Browsing: Blues Deaths

Songwriter George Jackson, co-author of “Old Time Rock and Roll” and hundreds of other soul, rock and rhythm and blues tunes, has died. He was 68.

Delmark Records legend Jimmy Dawkins, who’s “West Side-styled guitar slashes and surges,” has passed away.

Blues Hall of Fame inductee and St. Louisan Walter Davis is finally receiving his due reverence in the form of a headstone marking his hitherto unlabeled grave.

Michael “Iron Man” Burks, the incredible Arkansas blues master who’s attacking guitar style was one of the most powerful in the industry, has passed away.

Charles “Skip” Pitts, the wah-master soul and blues guitarist from Memphis and best known for his work on Isaac Hayes’ track, “Shaft” and the Isley Brothers’ “It’s Your Thing”, has passed away.

Jeff Norwood, the foot stompin’ South Carolina blues master who was an icon in both the Mississippi Delta and the deep south, has passed away unexpectedly.

Bluesman Jerry “Boogie” McCain, who’s long-term career gained him international acclaim as a prolific singer/songwriter and blues harmonica player, died Wednesday in his hometown of Gadsden, Alabama.

Through a charitable donation, Richard “Hacksaw” Harney, superlative ragtime and blues guitarist and pianist of the Golden Era, will receive posthumous recognition of his great talent with the unveiling of a headstone

It is with a heavy heart that we report the passing of one of the greatest and most beloved traditional blues artists.

Etta James, the blues giant with the larger-than-life voice, has succumbed to her battle with Leukemia.