Janis Martin was a popular rockabilly performer who came to prominence during the 1950s. Because of her on-stage moves, she was often referred to as the Female Elvis Presley. An entertainer from a very early age, Martin began appearing on local radio programs while still in her mid teens, sometimes sharing the stage with the likes of Eddy Arnold, Hank Snow and Jim Reeves. Martin signed to RCA Records, who had recently signed Presley, when she was just 15. Her first record, “Will You Willyum,” quickly became a pop and country hit, leading to her getting booked on American Bandstand, The Today Show, The Tonight Show and The Grand Ol’ Opry. She released a string of hits including “My Boy Elvis” and “Let’s Elope Baby.” In 1958, RCA dropped Martin when they learned she had secretly married her boyfriend and gotten pregnant. In the early ’60s, Martin’s second husband forced her to leave the music business. She resurfaced during the rockabilly revival of the late ’70s, touring for adoring fans throughout Europe. Martin was introduced to a whole new generation of fans when she guested on Rosie Flores’Rockabilly Philly album. Janis Martin died of cancer at a Durham, NC hospital. She was 67 years old.
Alan Wilson was the co-founder, lead singer and guitarist for blues rock band, Canned Heat. Formed in 1965 by Wilson and and fellow record junkie, Bob Hite, Canned Heat played an electrified boogie version of the great blues recordings they had collected. Canned Heat endeared themselves to both psychedelic rock fans and the blues crowd by not only kicking ass at the Woodstock AND Monterey festivals, but by producing and recording with John Lee Hooker on the outstanding, Hooker ‘n’ Heat. Alan Wilson died of a drug overdose on September 3, 1970. He was 27 years old.
Arne Domnerus
December 20, 1924 – September 2, 2008
As an alto saxophonist and clarinetist, Arne Domnerus was one of Sweden’s most influential jazz musicians. Domnerus came to prominence during the ’50s, in part because he would invite American musicians who were touring in Sweden to play on his recordings. Such collaborators included James Moody, Art Farmer and Clifford Brown. He also performed with such greats as Clark Terry, Quincy Jones and Charlie Parker. In declining health in recent years, Arne Domnerus passed away at the age of 83.
Bruce Waibel was a rock bass guitarist who played for numerous bands, but most notably, the Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker, and Firehouse. Basically a professional musician by the time he turned 13, Waibel began his career as a roadie for Gregg Allman who later added him to the band, first as guiarist then ultimately, their bassist. Waibel also played with Rick Derringer and Stevie Ray Vaughan. In 2000, he was invited to join Firehouse, with home he played for the next three years, when he left the band to spend more time with his family. On September 2, 2003, Bruce Waibel was found dead in his home of an apparent suicide.
Guy Babylon was a composer and keyboardist who, in 1989 was hired by Elton John to tour and record with him. He won a Grammy in 2001 for his work on Aida, a rock musical by John and Tim Rice. While swimming in a pool on September 2, 2009, Guy Babylon suffered a fatal heart attack. He was 52.
Jerry Reed (Born Jerry Hubbard)
March 20, 1937 – September 1, 2008
Jerry Reed was a country singer, songwriter and musician who may be just as well known for his string of supporting actor roles throughout the ’70s and ’80s. Reed was already writing music while in high school and by the time he was 18, he already had a publishing deal. His first breakthrough came when Gene Vincent made his “Skinny Legs” a rockabilly hit in 1958. After a two-year term in the military, Reed headed to Nashville where his career really took off. He became a popular session player and his songs were starting to get noticed. He released his first significant country hit with “Guitar Man” in 1967. Elvis Presley soon covered it, making it an even bigger hit. Presley would go on to record three more of Reed’s songs. Reed went on to have many big country hits over the couple of decades including “Amos Moses,” “When You’re Hot You’re Hot,” “Lord Mr. Ford,” and “She’s Got The Goldmine (I Got The Shaft.” In the mid ’70s, began a film career that included the three popular Smokey and The Bandit films alongside his friend, Burt Reynolds. Reed died of emphysema at the age of 71.
