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Obituaries
International Songwriters Association
Sunday, 30 March 2025
The Obituaries
Songwriter Obituaries (July to December 2024)
Names In
Blue Denote An ISA Hall Of Fame Member
Joe Grech Maltese-born singer-songwriter and trumpeter, who started writing songs in 1958 while playing with the Zejtun Band Club. In 1960, he won the first-ever Malta Song Festival with "Vola Uccellino", winning again in 1962 with "Zghazagh Rebbieha". In 1964, he won the Best Singer-Composer Award at the Italian Bari International Song Festival with "Dorina".
In 1966, he signed with Maltadisk. His first release "Il-Kaccatur" topped the charts the following year and he went on to score such further hits in the Maltese language as "Il-Festa Taghna", "Ku Klu Ku Klu", "Il-Lejla tal-Vitorja" and "Nhar San Girgor".
In 1971, Joe Grech represented Malta with his composition "Marija l-Maltija" in that country's Eurovision debut. During the 1970s, he turned his attention to the huge Maltese diasporas, touring Australia (where he frequently sold-out the Sydney Opera House), Canada, the UK, Italy and Sweden, performing both his Maltese-language hits alongside newer English-language offerings such as "Welcome To Malta" and Godfather".
A prominent philanthropist and donor to the Catholic charity Caritas (founded by his bother Monsignor Victor Grech), Joe was awarded the Medal For Service To The Republic by the President of Malta in 2019.
At the age of 90, on the 30th December 2024, in Valetta, Malta, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Lars Martin Myhre Norwegian-born singer-songwriter and producer, who released more than a dozen solo albums while also composing music for such movies as "Å Seile Sin Egen Sjø", Prinsen av Fogo" and "Henrys Bakværelse".
In a career lasting almost fifty years, he was involved in more than twenty hit albums, most notably "Noen Ganger Er Det All Right" with Odd Børretzen, which spent almost 100 weeks on the Norwegian charts in 1996. He also penned music for such theatrical productios as "Nattklubben" in 1987 and "Oppdagelsen av Columbus" in 1992.
At the age of 68, on the 28th December 2024, in Tønsberg, Norway, of cancer.
© Jim Liddane
OG Maco American-born singer-songwriter. rapper and guitarist who released seven singles including the hit "U Guessed It", 17 extended plays and two studio albums, before withdrawing from public performance having contracted the flesh-eating disease necrotizing fasciitis.
At the age of 32, on the 27th December 2024, in Los Angeles, California, USA, by suicide.
© Jim Liddane
Richard Perry American-born record producer, label owner (Planet Records), songwriter and a member of The Escorts who were signed to Coral Records when he was just 13 years old.
A classically-trained musician, Richard Perry's first job after graduating from the University of Michigan with a degree in music was with Kama Sutra Records, where he wrote songs with Kenny Vance before producing his first albums "Fats Is Back" (Fats Domino), Captain Beefheart's "Safe As Milk" and the gold-winning "God Bless Tiny Tim".
Subsequent hits included albums by Harry Nilsson ("Nilsson Schmilsson", "Son of Schmilsson"), Barbra Streisand ("Stoney End", "Barbra Joan Streisand", "Live At The Forum"), Carly Simon ("No Secrets", "Hotcakes", "Playing Possum"), Art Garfunkel ("Breakaway"), Diana Ross, Martha Reeves, Manhattan Transfer, Leo Sayer, Andy Williams, Ringo Starr, Fanny, Donna Summer, Julio Iglesias, Neil Diamond, The Pointer Sisters, Rod Stewart. Ray Charles and Randy Travis.
In a career spanning fifty years, he produced 16 gold albums (four of which went platinum) and 14 gold singles - his last gold album being his cast recording of the Broadway production of "Baby It's You!" in 2011.
At the age of 83, on the 24th December 2024, in Los Angeles, California, USA, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
John Hadley American-born songwriter and music publisher (Hadley Six Music Corporation), whose more than one thousand published compositions include songs recorded by such stars as George Jones, Roger Miller, Waylon Jennings, Jerry Reed, Joe Cocker, George Burns, Burt Reynolds, Trisha Yearwood, Bobby Bare, Moe Bandy, T Graham Brown, Garth Brooks, the Dixie Chicks, Wynonna Judd, Linda Ronstadt, and Dean Martin.
Although John started out as a successful joke writer for the legendary Smother Brothers TV show at a time when he was also acting as Art professor at the University of Oklahoma, he soon turned his hand to songwriting, scoring such hits as “You Can’t Get To Hell Out Of Texas” (George Jones), "Pushing Up Daisies" (Garth Brooks), "Reno And Me" (Waylon Jennings), "Hello Mr. Heartache" (The Dixie Chicks), "Rings For Sale" (Roger Miller), and "Til I’m Too Old to Die Young" (Moe Bandy).
At the age of 83, on the 18th December 2024, in Norman, Oklahoma, USA, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Slim Dunlap American-born singer-songwriter, bass guitarist with The Replacements, and a performer much admired by amongst others, Bruce Springsteen.
At the age of 73, on the 18th December 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA of complications brought on by a stroke suffered in 2012.
