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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
Shujeo Shyam
British India-born singer-composer, who having worked as a broadcaster for the Bengali Liberation Army's radio station during the war of independence, emerged as a major star in the new state of Bangladesh, scoring such hits as "Bijoy Nishan Ureche Oi" (for Ajit Roy), "Rokto Diye Naam Likhechi" and "Rokto Chai Rokto Chai", as well as penning the music for nine award-winning movies, including "Hason Raja" (2007), "Abujh Bou" (2010) and "Joiboti Konyar Mon" (2021).
At the age of 78, on the 18th October 2024, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, of cancer.
© Jim Liddane
Liam Payne
English-born singer-songwriter and former member of One Direction whose first four albums debuted at number one on Billboard, and whose comppositions for that band include "Story of My Life", "Diana", "Midnight Memories", "Night Changes" and "What a Feeling", as well as "I Won't Break" (for Cheryl) and "The Night We Met" (for Home Town), along with his own solo releases of "Strip That Down", "Get Low" and "Polaroid".
At the age of 31, on the 16th October 2024, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, following a fall from a hotel balcony.
© Jim Liddane
Libby Titus
American-born singer-songwriter, wife of Donald Fagen and mother of singer-songwriter Amy Helm, whose songs include "Love Has No Pride" (recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Rita Coolidge, Lynn Anderson, Billy Bragg, Crosby, Stills & Nash and Rod Stewart), and who worked with Burt Bacharach, Bonnie Raitt, Dr. John, Phoebe Snow, Carly Simon, Paul Simon, Robbie Robertson, James Taylor, Garth Hudson and Phil Ramone.
At the age of 77, on the 13th October 2024, in Mew York City, USA of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Dottie Leonard Miller
American-born CEO of Daywind Music Group and Billy Blue Records, which between them scored 125 Number 1 songs on the Christian Music charts.
At the age of 79, on the 11th October 2024, in Hendersonville, Tennessee, USA, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Marty Gamblin
American-born music publishing executive who managed Jim Weatherly's Rip Keca Music, where he scored with the Gladys Knight & the Pips’ classic "Midnight Train to Georgia" as well as hits for Ray Price, Charley Pride and Bob Luman, before moving to become President of the Glen Campbell Music Group, which garnered sixteen number one hits, including Alan Jackson’s "Don’t Rock the Jukebox" and "Chattahoochee," Jimmy Webb’s Grammy-winning "Highwayman" and Randy Travis’ "It’s Just a Matter of Time."
At the age of 80, on the 9th October 2024, in Philadelphia, Mississippi, USA, of heart failure.
© Jim Liddane
Jack Ponti
American-born musician, songwriter, record producer and manager, who penned songs for Bon Jovi ("Shot Through the Heart"), Alice Cooper ("Hey Stoopid", "Love's a Loaded Gun") and Nelson ("We Always Want What We Can't Get"), before going on to manage India.Arie who was nominated for a record seven Grammy awards as a debut artist.
At the age of 66, on the 7th October 2024, in Red Bank, New Jersey, USA of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Johnny Neel
American-born singer-songwriter, musician and former member of both the Allman Brothers Band and the Dickey Betts Band, and whose songs have been recorded by John Mayall, The Oak Ridge Boys, Delbert McClinton, Keith Whitley, Montgomery Gentry, Travis Tritt, Dorothy Moore, Restless Heart, Ann Peebles, and John Schneider, while as a studio musician, he was featured on hits by The Allman Brothers, Dickey Betts, Montgomery Gentry, Michael McDonald, David Allan Coe, Chris LeDoux, Suzy Bogguss, Joe Diffie and Colin Raye.
At the age of 70, on the 6th October 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, following a heart attack.
© Jim Liddane
Mimis Plessas
Greek-born composer and pianist who released more than 100 albums including the multi million-selling "O Dromos", and who worked with such stars as Nana Mouskouri, Vicky Leandros and Giannis Poulopoulos while also composing music for 104 movies and 70 stage plays.
At the age of 99, on the 5th October 2024, in Kallitechnoupoli, Attica, Greece, of heart failure.
