Rick Nelson’s career in entertainment began when he was just nine years old playing himself alongside his his father, Ozzie Nelson; his mother, Harriet; and brother, David in the popular television show, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. In 1957, when Nelson was 17, he performed his first song on the show and instantly became a pop star and teen idol. Over the course of his career, he released over 50 charting singles, 19 of which landing in the top 10. His first single was a 1957 cover of Fats Domino’s “I’m Walking.” It became one of his signature songs. Most of his records from the early part of his career veered toward the rockabilly side of pop, but by the early ’70s, he and his Stone Canyon Band were making country rock. He was one of the first of a scene that included the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt and Jackson Browne. Unfortunately, many of his fans didn’t appreciate the change as evident at an infamous concert at Madison Square Garden where the audience booed him whenever he tried to perform his newer songs. That experience lead to him to write and record “Garden Party,” a song that reached #6 on the Billboard chart and would be his last hit record. On December 31, 1985, Rick Nelson along with his fiance and two members of his band were killed when the small plane in which they were traveling to a show crash landed due to a fire on board. Despite rumors that the fire was caused by the band freebasing cocaine, it was determined that a faulty heater most likely caused it. Nelson was later inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
John “Eddy” Shaver
June 20, 1962 – December 31, 2000
Eddy Shaver was an electric guitarist, songwriter and son of legendary country-outlaw, Billy Joe Shaver with whom he performed as Shaver. As a youngster, Shaver was given his first guitar and given lessons by Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers. After growing into a fiery electric guitarist, Shaver played alongside such greats as Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Guy Clark, Kris Kristofferson, and of course, his father. As a songwriter, Shaver is best known for “Live Forever,” a song co-written with his father that has been recorded by the likes of the Highwaymen and Patty Loveless. In the mid ’90s, Eddy teamed up with his father, Billie Joe to form the rock-leaning alt-country band, Shaver. Together they released a handful of critically praised albums, including the excellent Tramp on Your Street. On December 31, 2000, Eddy Shaver was scheduled to perform a New Years Eve show with his father, but never made it there. He was dead of a heroin overdose at the age of 38.
Ann Sheldon was a musician who is best remembered as a cellist for popular rock band, the Psychedelic Furs. Sheldon toured with the band during the early ’80s and played on their 1982 release, Forever Now. The album included one of the band’s biggest hits, “Love My Way.” On December 31, 1984, Ann Sheldon was killed in a car accident while traveling on an icy road in the Catskill Mountains.
Jim McReynolds
February 13, 1927 – December 31, 2002
Jim McReynolds was a guitarist and singer who, with his brother, Jesse McReynolds, made up a popular bluegrass duo, Jim & Jesse. Whether working just side-by-side, or within the confines of their group, the Virginia Boys, the McReynolds brothers were the longest running musical duo in history, with a career that lasted over 55 years. Over the years, the Virginia Boys included such musical greats as Vassar Clements, Carl Jackson, and Earl Scruggs. By the early ’50s, Jim & Jesse were recording for Capitol Records, and later, Columbia and Epic Records. They also hosted their own national weekly radio program, The Suwannee River Jamboree during the late ’50s and early ’60s. They continued to record and perform together up through Jim’s death. Jim McReynolds died of cancer on December 31, 2002.
Floyd Cramer was a legendary country pianist who is considered one of the foundations of the “Nashville Sound.” Cramer got his start in music in 1953 when he recorded his first record, “Dancin’ Diane” which lead to a tour with a then unknown Elvis Presley. In 1955, Cramer moved to Nashville and became one of the city’s busiest session players. He soon found himself playing on records by Presley, Brenda Lee, Patsy Cline, Jim Reevesand Roy Orbison, to name a few. Cramer released several albums on his own as well. From those came such hits as “Last Date,” “San Antonio Rose,” and “On The Rebound.” Floyd Cramer was 67 when he died of lung cancer on December 31, 1997.
Leigh Bowery was a popular Australian performance artist, actor, model and pop star who’s influence was felt in the ’80s and ’90s London and New York City. After graduating from high school, Bowery moved to London where he began building a following due to his dance and music performances as well as his outlandish costumes. In 1985, Bowery launched his weekly disco club night called Taboo, which quickly became London’s answer to Studio 54. It was also very influential to the city’s fashion scene until it closed in 1987. In 1993, Bowery formed the band, Minty who scored a minor hit in the Netherlands, but failed to ignite much excitement beyond the controversy surrounding the theatrics of their shock-horror laden concerts. Bowery is said to have influenced the likes of Boy George, Antony Hegarty of Antony and the Johnsons, and the Scissor Sisters. On New Year’s Eve of 1994, Leigh Bowery died of AIDS related conditions. He was 33 years old.