© Jim Liddane
Paul Roper American-born music industry executive and President of Dualtone Records, who worked with such acts as Chuck Berry, The Lumineers, Guy Clark, June Carter Cash and many more.
During Paul's time at Dualtone, the label released more than 200 albums, and was nominated for sixteen Grammy Awards, winning four.
At the age of 45, on the 17th December 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, of cancer.
© Jim Liddane
Michael Brewer American-born singer-songwriter and member of Brewer & Shipley whose recording of Michael's composition "One Toke Over The Line" earned the duo a Gold Disc in 1971 despite being denounced as subversive by the then Vice President of the United States, Spiro Agnew.
Although this was their only singles hit, the duo opened for such acts as Elton John, The Eagles, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Bonnie Raitt, Electric Light Orchestra, Blood Sweat & Tears, James Taylor, Stephen Stills, The Beach Boys, Loggins & Messina, Linda Ronstadt and John Sebastian, while Michael's songs were recorded by Stephen Stills, The Byrds, Jonathon Edwards, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Dillards and Rice, Rice, Hillman & Pederson.
At the age of 80, on the 17th December 2024, near Branson, Missouri, USA, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
David Mallett American-born singer-songwriter in the folk genre, whose songs have been recorded by more than 150 acts including Pete Seeger, Alison Krauss, John Denver, Arlo Guthrie, Emmylou Harris, Peter Paul & Mary and Makem & Clancy, and whose composition "The Garden Song" became a children's folk classic when firat performed by The Muppets. He also owned and operated North Road Records.
At the age of 73, on the 17th December 2024, in Bangor, Maine, USA, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Jon Camp English-born singer-songwriter and bass guitarist who was a member of Renaissance alongside vocalist Annie Haslam between 1972 and 1983, before going on to work with Roy Wood, The Groundhogs, Robin George and Cathedrale.
At the age of 73, on the 13th December 2024, in London, UK, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Nancy Harmon American-born singer-songwriter in the gospel genre who scored with such songs as "The Blood Bought Church", “I’ve Come Too Far To Look Back" and "Nothing’s Too Big for My God". She also released more than 50 solo albums while her compositions were recorded by The Statesmen, The LeFevres, The Nelons, The Hoppers, Jimmy Swaggart, Janet Paschal, Karen Wheaton, Kenneth Copeland, Natalie Cole and many more.
At the age of 85, on the 13th December 2024, in Cleveland, Tennessee, USA, of Alzheimer's disease.
© Jim Liddane
Bill Kelly American-born singer-songwriter and lead singer with The Buoys who scored a Top 20 hit in 1970 with "Timothy", a song about canibalism. Tne Buoys subsequently opened for Queen while Bill Kelly also recorded for Epic, MCA, and Columbia Records as both the Jerry Kelly Band and Dakota.
In later years he fronted Charlie Louvin's band at The Grand Ole Opry, while hitting the Contemporary Christian charts as Kane & Kelly alongside Nashville vocalist Jennifer Kane.
At the age of 74, on the 13th December 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. of cancer.
© Jim Liddane
Martial Solal Algerian-born French-based composer and pianist who worked with such stars as Sidney Bechet, Stéphane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt, appearing also at the 1963 Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island, USA alongside John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins, Dave Brubeck, Cannonball Adderley, Nina Simone, Dizzy Gillespie and Nancy Wilson.
Martial Solal's compositions include the scores for Jean-Luc Godard's debut feature film "Breathless", the Orson Welles classic "The Trial" and Bernardo Bertolucci's "The Dreamers", while he also acted in the French TV series "Gama" and the movie "Two Men In Manhattan".
Between 1954 and 2021, he released more than sixty albums, including "Martial Solal Trio Live At Newport", "Nothing But Piano" and "Bluesine".
At the age of 97, on the 12th December 2024, in Versailles, France, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Martha Sharp American-born songwriter and record-label executive whose Top Ten hit compositions include "Born a Woman" (Sandy Posey), "Single Girl" (Sandy Posey), "Come Back When You Grow Up" (Bobby Vee), "Maybe Just Today" (Bobby Vee), "You Fool" (Eddy Arnold) and "The Special Years" (Val Doonican), along with songs recorded by Tom Jones, Connie Smith, Waylon Jennings, Nick Lowe, Barbara Eden, The Browns, Dottie West, Jan Howard, Leif Garrett, Johnny Tillotson, Cilla Black, The Lennon Sisters, Wilma Burgess and Brook Benton.
In 1980, Martha Sharp joined the A&R department at Elektra Records, headed by producer Jimmy Bowen before moving in 1983 to become Vice-President at Warner Nashville where she signed future superstars Randy Travis and Faith Hill, and worked with such names as Highway 101, Carlene Carter, The Forester Sisters, Crystal Gayle, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John Anderson, Gary Morris, Holly Dunn and Travis Tritt.
In 1995 she retired to live in Richmond, Virginia, to pursue her other great passion - painting, returning to Music City only in recent years.
At the age of 87, on the 11th December 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Korin Allal Moroccan-born Israeli-based singer-songwriter and record producer who released fifteen solo albums, as well as producing and composing for other Israeli artists.