© Jim Liddane
Jack Colwell
Australian-born singer-songwriter, musician and choirmaster, whose only album "Swandream" (produced by Sarah Blasko) was critically acclaimed. and who worked with such acts as Patrick Wolf, Owen Pallett and Robin Guthrie of the Cocteau Twins.
At the age of 34, on the 3rd October 2024, in Sydney, of cancer.
© Jim Liddane
Lucas Coly
French-born American-based rapper-songwriter, whose tracks "I Just Wanna", "Break Ya Back" and "My Lil Shawty" scored millions of views on the Vine platform.
At the age of 27, on the 2nd October 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, by suicide.
© Jim Liddane
Ken Tobias
Canadian-born singer-songwriter who scored a number of Top 10 hits in Canada, incuding "I Just Want to Make Music", "Every Bit of Love", "Give a Little Love" and "Dream #2" (each of which won a SOCAN Classics Award), while one of his songs "Stay Awhile" was also covered by The Bells, going on to sell more than two million copies and reaching the US Top 10.
At the age of 79, on the 2nd October 2024, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, from brain cancer.
© Jim Liddane
Martin Lee
English-born singer-songwriter and lead singer with Brotherhood of Man, whose compositions for the band include the 1976 Eurovision Song Contest winner "Save Your Kisses For Me", along with such other hits as "Lady", "My Sweet Rosalie", "Angelo", "Beautiful Lover" and "Figaro".
At the age of 77, on the 29th September 2024, in London, UK, of heart failure.
© Jim Liddane
Kris Kristofferson
American-born three-time Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter, actor and International Songwriters Association Hall Of Fame Member.
Kris Kristofferson was born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, into a military family, with his father being a US Army Air Corps officer. He moved frequently during his childhood and developed a strong sense of discipline and duty, which later influenced his early career choices.
Kris excelled academically and athletically, eventually attending Pomona College in California, where he graduated with a degree in literature in 1958. He went on to study at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, where he continued to pursue writing, poetry, and his growing interest in music. Upon finishing his studies, Kris, influenced by family expectations, joined the US Army and became a helicopter pilot. He served as a captain, but his passion for music never waned during this time.
In the mid-1960s, he made a life-changing decision to leave his military career and pursue songwriting in Nashville. This move was met with resistance from his family, but he remained determined to make his mark in the music industry. In Nashville, Kris worked various odd jobs to support himself, including as a janitor at Columbia Recording Studios and as a commercial helicopter pilot. He famously landed a helicopter on Johnny Cash’s front lawn in a bold attempt to get Cash to listen to his demo tapes - a story that has since become legendary in the world of country music.
Kristofferson’s persistence paid off when his songwriting began to attract attention from major country artists. In 1969, Roger Miller recorded Kristofferson’s song “Me and Bobby McGee,” which became a hit and brought Kristofferson into the spotlight as a songwriter. The song would later be immortalised by Janis Joplin, whose version became a posthumous number-one hit in 1971, establishing Kristofferson as a major songwriting talent.
Throughout the 1970s, Kristofferson’s songs became some of the most covered and revered in country music. Hits like “For the Good Times", recorded by Ray Price, "Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down", made famous by Johnny Cash and "Help Me Make It Through the Night", sung by Sammi Smith, along with songs covered by Ray Price ("For the Good Times"), Waylon Jennings ("The Taker"), and Bobby Bare ("Come Sundown"), all helped cement Kristofferson’s reputation as a master lyricist. His ability to write about human vulnerability, heartache, and existential themes with poetic precision set him apart from many of his contemporaries in country music.
"Help Me Make It Through the Night" has become one of the most covered songs in the history of music publishing, having been covered by more than 470 singers since the first version emerged in May 1970 by the soul singer Percy Sledge. Since then it has been recorded by such diverse names as Peggy Lee, Bill Anderson, Glen Campbell, Conway Twitty, Dorothy Squires, Bobby Bare, Bryan Adams, Joan Baez, Skeeter Davis, Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, Olivia Newton-John, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, Brian Ferry and Telly Savalas, with the most recent release (by Billy Dean) appearing just a few weeks before Kristofferson's passing.