Barry Cowsill
September 14, 1954 – September 1*, 2005
Barry Cowsill was drummer (and later, guitarist) brother of the Cowsills, the real life inspiration for the Partridge Family. The family began playing together in the late ’50s and began making records in 1965. In 1967, the group was signed to MGM Records. Their first album included the single, “The Rain, The Park and Other Things” which climbed to #2 on the pop charts and sold in the neighborhood of three million copies. Over the next few years, the group scored million-selling hits with “Indian Lake” and “Hair.” In 1969, the family were offered their own sitcom playing themselves, but that the part of mother, Barbara Cowsill, would be played by actress, Shirley Jones. They declined the offer without Barbara, so the show was re-cast and re-christened The Partride Family. Barry eventually settled in New Orleans where he performed in local clubs and was apparently working on making a comeback of sorts when Hurricane Katrina hit the city. Barry Cowsill was last heard from on September 1st, 2005. His body was discovered when it washed up on a New Orleans wharf on December 28. Cause of death was ruled a drowning at the hands of Katrina. Date of passing is assumed to be September 1, 2005.
Robert “R.L.” Burnside
November 23, 1926 – September 1, 2005
Photo by Jim "Boogie" Wells
R.L. Burnside was a Mississippi back country blues musician who remained in relative obscurity until he was championed by alternative blues rocker, Jon Spencer in the mid ’90s. Born in Mississippi, Burnside spent his early adult life as a sharecropper and fisherman, playing at parties on the weekends. After a stint living in Chicago, Burside moved back to Mississippi and was soon convicted of murder for shooting a man in the head. He was sentenced to six months at the notorious Parchman prison. Upon release, Burnside began making records for roots label, Arhoolie. During the ’90s, Burnside began recording for Fat Possum Records, a label that specialized in “rediscovering” aging and relative obscure blues artists from the southern region. He then hooked up with Spencer to record and tour, exposing him to a whole new generation of underground “punk blues” fans. Burnside had heart surgery in 1999 and a heart attack in 2001. He passed away at the age of 78 in a Memphis hospital.
Ethel Waters was a jazz, blues and spiritual vocalist who first came to prominence in the 1920s. She got her start in the same Atlanta club that features Bessie Smith who reportedly ask Waters to stay away from singing the blues as to not compete with her. Later she found a home in theater, making it all the way to the Broadway stage. She began working in film in the ’30s, even receiving a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her work in 1949′s Pinky. She was only the second African American ever nominated for an Academy Award. Three of her recordings, 1925′s “Dinah,” 1929′s “Am I Blue,” and 1933′s “Stormy Weather” were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Ethal Waters died of heart disease in 1977. She was 80 years old.
Keyboardist Jake Brockman was a longtime touring member of Echo & the Bunnymen, when he joined the band in 1989. Prior to his official tenure in in the band, Brockman was affectionately known as the “Fifth Bunnyman.” He played with the band during their “golden” years, but his first album as a full time member was 1990′s Reverberation. The band broke up following its release. 53-year-old Jake Brockman was killed on September 1, 2009 when his motorcycle collided with an ambulance on the Isle Of Man. Original Echo & The Bunnymen drummer Pete de Freitas also died in a motorcycle accident.
Wycliffe “Steely” Johnson
DOB Unknown – September 1, 2009
Steely Johnson was a keyboardist and noted Jamaican reggae producer who worked with Cleveland Browne as Steely & Clevie. Formed in the late ’80s while playing onBob Marley’sConfrontation, the dancehall production team went on to work which such artists as No Doubt, the Specials and Bounty Killer. Johnson’s first significant gig was playing with Sugar Minott during the ’70s. He also worked with Augustus Pablo and co-founded the Roots Radics. Suffering from diabetes and kidney problems, Johnson was in New York seeking treatment. He died of heart failure at Brookhaven Hospital on September 1, 2009.