At the age of 69, on the 11th December 2024, in Herzliya, Israel, of pancreatic cancer.
© Jim Liddane
Lennie De Ice English-born producer-songwriter whose 1992 recording of "We Are IE" started the jungle genre.
At the age of 54, on the 10th December 2024, in London, UK, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Larysa Jaye American-born singer-songwriter who started out writing Christian music at the age of 16 before moving into the country scene with a residency at Justin Timberlake’s Twelve Thirty Club in Nashville, and such songs as "Birmingham (Side by Side)", "Just Like That", "The Thoughts That Happen", and "I Don't Do Love".
At the age of 40, on the 8th December 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, following a car crash.
© Jim Liddane
Angela Alvarez Cuban-born singer-songwriter who released her first album when she was 94 years old, before going on to win the Latin Grammy For Best New Artist the following year.
At the age of 98, on the 6th December 2024, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Dickie Rock Irish-born singer and songwriter who led the Miami Showband for ten years before embarking on a solo career in 1973. In all, he scored 28 Top 30 hits including seven Number Ones.
Dickie Rock also represented Ireland in the 1966 Eurovision Song Contest coming fourth with the Roland Soper song "Come Back To Stay".
At the age of 88, on the 6th December 2024, in Dublin, Ireland, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Marvin Laird American-born composer and conductor whose Hollywood credits include "Hello, Dolly!", "New York, New York", "Maude", "Dynasty", "Quincy" and "The Love Boat".
Marvin Laird also acted as musical director for Bernadette Peters while conducting concerts for such stars as Diana Ross, Cass Elliot and Dusty Springfield, as well as penning the 1992 Broadway hit show "Ruthless! The Musical".
At the age of 85, on the 2nd December 2024, in Redding, Connecticut, USA, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Steve Alaimo American-born singer-songwriter who scored in 1963 with "Everyday I Have to Cry". In later years, he hosted Dick Clark's "Where the Action Is" and also produced hits for Ral Donner ("You Don't Know What You've Got (Until You Lose It)", Gwen McCrae ("Rockin' Chair"), the Phil Upchurch Combo ("You Can't Sit Down"), Timmy Thomas ("Why Can't We Live Together"), George McRae ("Rock Your Baby") and KC & the Sunshine Band.
At the age of 84, on the 30th November 2024, in Miami, Florida, USA of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Bert De Coninck Belgian-born singer-songwriter, poet, and member of such bands as The Hot Matches and Crapule De Luxe, and whose compositions included "Gaza Lullaby", "Evelyne" and "Johnny".
At the age of 75, on the 28th November 2024, in Lagos, Portugal, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Leah Kunkel American-born singer-songwriter, lawyer and sister of Cass Elliot of the Mamas & The Papas, who as a session musician sang on albums by such stars as Jackson Browne, Stephen Bishop, Carly Simon, Art Garfunkel, Livingston Taylor, Jimmy Webb and Arlo Guthrie, while releasing two solo albums, plus two other albums as a member of The Coyote Sisters with vocalist Marty Gwinn.
Leah was also a law professor at the Western New England School of Law, frequently representing the American Civil Liberties Union, while maintaining a private law practice specialising in entertainment law.
At the age of 76, on the 26th November 2024, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Chris Thompson New Zealand-born singer-songwriter who performed with The Stillwater String Band, The Medicine Show and The Myers Park Shufflers before moving to London in 1971, where he played in the band of the American folk singer Julie Felix. Two years later, he was appointed 'musician-in-residence' at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, where he worked with Planxty and Horslips.
Returning to New Zealand in 1974, he went on to release more than twenty albums and performed with Stevie Ray Vaughan and Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.
At the age of 75, on the 25th November 2024, in Raglan, New Zealand of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Chuck Woolery American-born television host of such shows as "Wheel of Fortune" (1975–1981), "Scrabble" (1984–1993), "Love Connection" (1983–1994), "Home & Family" (1996–1998), "The Dating Game" (1997–1999), "Greed" (1999–2000), and "Lingo" (2002–2007), but who started his career in show business as a singer-songwriter with The Avant-Garde, a duo which scored a number of self-penned hits in the 1960s including "Naturally Stoned".
After the duo split, Chuck turned to country music, hitting the charts with "Painted Lady" and "The Greatest Love Affair" while also penning Tammy Wynette's "The Joys of Being a Woman" and Pat Boone's "Come and Take Me Home".
Following an appearance on "Your Hit Parade", he was invited by Merv Griffin to host the new game show "Wheel of Fortune" which went on to become the longest-running syndicated game show in the United States.
At the age of 83, on the 23rd November 2024, in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, USA, of heart failure.
© Jim Liddane
Harry Williams American-born singer-songwriter with Bloodstone with whom he performed from its foudation in 1962 up until his death. Amongst the songs Harry wrote for Bloodstone were "Never Let You Go" and "Outside Woman".
At the age of 80, on the 22nd November 2024, in Los Angeles, California, USA of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Mike Pinera American-born singer-songwriter and member of Blues Image for whom he penned the million-selling hit "Ride Captain Ride". He later joined Iron Butterfly, followed by Ramatam (with Mitch Mitchell, drummer for Jimi Hendrix), the New Cactus Band and Alice Cooper.