In addition to his songwriting success, Kris embarked on a solo recording career. His 1970 debut album "Kristofferson" (later re-released as "Me and Bobby McGee") introduced his raw, gravelly voice and storytelling style to the public. Although his voice was unconventional by Nashville standards, it resonated with fans who appreciated his gritty, authentic approach to songwriting. His 1971 album "The Silver Tongued Devil and I" further established him as a major recording artist, and he quickly became known for his countercultural appeal, blending country, folk, and rock influences.
Kristofferson’s success in music also led to a prolific career in acting. He made his film debut in "The Last Movie" (1971), directed by Dennis Hopper, and soon began to appear in more prominent roles. In 1976, he starred opposite Barbra Streisand in "A Star Is Born", a role that earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. This marked the height of his acting career, and Kristofferson would go on to appear in ninety films over the next several decades, including "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid", "Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore", "Heaven’s Gate" and the Blade trilogy (1998-2004), where he played the role of Whistler.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Kristofferson remained active in both music and film, though his commercial success in music began to wane. However, his impact on the industry remained intact, and he became an influential figure for the emerging outlaw country movement alongside artists like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Johnny Cash. Together, they challenged the polished, mainstream sound of Nashville, advocating for a more rebellious, authentic approach to country music. Kristofferson’s role in this movement was pivotal, both as a solo artist and through his collaborations with Nelson and others. In 1985, he, Nelson, Jennings, and Cash formed the supergroup The Highwaymen, which became one of the most iconic collaborations in country music history.
Kris's work continued to be celebrated well into the later years of his career. In 2004, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring influence on the genre. In 2007, he received the Johnny Mercer Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding contributions to songwriting.
Despite health challenges in the 2010s, including a misdiagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (later revealed to be Lyme disease), Kris continued to perform and record music. He released several albums during this time, including "Closer to the Bone" (2009) and "Feeling Mortal" (2012), which reflected a sense of introspection and reflection on aging and mortality. His live performances, often accompanied only by his guitar, showcased his raw, unfiltered style and his ability to connect with audiences through his deeply personal lyrics.
Kris officially retired from touring in 2020, bringing to a close a career that spanned more than five decades. His legacy as a songwriter, lyricist, and actor remains profound, influencing generations of musicians and artists across genres. Known for his poetic lyricism, honesty, and willingness to tackle difficult subjects in his songs, Kristofferson’s work transcended the boundaries of country music, earning him a lasting place in American cultural history.
International Songwriters Association Hall Of Fame Member.
At the age of 88, on the 28th September 2024, in Maui, Hawaii, USA, of undisclosed causes.
International Songwriters Association Hall Of Fame Member Obituary, courtesy of Jim Liddane
Ken Howard
British-born member of the songwriting team of Howard and Blaikley, whose success according to the Penguin Encyclopedia of Popular Music "was rivalled only by that of Lennon & McCartney".
Ken Howard was born Kenneth Charles Howard on December 26th, 1939, in Worthing, West Sussex, England. His father was a successful businessman and art collector, while his mother was a professional concert pianist, and Ken grew up with a passion for both music and the arts.
He first met Alan Blaikley, who was a choirboy at St Mary’s-at-Finchley, at the age of eight while they were both students at University College School (UCS) in London. Having discovered a dictaphone in his father's office, the two decided to write and record a rumba tune, "The Yellow Dance", which as Ken later said "disappeared without trace never to be heard of again!".
After leaving school, Ken worked for a period with Granada TV before moving to Scotland where he studied Social Anthropology at Edinburgh University. Alan meanwhile was reading Classics at Wadham College, Oxford but once each had returned to London having obtained MA degrees, they resumed their friendship, both joining the BBC Television's drama department in White City.
While at the BBC, the pair, alongside another school friend, future art historian Paul Overy, founded the influential magazine "Axle Quarterly" which published early work by Melvyn Bragg, Ray Gosling, and Simon Raven.
In 1963, Ken and Alan resumed writing songs, but without any success until one night in 1964, they met The Sheratons, a band playing in the Mildmay Tavern in the Balls Pond Road in Islington, and who as Ken later remarked, "boasted not only a great singer" (Denis D'Ell) "but even more unusually a great girl drummer" (Honey Lantree).
The Sheratons (leter renamed The Honeycombs), had just been offered a recording test by legendary producer Joe Meek but were finding it difficult to source original songs. However, their very first recording (of Ken and Alan's tune "Have I the Right?"), became a massive hit, reaching number one in the UK and six other countries, and entering the top ten in the United States.