Eddie Higgins was a respected jazz pianist who came to prominence while entertaining crowds in jazz clubs throughout Chicago during the ’50s and ’60s. It has been said that many headlining acts did not want to take the stage after Higgins brilliantly warmed up the crowd. Although known primarily as a soloist, Higgins has played with such jazz giants as Coleman Hawkins and Freddie Hubbard. Eddie Higgins died of lung and lymphatic cancer at the age of 77.
Although he started his career as a drummer in the late ’20s, Lionel Hampton went on to become one of jazz’s premier vibraphonists, playing with Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrongand Quincy Jones to name just a few.By the early ’40s, Hampton was fronting his own group, the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, who would become one of the most popular big bands of the ’40s and ’50s. Over the years, his band would feature several performers who achieved their own fame. That list includes Dinah Washington, Charles Mingus, and Wes Montgomery. Hampton continued to perform and record through the ’80s, but a stroke in 1991 lead to his retirement. He died of congestive heart failure at the age of 94.
Singer Jesse Fortune was a Chicago blues mainstay since the 1950s. Known as “Fortune Tellin’ Man,” had a minor hit with “Too Many Cooks” in 1962. Discovered byWillie Dixon, Fortune went on to record with such luminaries as Buddy Guy and Big Walter Horton. While performing on a Chicago club stage on August 31, 2009, Jesse Fortune collapsed and later died at an area hospital. Cause of death was coronary atherosclerosis. He was 79 years old.
Holmes Sterling Morrison
August 28, 1942 – August 30, 1995
Sterling Morrison was a founding guitarist of the Velvet Underground. While studying at Syracuse University, Sterling struck up a friendship with fellow English student, Lou Reed. Over the next couple of years they drifted apart but then reconnected in New York City where they, along with John Cale, formed the band. In 1971, Morrison earned a Ph.D in medieval studies and decided he no longer wished to continue with VU. Living in Texas and primarily focussing on academia during the early ’80s, Morrison played around town casually for the most part, but also found time to captain a Houston based tug boat. In 1992, the Velvet Underground reformed to tour Europe, opening many dates with U2. But due to inner-turmoil within the band, the short-lived reunion was over by the end of the tour. Morrison learned he had non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 1994, and died from it the following year. He was 53 years old.
Thomas “Papa Dee” Allen
July 18, 1931 – August 30, 1988
Papa Dee Allen was a pianist, vibist and soprano saxophonist who is best remembered as a percussionist for American R&B/Funk/Rock band, War. The band was immensely popular thanks to such classic staples as “Low Rider,” “Cisco Kid” and “Spill The Wine.” Allen wrote one of the bands other big hits, “The World Is A Ghetto.” While performing with the band in concert, Papa Dee collapsed and never recovered. He was 57 when he passed away.
Marie Knight was a respected gospel singer who is best remembered for her work with Sister Rosetta Tharpe during the ’40s. Touring and recording with Tharpe throughout the ’40s and ’50s, Knight scored gospel hits with “Up Above My Head” and “Didn’t It Rain.” In 2002, Knight released Let Us Get Together, her first album in over 25 years. Marie Knight died of pneumonia in a Harlem nursing home at the age of 84.
Best known in bluegrass circles as the banjo player in Patent Pending, Jim Steptoe passed away unexpectedly in his home on August 30, 2009. Patent Pending formed in 1979 and became a popular draw in the Washington DC area. No cause of death has been released.
Mathis “Jimmy” Reed
September 6, 1925 – August 29, 1976
Jimmy Reed was an influential electric blues guitarist, singer and songwriter during the ’50s and ’60s. Throughout a career that began with him busking in Mississippi, Reed released several hit records, including “Bright Lights Big City,” “Big Boss Man,” and “You Don’t Have To Go.” His songs have been covered by such greats as the Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley and Hank Williams Jr. Unfortunately, Reed’s career quickly to a nosedive due to his heavy alcoholism and bouts with epilepsy. The fact that his label, Vee-Jay Records, was on its last leg didn’t help either. This perhaps kept him from attaining legendary status and world fame like many of his contemporaries. Jimmy Reed was 50 when he passed away on August 29, 1976.