At the age of 76, on the 20th November 2024, in Tampa, Florida, USA of liver failure.
© Jim Liddane
Andy Paley American-born songwriter, record producer and multi-instrumentalist who produced albums for and occasionally contributed songs to Brian Wilson, Jonathan Richman, NRBQ, the Ramones, John Wesley Harding, the Greenberry Woods and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Any also worked in film and television, composing scores for "Dick Tracy", "A Walk On The Moon", "Wild Orchid", "A Rage In Harlem", "SpongeBob SquarePants", "Ren & Stimpy", "Digimon" and others.
At the age of 72, on the 20th November 2024, in Burlington, Vermont, USA, of cancer.
© Jim Liddane
J. Saul Kane English-born musician, producer, DJ and record label owner (DC Recordings, Vinyl Solution), who recorded under the names Octagon Man, Mr Selfish and Depth Charge, and who was frequently credited with inventing "trip hop".
At the age of 54, on the 17th November 2024, in London, England, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Charles Dumont French-born songwriter and latterly singer, who in the 1950s, wrote more than 30 songs for Edith Piaf.
Born in 1929, in Cahors, his initial interest was in jazz, and he studied trumpet at the Toulouse Conservatory of Music, before switching to piano following a throat injury. He subsequently moved to Paris to eke out a living playing piano in bars, where he met lyricist Michel Vaucaire who steered him towards songwriting.
Over the next ten years, the pair scored hits with Tino Rossi, Gloria Lasso and Luis Mariano amongst others. In 1959, they penned "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien" intending it for Rosalie Dubois, but decided instead to offer it to Edith Piaf who had famously turned down several of their earlier songs. The subsequent release spent seven weeks at Number One in France, sold three million copies worldwide, and would later be covered by such stars as Shirley Bassey (under the title "No Regrets"), La Toya Jackson. Emmylou Harris, Elaine Paige and Vicki Leandros. It would also feature in more than twenty movies including "Bull Durham". "Nobody Loves Me", "Babe: Pig In The City" "The Dreamers" and "Intolerable Cruelty", as well as commercials for Foflora and Specsavers.
In her last years, Piaf recorded 34 more songs by Charles Dumont. One of the songs penned for her, "Le Mur", a song about the Berlin Wall, was scheduled for recording one month after Piaf's death, but was later picked up by Barbra Streisand for her album "Je m'Appelle Barbra".
Following the death of Michel Vaucaire in 1963, Dumont started a collaboration with Jacques Brel, and in 1974, embarked on a career as a vocalist charting with such releases as "Une Chanson" and "Les Amours Impossibles" and topping concert bills in France into his 90th year, even making a brief appearance at the Bataclan music hall in Paris in March 2024, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his solo career.
At the age of 95, on the 17th November 2024, in Paris, France, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Jon Kenny Irish-born comedian, actor and singer-songwriter who at the age of 16, joined Limerick band Gimik, which went on to release a number of well-received singles and supported The Bay City Rollers on their 1976 Irish tour.
Following the breakup of Gimik, Jon continued to write songs, including "Mirror, Mirror", "Have A Nice Day", and "Sit Down For The Raffle" but soon gravitated twards acting, co-founding (with John Shortt) the comedy duo d'Unbelievables, which achieved notable success throughout the 1990s.
Following a long illness, he embarked on a solo career as a comedian, sang on stage with Sharon Shannon, took the lead roles in such classic theatrical productions as "The Field" and "The Matchmaker", while appearing in several episodes of the TV series "Father Ted" as well as the movies "Insatiable", "Les Misérables", "The Van", "Angela Mooney Dies Again", "Angela's Ashes", "Mrs Brown's Boys D'Movie", "Song of the Sea" and "The Banshees of Inisherin".
At the age of 66, on the 15th November 2024, in Galway, Ireland, following a cardiopulmonary arrest.
© Jim Liddane
Tommy Alverson American-born country singer-songwriter. who worked with people like Willie Nelson, Johnny Bush, Jerry Jeff Walker, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Radney Foster, Dale Watson, and Jim Lauderdale, releasing ten well-received albums including "Pickin' On Willie" and "Country To The Bone".
At the age of 74, on the 15th November 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas, USA, of liver cancer.
© Jim Liddane
Vic Flick English-born guitarist and composer best-known for playing the famous guitar riff on the James Bond Theme, but whose work is also to be heard on such hits as The Walker Brothers "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Anymore)", Englebert Humperdinck "Can't Take My Eyes Off You", Burt Bacharach "Trains and Boats and Planes", Dusty Springfield "I Only Want to Be with You", B.J. Thomas "Hooked on a Feeling", "Cliff Richard "Theme For A Dream", Sandie Shaw "Puppet On A String", Cilla Black "You're My World" and The Bee Gees "Spicks & Specks". A member of the John Barry Seven, he also backed Shirley Bassey, Peter and Gordon, Dusty Springfield, Nancy Sinatra, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Tom Jones and Paul McCartney.
At the age of 87, on the 14th November 2024, in London, UK of complications brought on by Alzheimer’s Disease.