This success marked the beginning of a prolific period for Howard and Blaikley.
Following the success of "Have I the Right?", the pair became one of the most sought-after songwriting teams in Britain.
They now turned their attention to Dave Dee & The Bostons, a band Alan had discovered at a Honeycombs' gig and whom they would re-name as Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich. Their thirteen hits for the group include "Hold Tight!", "Bend It!," "Zabadak!," and "The Legend of Xanadu." These tracks were characterised by their catchy hooks, playful lyrics, and innovative production techniques, which helped to establish the band as one of the leading acts of the 1960s British pop scene. "The Legend of Xanadu" in particular, became a signature song for the group, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart in 1968.
They also penned numerous hits for a variety of other artists, many of whom would go on to achieve lasting fame. One of their most notable and remarkable collaborations was with The Herd, a group that include a young Peter Frampton. Howard and Blaikley wrote several songs for The Herd, including their three hits "From the Underworld" (based on the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice), "Paradise Lost," and "I Don't Want Our Loving to Die", all of which were widel praised for their inventive lyrics and distinctive melodies.
In 1970, the duo became one of the few British songwriters to have songs recorded by Elvis Presley ("I've Lost You" and later, "Heart of Rome"), and they also penned hits for Petula Clark, Phil Collins, Sacha Distel, Rolf Harris, Frankie Howerd (the theme song for his film "Up Pompeii"), Engelbert Humperdinck, Horst Jankowski, Eartha Kitt, Little Eva, Lulu and Matthews Southern Comfort.
Howard and Blaikley's songwriting style was marked by its versatility. They could write catchy pop songs that were lighthearted and fun, but they also had a talent for creating more complex, introspective material. Their work often incorporated elements of classical music, folk, and even early psychedelia, which made their songs stand out from the more conventional pop hits of the time. This eclectic approach to songwriting earned them critical acclaim and helped to push the boundaries of British pop music during the 1960s.
In addition to their work in pop music, Howard and Blaikley ventured into the world of television and stage musicals. They wrote the theme tune for the popular British TV series "The Adventures of Black Beauty", which became an enduring classic. The pair also worked on stage musicals, including "Mardi Gras" and the long-running "The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole", which further showcased their talent for creating memorable, emotive songs that could captivate audiences in different mediums.
As the 1970s approached, the music landscape began to change, and Howard and Blaikley adapted by exploring new avenues in their careers. While the pop music scene evolved, the duo continued to write songs for established artists and even ventured into producing. They worked with rock acts such as The Hollies and contributed to the careers of several emerging talents, helping to shape the sound of British music well into the 1970s.
Despite the decline in chart-topping hits as musical tastes shifted, Howard's contributions to the music world were recognized for their lasting influence. His ability to craft catchy, engaging pop songs, along with Blaikley’s equally strong contributions, ensured that their work remained an important part of British musical history. Their songs from the 1960s, in particular, have continued to enjoy airplay and admiration from fans of the era’s pop music.
Ken Howard’s later years were spent working in various aspects of the entertainment industry, including writing for television and collaborating on theatrical projects. His lifelong songwriting partnership with Alan (who had a dual career as a psychotherapist and who died in 2022 at the age of 82), remains one of the most significant songwriting collaborations of the 20th century, and their work has left an indelible mark on the music of that time.
International Songwriters Association Hall Of Fame Member.
At the age of 84, on the 24th September 2024, in Lomdon, England, of undisclosed causes.
International Songwriters Association Hall Of Fame Member Obituary, courtesy of Jim Liddane
Hugh Prestwood
American-born three-time Grammy nominated singer-songwriter, whose hits include Judy Collins's "Hard Time For Lovers", Crystal Gayle's "The Sound of Goodbye", Trisha Yearwood's "The Song Remembers When", Randy Travis's "Hard Rock Bottom of Your Heart", Michael Johnson’s "The Moon Is Still Over Her Shoulder" and Shenandoah's "Ghost In This House", along with songs covered by such acts as Conway Twitty, The Judds, Shelby Lynne, John Conlee, Jimmy Buffett, Jerry Douglas, James Taylor, Baillie & The Boys, Jerry Jeff Walker, Vern Gosdin, Suzy Bogguss, Bobbie Cryner, Stephanie Bentley, Ty England, Collin Raye, Gene Watson, Barbara Mandrell, Sammy Kershaw, Lee Greenwood, Don Williams, Alison Krauss, Rumer and Tanya Tucker.
