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John Sykes
Born in Reading, Berkshire, England in 1959, John Sykes was a renowned guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist, best known for his work in several influential rock and heavy metal bands, including Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, and Blue Murder. His career spanned decades, marked by a distinctive guitar style, powerful vocals, and an enduring legacy as a songwriter.
Sykes began playing guitar at an early age, heavily influenced by rock legends like Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, and Gary Moore. His professional career took off in the late 1970s when he joined the band Streetfighter. His talent soon caught the attention of the British hard rock band Tygers of Pan Tang, with whom he recorded two albums, “Spellbound” (1981) and “Crazy Nights” (1982). Sykes’ contributions to these records, particularly his melodic yet aggressive guitar work, helped establish his reputation as a rising star in the heavy metal scene.
In 1982, Sykes joined Thin Lizzy, a pivotal moment in his career. He was brought in to replace Snowy White and played a significant role in the band’s final studio album, “Thunder and Lightning” (1983). His explosive guitar solos and contributions to the songwriting, notably on tracks like “Cold Sweat,” co-written with Phil Lynott, showcased his ability to blend melody and intensity. Sykes also participated in Thin Lizzy's farewell tour before the band disbanded in 1983.
Following Thin Lizzy, Sykes joined Whitesnake, led by David Coverdale. His tenure with the band marked a commercial and artistic high point. He played a critical role in reshaping Whitesnake's sound, contributing to their 1984 album “Slide It In” and co-writing much of their eponymous 1987 album (“Whitesnake” in the US, “1987” in Europe). The latter became a massive success, featuring hit songs like “Still of the Night,” “Is This Love,” and “Here I Go Again.” Sykes co-wrote “Still of the Night” and “Is This Love,” among others, and his incendiary guitar riffs and solos were central to the album's appeal. However, internal tensions led to his departure from Whitesnake before the album's release, and he did not tour with the band during its peak of popularity.
In 1988, Sykes formed the hard rock band Blue Murder, where he took on both guitar and vocal duties. The band's self-titled debut album, “Blue Murder” (1989), featured songs like “Valley of the Kings” and “Jelly Roll,” which highlighted Sykes’ songwriting prowess and versatile musicianship. Despite critical acclaim, the band struggled to achieve widespread commercial success, and lineup changes hindered its momentum. Sykes continued to release music under the Blue Murder name, with the 1993 album “Nothin' But Trouble”, but eventually transitioned to a solo career.
As a solo artist, Sykes released several albums, including “Out of My Tree” (1995) and “20th Century” (1997). These works displayed his signature blend of melodic hard rock, soulful vocals, and virtuosic guitar playing. His songs often explored themes of love, personal struggle, and resilience, resonating with fans worldwide./
At the age of 65, on the 19th January 2025, in Los Angeles, California, USA, of cancer.
Jim Liddane
Stéphane Venne
Born in 1941 in Montreal, Canada, Stéphane Venne was particularly renowned for his contributions to French-language music in Canada, creating a lasting legacy through his evocative lyrics and memorable melodies.
His career spanmed several decades, during which he established himself as a prolific songwriter, performer, and producer. Venne was particularly renowned for his contributions to French-language music in Canada, creating a lasting legacy through his evocative lyrics and memorable melodies.
In the 1960s, Stéphane Venne emerged as a significant voice in Quebec's burgeoning cultural movement, which sought to promote Francophone identity and artistry. This era coincided with the Quiet Revolution, a period of significant social and cultural change in Quebec. Venne’s songwriting often reflected the introspective and poetic sensibilities of this time, resonating deeply with audiences.
Among his most famous works is the song "Le début d’un temps nouveau," which became emblematic of the optimism and change associated with the Quiet Revolution. This song captured the spirit of a society undergoing transformation and remains one of the defining anthems of that era in Quebec. Its uplifting lyrics and hopeful tone struck a chord with listeners and solidified Venne’s reputation as a songwriter with a profound ability to articulate collective sentiments.
Venne also worked extensively with celebrated performers of the time, crafting songs that highlighted their vocal talents while conveying rich emotional depth. For instance, he wrote "Un jour, un jour," which was performed by Donald Lautrec and served as the official song for Expo 67, a world exposition held in Montreal. This song encapsulated the excitement and pride of hosting such a globally significant event and further established Venne as a prominent cultural figure. He also provided songs For Emmanuëlle, Pierre Lalonde, Renée Claude, Suzanne Stevens and Marie-Élaine Thibert.
A notable collaboration was with Ginette Reno, one of Quebec’s most beloved singers. For Reno, Venne wrote "La dernière valse," a song that showcased her powerful voice and emotional range. His ability to tailor his compositions to suit the strengths of individual artists contributed to his enduring success and wide-ranging influence.