© Jim Liddane
James McMahon English-born journalist, songwriter and musician who was a member of both Jobbers and Sister Death, before joining NME as features editor. He later became editor of Kerrang! and also wrote for The Guardian, The Spectactor and Record Collector.
At the age of 44, on the 14th November 2024, in London, England, of soft tissue sarcoma.
© Jim Liddane
Peter Sinfield English-born songwriter who co-founded, named and was an occasional performing member of King Crimson.
Born Peter John Sinfield in Fulham, London. in 1943, he left school at sixteen to train as a travel agent,
but soon after, quit to tour Europe and North Africa where he taught himself to play guitar. In 1967, he returned to London when he formed The Creation, one of whose members Ian McDonald introduced him to Robert Fripp, then a member of the pop trio Giles, Giles and Fripp. With Fripp, Peter co-founded (and named) King Crimson, and although he only occasionally performed with the band (usually on synthesizer), became their roadie, ran their light-show, wrote the lyrics, and gave advice on album artwork and design.
Following a disagreement with Fripp over the band's musical direction, Peter left but almost immediately became involved with Crimson's label mates, Roxy Music, whose first album he produced, also penning their first single "Virginia Plain".
He now discovered a new career as a songwriter, penning such hits as "Peace in Our Time" by Cliff Richard, "The Land of Make Believe" and "I Hear Talk" by Bucks Fizz, "Have You Ever Been in Love" by Leo Sayer, "Think Twice" by Celine Dion, "Silk & Steel" and "Rain or Shine" by Five Star, "Heart of Stone" by Cher, "Love in a World Gone Mad" by Agnetha Fältskog and the perennial "I Believe in Father Christmas" by Greg Lake.
At the age of 80, on the 14th November 2024, in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, UK of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Shel Talmy American-born but frequently UK-based songwriter and record producer who produced (and occasionally played on) such hits as "You Really Got Me" by the Kinks, "My Generation" by the Who, and "Friday on My Mind" by the Easybeats.
Born in Chicago in 1937, his family moved to Los Angeles where he attended Fairfax High School. He became a trainee producer at Conway Studios in Hollywood, working with such acts as The Hollywood Argyles, The Marketts, The Castells (for whom he wrote "Clown Prince"), Rene Hall, Bumps Blackwell, Trini Lopez (who recorded Shel's song "Sinner Not A Saint") and the session musicians known as the Wrecking Crew, before flying to London in 1962 for what was meant to be a short holiday.
However within days of arrival, he had introduced himself to Dick Rowe claiming to be the person who had just produced The Beach Boy's first hit "Surfing Safari". The story was not true but it did land him a job at Decca Records.
Within weeks, he was supplying such singles as "Caroline" (by The Fortunes and later to become the theme song for Radio Caroline), "Acapulco 1922" (for Kathy Kirby, and a song Shel had penned), and his first hit, "Charmaine" by The Bachelors. These were followed by the classic hits "A Summer Song" (Chad and Jeremy), "You Really Got Ne", "All Day And All of the Night", "Tired of Waiting for You", "Dedicated Follower of Fashion", "Well Respected Man", "Sunny Afternoon", and "Waterloo Sunset" (The Kinks), "I Can't Explain", "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere" and "My Generation" (The Who), "Pity The Fool" (David Bowie), "Friday On My Mind" (The Easybeats), "Just Like A Woman", "Semi-Detached, Suburban Mr James" and "Ha! Ha! Said The Clown" (Manfred Mann) and "(If Paradise Is) Half As Nice" (Amen Corner).
In the 1970s, tiring of pop music, Shel turned his attention more to book publishing and other business interests, although he did continue to produce The Small Faces, The Damned and The Creation, while also getting involved more with folk acts like Pentangle, Roy Harper and Ralph McTell.
In 1978, he returned to Los Angeles where he continued to produce but on a smaller scale than heretofore, concentrating on his business interests as a commercial music licensor, publisher and author of such books as "Whadda We Do Now, Butch?", "Hunter Killer" and "The Web". However, he never gave up production, releasing his final track (“World in Action” by Strangers In A Strange Land) in 2024.
At the age of 87, on the 13th November 2024, in Los Angeles, California, USA, of complications following a stroke.
© Jim Liddane
Johnny Duhan Irish-born singer-songwriter and author who penned the classic "The Voyage".
Johnny Duhan was born in Limerick, Ireland in 1950, and began his career in the 1960s as a teenage frontman for the rock band Granny’s Intentions, which gained a loyal local following before eventually signing a record deal in London with Deram Records, releasing a number of records including the hit single "Love Is An Everyday Thing". After the band's dissolution, Duhan shifted his focus from rock to folk music, a style he found more conducive to the introspective and evocative lyrics he wanted to write.
Johnny worked with guitarist Ed Deane, before signing with Arista Records, and later Philips, eventually releasing a series of stunning songs, many later covered by such acts as Christy Moore, Mary Black, Dolores Keane, the Dubliners and the Irish Tenors and his solo career marked a profound commitment to crafting songs that reflected Irish culture, spirituality, and universal themes of life, love, and loss.
One of his best-known compositions, "The Voyage," became a classic in Irish music, covered by many artists and widely played at weddings and family gatherings for its moving portrayal of family and resilience.
