Bill Friskics-Warren
Posts
Gene Barge, R&B Saxophonist Who Played on Landmark Hits, Dies at 98
Known as Daddy G, he recorded with Jackie Wilson, Chuck Willis and others, but he was best known for the Gary U.S. Bonds smash “Quarter...
Melba Montgomery, Country Singer Known for Her Duets, Dies at 86
Her high harmonies put an emotional charge into her work with George Jones and others. She also had solo hits, including “No Charge,” a country...
Sugar Pie DeSanto, Gritty Soul Singer, Is Dead at 89
A powerful performer who paved the way for later soul and hip-hop artists, she recorded with Etta James and toured with Johnny Otis and James...
Kris Kristofferson, Country Singer, Songwriter and Actor, Dies at 88
He wrote songs for hundreds of other artists, including “Me and Bobby McGee” for Janis Joplin and “Sunday Morning Coming Down” for Johnny Cash, before...
Billy Edd Wheeler, Songwriter Who Celebrated Rural Life, Dies at 91
His plain-spoken songs were recorded by Elvis Presley, Kenny Rogers and many others. The duo of Johnny Cash and June Carter made his “Jackson” a...
Pete Wade, Guitarist on Countless Nashville Hits, Dies at 89
His clean tone and less-is-more approach made him a studio stalwart and a pioneer of what came to be known as the Nashville Sound.
Joe Bonsall, Tenor Voice of the Oak Ridge Boys, Dies at 76
His vocals on songs like “Elvira” were a key to the evolution of the group, originally a Southern gospel quartet, into perennial country hitmakers.
Buzz Cason, Songwriter Best Known for ‘Everlasting Love,’ Dies at 84
As a performer, he was a leading figure in the early days of Nashville rock ’n’ roll. He later found success as a writer, producer...
Frank Wakefield, Who Expanded the Mandolin’s Range, Dies at 89
A bluegrass innovator, he recorded numerous albums as a leader, and his list of collaborators included both Leonard Bernstein and Jerry Garcia.
Duane Eddy, Whose Twang Changed Rock ’n’ Roll, Dies at 86
A self-taught electric guitar virtuoso, he influenced a generation of musicians. One of them, John Fogerty, called him rock’s first guitar god.