Earl Gaines was a Nashville soul singing legend who is best remembered for his lead vocals on the 1955 hit, “It’s Love Baby (24 Hours a Day)” for Louis Brooks & His Hi-Toppers. In later years, Gaines scored R&B hits of his own with “Hymn Number 5” and “The Best of Luck to You.” He retired from the business in 1975 but made a welcome comeback in the early ’90s. Earl Gaines was 74 when he passed away on December 31, 2009.
Rowland S. Howard
October 24, 1959 – December 30, 2009
Photo by Simon Schluter
Rowland S. Howard was an Australian guitarist and songwriter who is best remembered for his work with Nick Cave in the Birthday Party, a proto-punk / art-rock band that formed from the ashes of the new wave band, the Boys Next Door. The band created a loyal cult following thanks in part to Howard’s aggressive guitar and feedback. After leaving the group in 1983, Howard collaborated with numerous artists including Lydia Lunch, Henry Rollins, Jeffrey Lee Pierce, Epic Soundtracks, and Nikki Sudden. Howard released just two solo albums, Teenage Snuff Film and Pop Crimes, both of which were positively received by fans and critics. In later years he was relatively inactive due to personal and health reasons. On December 30, 2009, Rowland S. Howard died of liver cancer at the age of 50.
Bert Berns was a prolific songwriter and record producer who’s impact on popular music cannot be denied. His most celebrated songs as a songwriter include “Hang on Sloopy” (the McCoys), “Twist and Shout” (the Isley Brothers, the Beatles), “Tell Him” (the Exciters), “I Want Candy” (the Strangeloves, Bow Wow Wow), “Piece of My Heart” (Emma Franklin, Janis Joplin), and “Here Comes the Night” (Lulu, Them, David Bowie). He also produced such hits as Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” Them’s “Gloria,” and “Under the Boardwalk” by the Drifters. Berns also ran his own Atlantic affiliated label, Bang Records who was the one-time home to Neil Diamond, Van Morrison, the McCoys and many more. Bert Berns was just 38 when he died of heart failure on December 30, 1967.
Johnny Moore
December 14, 1934 – December 30, 1998
Johnny Moore is best remembered as the lead singer for famed doo-wop vocal group, the Drifters. He was asked to join the group in 1951 but was soon drafted and had to leave the group. In 1964, he rejoined after the group’s singer, Rudy Lewis had recently died. Moore recorded the lead vocal of what would become the Drifters’ biggest hit, “Under the Boardwalk.” He also sang on such records as “Come on Over to My Place” and “Saturday Night at the Movies.” Johnny Moore stayed with the group until he passed away in 1998.
Eddy Shaver was an electric guitarist, songwriter and son of legendary country-outlaw, Billy Joe Shaver with whom he performed as Shaver. As a youngster, Shaver was given his first guitar and given lessons by Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers. After growing into a fiery electric guitarist, Shaver played alongside such greats as Willie Nelson, 
Ann Sheldon was a musician who is best remembered as a cellist for popular rock band, the Psychedelic Furs. Sheldon toured with the band during the early ’80s and played on their 1982 release, Forever Now. The album included one of the band’s biggest hits, “Love My Way.” On December 31, 1984, Ann Sheldon was killed in a car accident while traveling on an icy road in the Catskill Mountains.
Jim McReynolds was a guitarist and singer who, with his brother, Jesse McReynolds, made up a popular bluegrass duo, Jim & Jesse. Whether working just side-by-side, or within the confines of their group, the Virginia Boys, the McReynolds brothers were the longest running musical duo in history, with a career that lasted over 55 years. Over the years, the Virginia Boys included such musical greats as 
Leigh Bowery was a popular Australian performance artist, actor, model and pop star who’s influence was felt in the ’80s and ’90s London and New York City. After graduating from high school, Bowery moved to London where he began building a following due to his dance and music performances as well as his outlandish costumes. In 1985, Bowery launched his weekly disco club night called Taboo, which quickly became London’s answer to Studio 54. It was also very influential to the city’s fashion scene until it closed in 1987. In 1993, Bowery formed the band, Minty who scored a minor hit in the Netherlands, but failed to ignite much excitement beyond the controversy surrounding the theatrics of their shock-horror laden concerts. Bowery is said to have influenced the likes of Boy George, Antony Hegarty of Antony and the Johnsons, and the Scissor Sisters. On New Year’s Eve of 1994, Leigh Bowery died of AIDS related conditions. He was 33 years old.
Earl Gaines was a Nashville soul singing legend who is best remembered for his lead vocals on the 1955 hit, “It’s Love Baby (24 Hours a Day)” for Louis Brooks & His Hi-Toppers. In later years, Gaines scored R&B hits of his own with “Hymn Number 5” and “The Best of Luck to You.” He retired from the business in 1975 but made a welcome comeback in the early ’90s. Earl Gaines was 74 when he passed away on December 31, 2009.
The Music's Over 