Tag Archives: RIP

R.I.P. David Bowie

11 Jan

To measure the impact this talented individual had on the world one just needs to do a search on the internet for David Bowie and see what pops up in today’s news feed. I like countless others was saddened to hear of the passing of one of the most magnificent entertainers to ever live. He was an icon, a chameleon, he did it so good and effortlessly and was one of the few who could bring together people from all different backgrounds. For me he was the one living legend I had hoped I’d get a chance to see live. He released his final album, Blackstar, last Friday on his 69th birthday and you have to wonder if he and those close to him had in a way been preparing for the worse since knowing of his secret battle of cancer was eventually going to lead to where we are today.

Last Thursday I was having lunch with a friend where the conversation shifted to David Bowie, his work on the new album and our admiration for him and clearly not thinking something like the news of his passing was possible at this time.

The world lost a creative figure who transcended generations, races, genders, etc. and who left his mark that will most certainly be remembered for decades to come. We bid you goodnight Sir David Bowie. Thank you for what you left us with.

 

R.I.P. Allen Toussaint

10 Nov

Quite the band being assembled upstairs. Today we say goodbye to one of the uber talented musicians of our lifetime and one of New Orleans’ finest, Allen Toussaint. More words HERE via the New York Times. Rest in peace Mr. Toussaint.

RIP B.B. King

14 May

Sad sad evening to just hear of the passing B.B. King. We most definitely lost a legend this evening. The King of the Blues was 89. Read more HERE.

R.I.P. Ben E. King

1 May

Sad day in music to hear that Ben E. King has passed away. Most will know him or rather his voice from his songs “Stand By Me” and “Spanish Harlem” as well as his time in The Drifters. My Father shared with me THIS great piece from the New York Times on Mr. King. Give a read, the music industry lost another legend.

RIP Joe Cocker

23 Dec

Sadly another supremely talented one has left us for a place much better. RIP Joe Cocker, you will be missed. The legendary singer passed away on December 22 at the age of 70 having lost his battle with lung cancer. While the song “With A Little Help From My Friends” was originally a Beatles song, Cocker’s rendition made him a household name worldwide but for me, he was part of my childhood as the song was the theme song for “The Wonder Years.” His voice was iconic, his songs are legendary and he will definitely be missed. We’ve lost many amazing talents in 2014, but their music will continue to fill our ears with joy and happiness.

R.I.P. Johnny Winter

17 Jul

I was saddened to hear about the passing of legendary blues guitarist Johnny Winter. Yet another amazing and talented musician who has left us this year. Personally I’m thankful that a spontaneous last minute trip to Jazz Fest this past May provided me the opportunity to hit the late night (and what became legendary) Gov’t Mule and Special Guests show at the Saenger Theatre where Johnny Winter sat in for a few songs.  In what would become one of his final live performances, that was special regardless but now it has a whole new memory for me.

 

Check out this photo of Warren Haynes and Johnny Winter from Dino Perrucci Photography which amazingly captures that special moment on the evening of May 2, 2014.

R.I.P. Adam Yauch

4 May

Today is a very sad day as Beastie Boy, MCA aka Adam Yauch has passed away at the age of 47. As anyone who is a Beastie Boys fan knows, he had been battling a fight with cancer – which hasn’t been confirmed as the cause of death but it is speculated to be the case.

For me, the Beastie Boys have been a huge influence on my love of music. They were the first hip-hop act I ever listened to, fell in love with and truly followed. I’m sure glad I did have a chance to see them perform live as it was everything coming full circle to see living legends on stage doing their thing.

Today the music world lost another pioneer, a musician who broke boundaries, gave people hope and stood for a lot of things that were right.

Mike D and Ad Roc, I guess they may have known more when they accepted the induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and read a letter from MCA a couple weeks ago.  May you rest in peace Adam Yauch.