneliness in several of his songs that many of us can identify with in one way or another. He writes about it in a language we understand.

Eagles staples such as “Best Of My Love,” “Heartache Tonight,” “New Kid In Town,” “Victim Of Love,” and “How Long” were co-written or written by Souther.

“I’ve had a very interesting life,” blues legend John Mayall once told American Blues Scene. “And I think, being a musician, you are able to put your experiences into music. That’s the nice thing about the blues is you can tell your stories through words and music.”

As we remember Kinky Friedman, we celebrate a man who defied categorization and lived life on his own terms.

“Duane inspired a generation of guitarists the world over with his unmistakeable signature ‘Twang’ sound.”

Dickey Betts (December 12, 1943 – April 18, 2024)