"The Voyage" is widely celebrated for its rich metaphorical storytelling, exploring life’s journey through the lens of a committed relationship. The lyrics portray life as an uncertain sea, where love serves as both a vessel and anchor, helping individuals navigate life’s inevitable ups and downs. Duhan’s work was remarkable in its straightforward sincerity, using maritime imagery to express themes of partnership, endurance, and devotion. This familiar language is part of what makes the song resonate broadly, accessible to listeners across backgrounds who find comfort in its universal sentiments.
Musically, "The Voyage" was enriched by a gentle, folk-inspired melody that underscores the reflective tone of the lyrics, allowing the song to feel timeless. Duhan’s imagery—such as the ship that keeps "us afloat" — embodies a sense of shared resilience, evoking an emotional depth made "The Voyage" a popular choice for weddings and life celebrations. The song’s power lies in its ability to capture both the everyday and the extraordinary elements of love and companionship, making it a poignant reminder of the strength in unity as one journeys through life.
Duhan’s work, often inspired by his own life experiences and the landscapes of Ireland, explored themes of identity, faith, and the human journey, and has been compared to poetry in its depth and sensitivity. Over the years, Johnny released several solo albums and published collections of his lyrics, poetry, and reflections on life and music. His career, while perhaps not achieving mainstream fame, garnered him critical acclaim, particularly within Ireland, where he was regarded as a leading figure in the folk tradition.
His albums included "The Voyage", "Just Another Town", "Flame", "Don Quixote", "Burning Word", "The River Returning", "To The Light", "Tree", "Current Affairs", "Winter" and "Highlights", while he also wrote a number of books including "To The Light", and an autobiography "There Is a Time".
Known for his introspective nature, Johnny Duhan always preferred to stay out of the spotlight, focusing instead on the purity of his craft. His contributions to Irish music solidified his place as a respected artist whose songs will continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
for many years to come.
International Songwriters Association Hall Of Fame Member.
At the age of 74, on the 12th November 2024, in Galway, Ireland, following a drowning accident.
International Songwriters Association Hall Of Fame Member Obituary, courtesy of Jim Liddane
Ella Jenkins Grammy Award-winning American-born singer-songwriter and educator, known as "The First Lady of the Children's Folk Song", who in her 67-year career, released more than sixty albums.
At the age of 100, on the 9th November 2024, in Chicago, Illinois, USA, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Emre Tukur Turkish-born singer-songwriter and keyboardist, and a member of Klips ve Onlar who represented Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest 1986 with the song "Halley" but who later redirected his music career to focus on jazz.
At the age of 55, on the 9th November 2024, in Istanbul, Turkey, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Jim Gaines American-born record producer and songwriter whose productions include John Lee Hooker, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Journey, The Doobie Brothers, Huey Lewis & the News, Santana, The Radiators, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, A.J. Croce, Patti LaBelle, Steve Miller, B.B. King, Eddie Floyd, Bruce Hornsby & the Range and Tower of Power, while his songs were recorded by such acts as Sandy Carroll, Bernard Allison and The Rocky Athas Group.
At the age of 83, on the 9th November 2024, in Memphis, Tennesse, USA of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
George Wilkins American-born composer who started his career as a backup singer and arranger for Patti Page, before going on to work with the Walt Disney Organisation, penning music for such movies as "Return to Oz" (1964) up to "Le Pays des Contes de Fées" in 2024.
At the age of 90, on the 8th November 2024, in Los Angeles, California, USA, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Lucien Francoeur Canadian-born singer-songwriter, poet, broadcaster and founder of the rock group Aut'Chose, whose hits include such songs as "Ch't'aime Pis Ch't'en Veux", "Hey You Woman", "Nancy Beaudoin", "Ambulance Francoeur" and "Comme 'à Radio".
At the age of 76, on the 5th November 2024, in Montreal, Canada, following a heart attack.
© Jim Liddane
Johnny Madsen Danish-born singer-songwriter. painter, and former member of Danish supergroup Dalton (alongside Allan Olsen and Lars Lilholt). In a career lasting almost fifty years, he released more than 20 solo albums and scored with such songs as "Johnny the Blues" and "Udenfor Sæsonen".
At the age of 73, on the 4th November 2024, in Fanø, Denmark, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Renato Serio
Italian-born composer, conductor and songwriter who worked with Shirley Bassey, B.B. King, Dionne Warwick, Tom Jones, Bryan Adams, John Denver, The Corrs, The Manhattan Transfer, Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman, Randy Crawford and Miriam Makeba, while also composing music for such movies as "Innocence and Desire" (1974), "Hit Man" (1982), and "The Invisible Ones" (1988) along with the anthem for the Forza Italia political party.
At the age of 78, on the 4th November 2024, in Rome, Italy of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Tyka Nelson American-born singer-songwriter and sister of Prince who scored a US hit in 1988 with the self-penned "Marc Anthony's Tune", dedicated to singer-songwriter Marc Anthony.