Michael Peters was a much-respected choreographer for such high profile music videos as Lionel Richie’s “Hello,” Donna Summer’s “Love To Love You Baby,” Pat Benatar’s “Love Is A Battlefield,” and of course, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and “Beat It,” in which he portrayed one of the gang leaders. In 1982, Peters won a Tony Award for his choreography work on the Broadway musical Dreamgirls. He died of AIDS related causes at the age of 46.
Chris Connor (Born Mary Loutsenhizer)
November 8, 1927 – August 29, 2009
Chris Connor was a jazz vocalist who moved to New York City in 1948 to broaden her career beyond the night clubs of Kansas City where she was raised. Her first significant job came when she was hired by Claude Thornhill to sing in his vocal group, the Snowflakes. She toured and recorded with Thornhill until 1952, and about a year later found herself singing in Stan Kenton’s band. With Kenton, she finally hit the Billboard charts, singing on such songs as “And The Bull Walked Around, Ole,” “All About Ronnie” and “Jeepers Creepers.” Connor left Kenton in 1953 for a solo career, signing to Atlantic Records in 1956. At Atlantic, she worked with the likes of Herbie Mann, Zoot Sims and Doc Severinson. Connor continued to record until her 2003 album, Everything I Love. She died of cancer in a New Jersey hospital at the age of 81.
Hilly Kristal
September 23, 1931 – August 28, 2007
Hilly Kristal with Little Steven
Opened in 1973, Hilly Kristal’s CBGB became the epicenter of the punk and new wave movement thanks to his early bookings of such acts as Blondie, Talking Heads, New York Dolls, Patti Smith, Television and the Ramones. After moving to New York City after serving in the Marines, Kristal became manager of the storied Village Vanguard jazz club where he booked such acts as Miles Davis. In 1968, he co-founded the Central Park’s Schaefer Music Festival which, over the next decade, hosted the likes of the Who, Led Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen, the Doors and Aerosmith. In 1973, he opened CBGB – OMFUG, which stood for “Country, BlueGrass, Blues and Other Music For Uplifting Gormandizers.” He closed the club during a much publicized rent dispute in 2006. Hilly Kristal died of lung cancer at the age of 75.
Janis Martin was a popular rockabilly performer who came to prominence during the 1950s. Because of her on-stage moves, she was often referred to as the Female Elvis Presley. An entertainer from a very early age, Martin began appearing on local radio programs while still in her mid teens, sometimes sharing the stage with the likes of Eddy Arnold, Hank Snow and Jim Reeves. Martin signed to RCA Records, who had recently signed Presley, when she was just 15. Her first record, “Will You Willyum,” quickly became a pop and country hit, leading to her getting booked on American Bandstand, The Today Show, The Tonight Show and The Grand Ol’ Opry. She released a string of hits including “My Boy Elvis” and “Let’s Elope Baby.” In 1958, RCA dropped Martin when they learned she had secretly married her boyfriend and gotten pregnant. In the early ’60s, Martin’s second husband forced her to leave the music business. She resurfaced during the rockabilly revival of the late ’70s, touring for adoring fans throughout Europe. Martin was introduced to a whole new generation of fans when she guested on Rosie Flores’ Rockabilly Philly album. Janis Martin died of cancer at a Durham, NC hospital. She was 67 years old.
Bruce Waibel was a rock bass guitarist who played for numerous bands, but most notably, the Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker, and Firehouse. Basically a professional musician by the time he turned 13, Waibel began his career as a roadie for Gregg Allman who later added him to the band, first as guiarist then ultimately, their bassist. Waibel also played with Rick Derringer and 
Guy Babylon was a composer and keyboardist who, in 1989 was hired by Elton John to tour and record with him. He won a Grammy in 2001 for his work on Aida, a rock musical by John and Tim Rice. While swimming in a pool on September 2, 2009, Guy Babylon suffered a fatal heart attack. He was 52.