At the age of 82, on the 22nd September 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA, following a stroke.
© Jim Liddane
Sayuri
Japanese-born singer-songwriter whose hits include "Mikazuki", "Sore wa Chiisana Hikari no Youna", "Furaregai Girl", "Parallel Line", "Tsuki to Hanataba", "Kokai no Uta" and "Sekai no Himitsu".
At the age of 28, on the 20th September 2024, in Tokyo, Japan, from complications of functional dysphonia.
© Jim Liddane
J D Souther
American-born singer-songwriter and actor, who wrote several classic songs recorded by Linda Ronstadt and the Eagles.
J.D. Souther was born John David Souther on November 2, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan. His father John who sang professionally with big bands under the stage name, Johnny Warren, left the road to become an agent for MCA Records, moving the family to Amarillo, Texas, where J D became heavily influenced by the country music of the region, as well as rock and roll and jazz. This eclectic mix of influences would later inform his unique songwriting style, which blended country, rock, and pop elements.
After high school, Souther recorded two singles with Norman Petty in nearby Clovis, before moving to Los Angeles in the late 1960s. It was in Los Angeles that he became deeply involved in the burgeoning music scene, which was populated by artists such as The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and Jackson Browne. Souther formed a close friendship with Glenn Frey, who would later become a founding member of the Eagles. Together, they formed a duo called Longbranch Pennywhistle, releasing one album in 1969. Although the album didn’t achieve commercial success, it laid the groundwork for Souther’s future collaborations and established him as a talented songwriter.
Souther's most significant contributions came through his association with the Eagles, one of the most successful rock bands of all time. He co-wrote some of the band’s biggest hits, including “Best of My Love,” “New Kid in Town,” “Heartache Tonight,” and “Victim of Love.” His ability to craft poignant, introspective lyrics combined with catchy melodies made him a key figure behind the Eagles' success. “New Kid in Town” earned Souther and the Eagles a Grammy Award for Best Arrangement of Voices in 1977, while “Heartache Tonight” topped the charts and became a defining hit for the band.
In addition to his work with the Eagles, Souther had a successful solo career, releasing his self-titled debut album in 1972. The album featured a blend of country rock and folk influences, showcasing Souther’s distinctive voice and songwriting style. Although his solo career didn’t reach the same commercial heights as his work with the Eagles, he earned critical acclaim for his contributions to the country rock genre. His 1979 album "You’re Only Lonely" was his most commercially successful release, with the title track becoming a top-ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The song remains one of Souther’s signature pieces, capturing the melancholy yet hopeful essence of his songwriting.
Souther was also a founding member of the short-lived supergroup Souther-Hillman-Furay Band, which he formed in 1973 with Chris Hillman of The Byrds and Richie Furay of Buffalo Springfield. The band released two albums, The Souther-Hillman-Furay Band (1974) and Trouble in Paradise (1975). Despite the promise of the group’s lineup, internal tensions and creative differences led to its dissolution after just a couple of years. However, the band’s work remains a key part of Souther’s legacy, contributing to the development of the country rock sound.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Souther continued to collaborate with other prominent artists, including Linda Ronstadt, with whom he shared a close personal and professional relationship. He wrote or co-wrote several of Ronstadt’s hits, including “Faithless Love,” “Simple Man, Simple Dream,” and “Prisoner in Disguise.” Souther’s work with Ronstadt further solidified his reputation as one of the most gifted songwriters of his era, particularly in the realm of emotional, introspective ballads.
Despite his early success, Souther’s output slowed considerably after the 1980s. He took a step back from the music industry and pursued other interests, including acting. Souther appeared in several television shows and films, including roles in "Thirtysomething", "Postcards from the Edge", and "Nashville". His acting career, though not as prominent as his music, added another dimension to his creative portfolio.