In addition to his songwriting, Venne had a notable career as a performer. He recorded several albums, blending his poetic sensibilities with accessible melodies. While his own recordings were not as commercially successful as the works he wrote for others, they demonstrated his versatility as a musician and his dedication to his craft.
Venne’s contributions extended beyond the music industry into film and television. He composed scores and theme songs that enriched the narratives they accompanied, further showcasing his ability to evoke emotion through music. His work in this area includes the theme song for the Quebec television series “Les Berger”, which became widely recognized and appreciated.
Over the years, Stéphane Venne received numerous accolades for his contributions to music and culture. He was honoured with awards recognizing his influence on Francophone music and his role in shaping Quebec’s cultural identity.
Stéphane Venne’s legacy lies not only in the timeless quality of his songs but also in the cultural impact he made during a transformative period in Quebec’s history. Through his lyrics and melodies, he captured the essence of an evolving society, leaving an indelible mark on the province's cultural landscape.
At the age of 83, on the 17th January 2025, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, of cancer.
Jim Liddane
Melba Montgomery
Born in 1938 in Iron City, Tennessee, USA, Melba Montgomery was an American country music singer-songwriter, renowned for her distinctive voice and her contributions to the genre as both a singer and a songwriter.
Melba grew up in Florence, Alabama, in a musical family. Her mother was the local Methodist choir director, her father was a fiddler, and she learned to play guitar at an early age, developing a love for traditional country and bluegrass music, which would deeply influence her style throughout her career.
In the early 1960s, Montgomery's big break came when she won a talent contest sponsored by the Grand Ole Opry, which led to her being introduced to Roy Acuff. This opportunity helped her gain entry into the country music scene. However, her career truly took off when she began collaborating with George Jones. Their duets became incredibly popular, and they were celebrated for their chemistry and traditional country sound. One of their most successful songs was "We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds," which Montgomery co-wrote with Earl Montgomery, her brother. Released in 1963, the song became a Top 5 hit on the country charts and remains a classic example of traditional country music.
Montgomery's collaborations with Jones continued to produce several hits, including songs like "What's in Our Hearts" and "Let's Invite Them Over." These duets solidified her place in country music and showcased her ability to convey deep emotion through her singing. Her voice, characterised by its raw, heartfelt quality, resonated with fans who appreciated the traditional sounds of the genre.
Beyond her work with George Jones, Montgomery also pursued a successful solo career. She recorded numerous albums and singles, many of which highlighted her songwriting skills. Among her notable solo hits was "No Charge," a song written by Harlan Howard. Released in 1974, it became her only No. 1 hit on the country charts and crossed over to the pop charts. The song's narrative about a mother explaining the sacrifices she has made for her child struck a chord with audiences and is considered one of the definitive songs of her career which between 1962 and 2010, saw her release more than thirty solo and collaborative albums, twenty duet singles with such acts as George Jones, Charlie Louvin and Gene Pitney (thirteen of which charted), and forty-five solo singles.
Montgomery's contributions as a songwriter were significant, though they are often overshadowed by her singing career. She wrote or co-wrote many of her own hits, often collaborating with her brother, Earl Montgomery, and other notable songwriters of the time, scoring such successes as George Strait's Top 5 hit "What Do You Say to That", along with chart entries for such acts as Skeeter Davis, Bobby Bare, Roy Drusky, Priscilla Mitchell, Emmylou Harris, John Prine, Del Reeves, Timi Yuro, Eddy Arnold, Connie Smith and Roger Williams. Her writing frequently explored themes of heartbreak, family, and faith, reflecting her roots and the values of her audience.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Montgomery continued to release music and perform, maintaining a loyal fan base. She recorded duets with other artists as well, including Charlie Louvin and Gene Pitney, further cementing her reputation as a versatile and talented performer.
In later years, Montgomery remained active in the music industry, though her commercial success waned as country music evolved. She will always be regarded as a significant figure in the genre, particularly for her contributions to the traditional country sound and her ability to convey authentic emotion through her music, and her influence can be seen in the work of several later artists who continued to draw inspiration from her style and songwriting.
At the age of 86, on the 15th January 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, of undisclosed causes.
Jim Liddane
David Lynch
Born in Missoula, Montana, USA, in 1946, David Lynch, was best known as a visionary filmmaker and producer whose work in that field included such classics as “Twin Peaks”, “Blue Velvet” and “Mulholland Drive”. However he also made significant contributions to the world of music and composition.
David’s early life was marked by a peripatetic childhood, as his father worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which led the family to relocate frequently. This upbringing in small-town America deeply influenced his artistic sensibilities, which often explore themes of suburban unease and surrealism.