At the age of 64, on the 4th November 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Andy Leek English-born singer-songwriter, keyboardist, and early member of Dexy's Midnight Runners, although he left the band as their song "Geno" was about to reach #1. His own hit songs include "Twist in the Dark" for Anni-Frid Lyngstad of ABBA and "Mr Waldo" for Tom Jones, and in a later solo career as Andy Leek & The Blue Angels, he worked with George Martin and Jools Holland.
At the age 68, on the 3rd November 2024, in, of complications brought on by Parkinson's disease.
© Jim Liddane
Quincy Jones American-born record producer, conductor, arranger, songwriter and winner of 28 Grammy Awards.
Quincy Jones was born Quincy Delight Jones on March 14, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, where he spent his early years in a challenging environment marked by poverty and hardship. His parents, Sarah and Quincy Delight Jones Sr., were from a musical lineage, with his father working as a carpenter and his mother as a bank executive, although she later struggled with mental health issues. After his mother was institutionalized, Quincy’s father remarried, giving Quincy several half-siblings. When he was ten years old, the family moved to Seattle, Washington, where Quincy attended Garfield High School. It was during his high school years that his love for music took shape. He started out playing the trumpet, inspired by the sounds of jazz greats like Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie. Music became his refuge, and he began honing his craft by performing in local bands and clubs. He went on to attend the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston on a scholarship, although he eventually left school to tour with Lionel Hampton’s band, eager to pursue a full-time career in music.
Quincy’s early career was marked by collaborations with a variety of talented musicians who helped shape his musical style. After leaving Berklee, he worked as an arranger and trumpeter for many prominent artists in jazz, including Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, and Count Basie. Quincy’s work with Gillespie in particular was formative, as it introduced him to big band arrangements and furthered his understanding of jazz composition. In the late 1950s, Quincy traveled to Paris, where he studied with Nadia Boulanger and Olivier Messiaen. This European period broadened his musical horizons and connected him to a diverse community of musicians. In the 1960s, he returned to the United States and began working with a number of pop and R&B icons. One of his most significant collaborations was with Frank Sinatra, for whom he arranged and conducted several albums. Sinatra’s work with Quincy established him as a major force in music production, giving him credibility that would later open doors in Hollywood and beyond. However, he also worked prominently in the pop world, guiding the career for example of Lesley Gore, whose multi-million singles such as "It's My [arty", he arranged and produced.
Throughout the decades, Quincy released a number of successful records that showcase his versatility and innovation. His albums "The Dude" (1981) and "Back on the Block" (1989) were particularly successful, blending jazz, funk, pop, and hip-hop elements in ways that were ahead of their time. The Dude earned him multiple Grammy Awards and included the hit singles "Ai No Corrida" and "Just Once." He was also instrumental in producing Michael Jackson's albums "Off the Wall" (1979), "Thriller" (1982), and "Bad" (1987). Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time, with hits like "Billie Jean," "Beat It," and the title track, each of which is considered iconic. In addition to his success with Jackson, Quincy collaborated with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Miles Davis.
His production work extended to film as well, where he composed scores for movies like "In the Heat of the Night" (1967), "The Italian Job" (1969), and "The Color Purple" (1985) which became the fastest-selling American single in history.
Over the course of his career, Quincy won 28 Grammy Awards, making him one of the most awarded musicians in Grammy history, and he received countless other honors, including an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
He also co-wrote "We Are the World" with Michael Jackson which raised $80 million for charity in 1985.
Quincy’s personal life was as dynamic as his career. He was married three times and had seven children. His relationships were marked by both love and challenges, as his dedication to his career often came at the cost of his family life. Despite the ups and downs, Quincy remained close with his children and was deeply proud of their accomplishments.
In his final years, he continued to inspire new generations of musicians through his mentorship and by advocating for the preservation of jazz and the legacy of African-American music. Quincy’s life and career stand as a testament to resilience, creativity, and an unyielding passion for music. From his humble beginnings to his place among the legends of the music industry, Quincy Jones’s influence on music and culture wass profound and enduring.
International Songwriters Association Hall Of Fame Member.
At the age of 91, on the 3rd November 2024, in Bel-Air, Los Angeles, California, USA, of pancreatic cancer.
International Songwriters Association Hall Of Fame Member Obituary, courtesy of Jim Liddane
Austin Roberts American-born singer-songwriter who scored a worldwide hit with "Rocky", but who started his career as a member of Arkade who charted twice in the early seventies with "The Morning of Our Lives" and "Sing Out the Love (In My Heart)". He also the voice singing “Scooby Scooby Doo, Where Are You?” for the TV series, and acted as a backup singer for the Partridge Family during their heyday.
As a songwriter, he was nominated for four Grammy Awards, two of which he won ("IOU" by Lee Greenwood and "Chance Of A Lifetime" by Take 6), while he also penned hit songs for BJ Thomas, Gary Morris, Michele Wright, Lorrie Morgan, Reba McEntire and many more.
At the age of 79, on the 1st November 2024, in Franklin, Tennessee, USA of heart failure.
© Jim Liddane
Candy Devine
Australian-born Irish-based singer-songwriter and radio broadcaster who having moved to Dublin, Ireland where she recorded an album with jazz musician Jim Doherty, went on to spend 37 years as a broadcaster at Belfast's Downtown Radio.