In the 2000s, Souther experienced something of a career revival. He released If the World Was You in 2008, his first studio album in 25 years. The album marked a departure from his earlier country rock sound, incorporating more jazz influences, which reflected Souther’s lifelong love of the genre. Critics praised the album for its sophistication and maturity, recognizing Souther’s continued evolution as an artist.
Despite his relative retreat from the spotlight compared to some of his contemporaries, J.D. Souther remained a highly respected figure in the music industry. His influence on the Eagles, his collaborations with Linda Ronstadt, and his solo work have left an enduring mark on American music. Souther’s songs continue to resonate with listeners, and his contributions to the Southern California sound of the 1970s are an integral part of rock history.
International Songwriters Association Hall Of Fame Member.
At the age of 78, on the 17th September 2024, at his home outside Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA of undisclosed causes as he was preparing to go on tour.
International Songwriters Association Hall Of Fame Member Obituary, courtesy of Jim Liddane
Marvin Schlachter
American-born record company executive at Scepter, Wand, Prelude, GRT, Janus, Chess and Pye (US), who helped nurture the careers of Dionne Warwick (whom he introduced to Burt Bacharach and Hal David), the Shirelles, Tammi Terrell, Chuck Jackson, The Kingsmen and B.J. Thomas, and who would later play a major part in the popularising of disco music by bringing France Joli, Johnny-O, Cynthia and James 'D-Train' Williams to a national audience.
At the age of 90, on the 17th September 2024, in New York City, USA, of intestinal cancer.
© Jim Liddane
Billy Edd Wheeler
American-born singer-songwriter and Grammy award-winner, whose hits as a solo vocalist include "Ode to the Little Brown Shack Out Back", "I Ain't the Worryin' Kind", "West Virginia Woman" and "Daddy" (with Rashell Richmond), while as a songwriter, he scored numerous chart-topping hits including "Jackson" for Johnny Cash and June Carter, "The Reverend Mr. Black" for the Kingston Trio, "It’s Midnight" for Elvis Presley, and "Coward of the County" for Kenny Rogers.
His songs have been recorded by almost 170 performers, including such stars as Judy Collins, Jefferson Airplane, Bobby Darin, Richie Havens, Neil Young, Hazel Dickens, Florence and the Machine, Kathy Mattea and Nancy Sinatra, while he also penned eight plays and musicals including the still-running "Hatfields & McCoys", along with several novels ("Star of Appalachia"), eight books of poetry and an autobiography titled "Hotter Than A Pepper Sprout".
At the age of 91, on the 16th September 2024, in Swannanoa, North Carolina, USA, of heart failure.
© Jim Liddane
Tito Jackson
American-born singer-songwriter and guitarist, who as a member of the Jackson 5 (later the Jacksons) scored hits with "I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save", "I'll Be There", "Mama's Pearl", "Sugar Daddy", "Dancing Machine", "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)", "State of Shock" (with Mick Jagger) and "Torture".
A three-time Grammy nominee, Tito's compositions include "Everybody" and "We Can Change The World" for The Jacksons, and "Special Love" for his sister La Toya Jackson (later covered by Betty Wright).
At the age of 70, on the 15th September 2024, of a heart attack while driving between Santa Fe, New Mexico and his home at Claremore, Oklahoma, USA.
© Jim Liddane
Tommy Cash
American-born singer-songwriter and brother of country music icon Johnny Cash, who released 23 solo albums and scored 18 hits in including "The Sounds of Goodbye", "Six White Horses", "One Song Away", "Rise and Shine", "The Tears on Lincoln's Face", "So This Is Love" and "I Recall A Gypsy Woman", while his compositions were also recorded by such acts as Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, Faron Young, Kitty Wells, Johnny Russell, Cal Smith, Norma Jean and Gergette Jones.
At the age of 84, on the 13th September 2024, in Henderson, Tennessee, USA, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Jimmy Gilmer
American-born singer-songwriter and lead singer with Jimmy Gilmer & The Fireballs, whose hits include "Sugar Shack" (the biggest-selling record of 1963), "Daisy Petal Picking" and "Bottle Of Wine", before he left to pursue a music publishing career, eventually becoming vice-president at CBS Songs in Nashville.
At the age of 83, on the 7th September 2024, in Amarillo, Texas, USA, of complications brought on by Alzheimers Disease.
© Jim Liddane
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