Lynch’s journey into music and composition is closely tied to his filmmaking career. From his earliest works, he exhibited a keen interest in using sound and music as integral components of storytelling. His breakthrough film, "Eraserhead" (1977), featured an unsettling industrial soundscape that he co-created with sound designer Alan Splet. This project marked the beginning of Lynch’s experimental approach to sound design and his interest in music that could evoke specific emotions and atmospheres.
As his film career progressed with projects like "Blue Velvet" (1986), "Twin Peaks" (1990-1991), and "Mulholland Drive" (2001), Lynch became increasingly hands-on with the musical elements of his work. He often collaborated with composer Angelo Badalamenti, with whom he developed a long-standing creative partnership. Together, they crafted some of the most iconic soundtracks in film and television history, blending dreamy, melancholic melodies with eerie, unsettling undertones. The theme for "Twin Peaks" in particular, became a cultural touchstone, showcasing the emotional depth and atmospheric power of their collaborations.
David’s personal involvement in music expanded beyond his collaborations with Badalamenti. He began experimenting with writing lyrics and composing music himself. His 2010 album "Crazy Clown Time" marked his debut as a solo musician, featuring a collection of experimental electronic tracks characterised by haunting vocals, surreal lyrics, and layered soundscapes. The album demonstrated Lynch’s penchant for pushing boundaries, much like his work in film.
Throughout his musical career, David Lynch showed a fascination with technology and its impact on sound. He often incorporated digital tools and synthesisers into his compositions, blending them with more traditional instruments to create a unique sonic palette. His second solo album, "The Big Dream" (2013), continued this trend, exploring themes of mystery and introspection through a mix of blues, electronic, and ambient music.
Lynch’s approach to music mirrored his filmmaking style in its emphasis on mood and atmosphere over conventional structure. His work often blurred the lines between genres, challenging listeners with unexpected juxtapositions and unconventional arrangements. His music, like his films, invited audiences into a world that was simultaneously familiar and alien, comforting and disturbing.
In addition to his solo albums, Lynch contributed to various musical projects and soundtracks, collaborating with artists such as Chrysta Bell, Karen O, and Lykke Li. His multidisciplinary approach to art and music underscored his belief in the interconnectedness of creative expression, where sound, visuals, and narrative converged to create immersive experiences.
David Lynch’s contributions to music and composition, though overshadowed by his reputation as a filmmaker, represented an essential facet of his artistic legacy. His work in this domain exemplified his relentless curiosity and commitment to exploring the boundaries of creative expression, cementing his status as a true Renaissance artist.
At the age of 78, on the 15th January 2025, at his daughter’s house in California, USA, of complications brought on by emphysema, soon after having been evacuated from his own home due to the Southern California wildfires.
Jim Liddane
Sam Moore
Born in Miami, Florida, USA, in 1935, Sam Moore was a singer-songwriter who emerged as a significant figure in the soul and R&B music scenes.
Sam Moore’s career started in gospel, performing with groups like the Sensational Hummingbirds and the Melionaires. A pivotal moment occurred in 1961 at Miami's King of Hearts Club, where he met Dave Prater. This meeting led to the formation of the dynamic duo Sam & Dave.
Initially signed to Roulette Records, Sam & Dave recorded one of Sam's songs "I Need Love", a composition which would be covered by another soul duo James & Bobby Purify. Sam & Dave achieved modest success on Roulette before joining Atlantic Records in 1964. They were subsequently "loaned" to Stax Records, where their collaboration with songwriters Isaac Hayes and David Porter resulted in a series of hits. Notable tracks include "You Don't Know Like I Know" (1965), "Hold On! I'm Comin'" (1966), "When Something Is Wrong with My Baby" (1967), "Soul Man" (1967), and "I Thank You" (1968). Their energetic performances and soulful harmonies earned them the nickname "Double Dynamite."
Despite their success, tensions between Moore and Prater led to their initial split in 1970. They reunited in 1971, continuing to perform together until their final show on December 31, 1981. Tragically, Prater died in a car accident in 1988.
Following the duo's final separation, Moore pursued a solo career. He collaborated with artists such as Don Henley, Bruce Springsteen, and Lou Reed. In 1986, he re-recorded "Soul Man" with Reed for the film of the same name, reaching No. 30 on the UK Singles Chart. Moore also appeared in the 1988 film "Tapeheads" alongside Junior Walker, portraying the fictional soul duo "The Swanky Modes." A lifelong Republican, Moore penned the song "Dole Man" for Republican Bob Dole’s presidential campaign in 1996.
Throughout his career, Moore received numerous accolades. In 1992, he and Prater were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. "Soul Man" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. Moore was also honoured with a Pioneer Award by the Rhythm & Blues Foundation in 1991 and a MOBO (Music of Black Origin) lifetime achievement award in 2006.