Ethel Waters was a jazz, blues and spiritual vocalist who first came to prominence in the 1920s. She got her start in the same Atlanta club that features 
Keyboardist Jake Brockman was a longtime touring member of Echo & the Bunnymen, when he joined the band in 1989. Prior to his official tenure in in the band, Brockman was affectionately known as the “Fifth Bunnyman.” He played with the band during their “golden” years, but his first album as a full time member was 1990′s Reverberation. The band broke up following its release. 53-year-old Jake Brockman was killed on September 1, 2009 when his motorcycle collided with an ambulance on the Isle Of Man. Original Echo & The Bunnymen drummer 
Steely Johnson was a keyboardist and noted Jamaican reggae producer who worked with Cleveland Browne as Steely & Clevie. Formed in the late ’80s while playing on 
Eddie Higgins was a respected jazz pianist who came to prominence while entertaining crowds in jazz clubs throughout Chicago during the ’50s and ’60s. It has been said that many headlining acts did not want to take the stage after Higgins brilliantly warmed up the crowd. Although known primarily as a soloist, Higgins has played with such jazz giants as 
Although he started his career as a drummer in the late ’20s, Lionel Hampton went on to become one of jazz’s premier vibraphonists, playing with 
Singer Jesse Fortune was a Chicago blues mainstay since the 1950s. Known as “Fortune Tellin’ Man,” had a minor hit with “Too Many Cooks” in 1962. Discovered by 
Sterling Morrison was a founding guitarist of the Velvet Underground. While studying at Syracuse University, Sterling struck up a friendship with fellow English student, Lou Reed. Over the next couple of years they drifted apart but then reconnected in New York City where they, along with John Cale, formed the band. In 1971, Morrison earned a Ph.D in medieval studies and decided he no longer wished to continue with VU. Living in Texas and primarily focussing on academia during the early ’80s, Morrison played around town casually for the most part, but also found time to captain a Houston based tug boat. In 1992, the Velvet Underground reformed to tour Europe, opening many dates with U2. But due to inner-turmoil within the band, the short-lived reunion was over by the end of the tour. Morrison learned he had non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 1994, and died from it the following year. He was 53 years old.
Papa Dee Allen was a pianist, vibist and soprano saxophonist who is best remembered as a percussionist for American R&B/Funk/Rock band, War. The band was immensely popular thanks to such classic staples as “Low Rider,” “Cisco Kid” and “Spill The Wine.” Allen wrote one of the bands other big hits, “The World Is A Ghetto.” While performing with the band in concert, Papa Dee collapsed and never recovered. He was 57 when he passed away.
Marie Knight was a respected gospel singer who is best remembered for her work with Sister Rosetta Tharpe during the ’40s. Touring and recording with Tharpe throughout the ’40s and ’50s, Knight scored gospel hits with “Up Above My Head” and “Didn’t It Rain.” In 2002, Knight released Let Us Get Together, her first album in over 25 years. Marie Knight died of pneumonia in a Harlem nursing home at the age of 84.
Best known in bluegrass circles as the banjo player in Patent Pending, Jim Steptoe passed away unexpectedly in his home on August 30, 2009. Patent Pending formed in 1979 and became a popular draw in the Washington DC area. No cause of death has been released.
Michael Peters was a much-respected choreographer for such high profile music videos as Lionel Richie’s “Hello,” Donna Summer’s “Love To Love You Baby,” Pat Benatar’s “Love Is A Battlefield,” and of course, 
Chris Connor was a jazz vocalist who moved to New York City in 1948 to broaden her career beyond the night clubs of Kansas City where she was raised. Her first significant job came when she was hired by Claude Thornhill to sing in his vocal group, the Snowflakes. She toured and recorded with Thornhill until 1952, and about a year later found herself singing in 