At the age of 85, on the 31st October 2024, in Brisbane Australia, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Bill Beach American-born singer-songwriter who opened for Hank Williams Sr, Minnie Pearl, Grandpa Jones, Hank Snow, Little Jimmy Dickens and Skeeter Davis, while releasing a number of tracks on King Records, including "Peg Pants" and "You're Gonna Like Me Baby". Inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in 1990, he retired from public performance in 2020.
At the age of 92, on the 28th October, 2024, in Hamilton, Ohio, USA, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Greg Pearle
Irish-born singer-songwriter whose album "Beautiful You", recorded in collaboration with Dire Straits bassist John Illsley, was released to such acclaim that it encouraged John to return to the music industry after a twelve-year absence.
Greg also fronted Cunla, The Conspiracy and Against The Storm.
On the 28th October 2024, in Mayo, Ireland, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Phil Lesh American-born musician, songwriter and founding member of the Grateful Dead, for whom he penned such songs as "New Potato Caboose", "Box of Rain", "Truckin'", "Unbroken Chain", and "Pride of Cucamonga".
At the age of 84, on the 25th October 2024, in Los Angeles, California, USA, of cancer.
© Jim Liddane
Marco Paulo Portuguese-born singer-songwriter and television presenter whose hits include "Eu Tenho Dois Amores", "Mais e mais Amor", "Quem Vier Por Bem", "Anita", "Flor Sem Nome", "Cá Se Faz, Cá Se Paga", "Morena, Morenita", "Dono Do Meu Coração", "Joana", "Sonho Tropical", "Sempre Que Brilha o Sol", "Anjo Azul", and "Quando o Pai Cantava".
At the age of 79, on the 24th October 2024, in Lisbon, Portugal, of cancer.
© Jim Liddane
Jack Jones American-born multiple Grammy Award-winning singer, actor, television personality and music publisher who was discovered while making demos for songwriter Don Raye, and whose subsequent hits as a vocalist include "Lollipops and Roses", "Call Me Irresponsible", "Dear Heart", "The Race Is On", "The Impossible Dream", and "Love Boat Theme".
Jack Jones was a great admirer of the contemporary songwriting fraternity, recording tunes penned by Paul McCartney, Randy Newman, Harry Nilsson, Billy Joel, Carole King, Paul Williams, Richard Carpenter, Gordon Lightfoot and Gilbert O'Sullivan, while also dedicating entire albums devoted to the songs of such writers as Michel Legrand, Charles Aznavour, David Gates, George and Ira Gershwin and Alan and Marilyn Bergman.
At the age of 86, on the 23rd October 2024, in Rancho Mirage, California, USA, of leukemia.
© Jim Liddane
Linda LaFlamme American-born singer-songwriter and keyboardist, who as a member of It's A Beautiful Day, penned the classic "White Bird", which later charted for both David LaFlamme and Vanessa-Mae, and featured in the movies "Adult World", "Prime Suspect", "Focus" and "A Walk On The Moon".
At the age of 85, on the 23rd October 2024, in Harisonburg, Virginia, USA, of vascular dementia.
© Jim Liddane
Jack Titta American-born Chief Creative Officer at ASCAP, who started his career at Screen Gems/EMI Music as Professional Manager, signing such acts as The Smithereens while working legendary songwriters Carole King and Lou Reed, before being named as Vice President of A&R at PolyGram Music Publishing, where he signed Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Pearl Jam, K.D. Lang, Billy Ray Cyrus and songwriter Jimmy Webb.
He later became Senior Vice President and General Manager of Warner Chappell Music, where he worked with such names as Fat Joe, Missy Elliott, Kid Rock, India Arie, Sdhaggy, Simple Plan, Duane Eddy and Bruce Hornsby.
An accomplished musician, he performed with Ringo Starr, Michael McDonald, The Doobie Brothers, Duane Eddy and Richie Sambora, before going on to set up his own MPCA Music Publishing & Recordings which released or published material by Robert Johnson, Led Zeppelin, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Bob Dylan, Cyndi Lauper, Aretha Franklin and more.
At the age of 63, on the 23rd October 2024, in New York City, USA of cancer.
© Jim Liddane
Claire Daly American-born jazz saxophonist, composer and record label owner (Daly Bread Records), who worked with Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Joe Williams, Rosemary Clooney, Taj Mahal and Robert Palmer.
At the age of 66, on the 22nd October 2024, in New York City, USA, of cancer.
© Jim Liddane
Paul di'Anno English-born singer-songwriter and lead vocalist with Iron Maiden between 1978 and 1981, who went on to front Gogmagog, Battlezone, Praying Mantis, Kilers, RockFellas, Nomad, Ides of March and Warhorse.
At the age of 68, on the 21st October 2024, in Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Barbara Dane American-born singer, record producer, record label owner and political activist who dedicated her musical career to campaigning for racial equality and economic justice, and who worked with Memphis Slim, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, Pete Seeger, Jack Teagarden, Lightnin’ Hopkins and Otis Spann, while also founding Paredon Records which released more than fifty protest albums, including twelve recorded by herself.
At the age of 97, on the 20th October 2024, in Oakland, California, USA, by assisted suicide.
© Jim Liddane
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