In his later years, Moore remained active in the music industry. He performed at various events, including a tribute concert for George Jones in 2013 and President Donald Trump's inaugural concert in 2017. In 2022, he collaborated with Bruce Springsteen on two tracks for Springsteen's soul cover album.
Moore's personal life was marked by challenges, including a battle with drug addiction, which he overcame with the support of his wife, Joyce McRae. The couple became advocates for artists' rights and anti-drug programs.
At the age of 89, on the 10th January 2025, in Coral Gables, Florida, USA of complications from surgery.
Jim Liddane
Laurie Holloway
Born Laurence Holloway, in 1938, in Oldham, UK, Laurie Holloway was a pianist, composer, and musical director renowned for his contributions to television and jazz music.
He began playing the piano at the age of four, received formal lessons by seven, and became the organist and choirmaster at his local church by twelve.
Turning professional in 1954, Holloway joined Syd Willmott and his Band as a pianist, later performing with Geraldo and the Cyril Stapleton Band.
As a session musician, he played on numerous hit tracks, including Petula Clark's "Downtown" in 1964. From 1970 to 1975, he served as the musical director for Engelbert Humperdinck, collaborating on albums and touring the United States, including performances in Las Vegas.
Holloway's association with jazz deepened through his work with singer Cleo Laine, leading to his role as pianist and arranger for the John Dankworth Band. He collaborated with a diverse array of artists, such as Stéphane Grappelli, Tom Jones, Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr., and Gilbert O’Sullivan.
His compositions include theme tunes for television shows like "Game for a Laugh," "Blind Date," and "Beadle's About." In 1990, Holloway accompanied Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret on piano for a private recording of Scottish childhood songs at Buckingham Palace, intended as a gift for the Queen Mother's 90th birthday.
Beginning in 1998, he became the musical director for Michael Parkinson's chat show, a role he maintained until 2007. He and Michael remained close friends, living close to each other in Bray until Parkinson's death in 2023.
In 2004, Laurie was appointed the original musical director for the BBC's "Strictly Come Dancing," contributing numerous arrangements for the show's first three series.
During his career, he penned two stage musicals, one of which ("Instant Marriage") was a long-runing West End success starring Joan Sims. He released fifteen albums, appeared on dozens of hit singles, and received several accolades, including the Gold Badge of Merit from the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters. He was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2013 Birthday Honours for services to music. He was married to American jazz singer Marion Montgomery from 1965 until her passing in 2002, and together they set up the charity The Montgomery Holloway Music Trust which provides assistance to promising young singers.
At the age of 86, on the 9th January 2025, in Bray. Berkshire, UK, of undisclosed causes.
Jim Liddane
Ken Chase
Born Milton Yorgan in Oklahoma, USA in 1935, Ken Chase was a radio DJ on KISN in Portland, Oregon, where he opened a teen club called The Chase, and selected a local semi-pro act The Kingsmen to regularly play there.
In 1962, Chase produced the band performing an esoteric version of the classic Richard Berry song “Louie Louie”. The subsequent release hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1963 going on to sell two million copies. By 2024, there were 2150 cover versions enabling "Louie Louie" to become the most-recorded song of all time.
At the age of 85, on the 7th January 2025, in Portland, Oregon, USA, of undisclosed causes.
Jim Liddane
Peter Yarrow
Born in New York City, New York, USA, in 1938, Peter Yarrow was a singer-songwriter, founder of the legendary folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary and an International Songwriters Association Hall Of Fame Member.
Peter’s early life was marked by a strong cultural influence, and he grew up in an intellectual household. He showed an interest in music from a young age and attended the High School of Music & Art, followed by Cornell University, where he studied psychology and graduated in 1959. After finishing his education, Yarrow became immersed in the burgeoning folk music scene in New York's Greenwich Village, a hub for artists and activists during the late 1950s and early 1960s. His musical influences included traditional folk artists and contemporaries like Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and the Weavers.
Yarrow’s major breakthrough came when he joined forces with Noel Paul Stookey and Mary Travers to form the iconic folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary in 1961. The group was assembled by Albert Grossman, a prominent music manager of the era. Their eponymous debut album was released in 1962 and was an immediate success, featuring popular songs like "Lemon Tree" and "If I Had a Hammer." Yarrow's songwriting talents shone brightly when he co-wrote "Puff, the Magic Dragon," a song released in 1963 that became synonymous with the group's name and is considered one of the most memorable folk songs of the 20th century.
The story behind the song "Puff, the Magic Dragon" is one of whimsy, nostalgia, and the loss of childhood innocence. Written by Peter with lyrics adapted from a poem by his friend Leonard Lipton, the song tells the tale of a boy named Jackie Paper and his magical dragon friend named Puff, who live in a mythical land called Honalee.
The origins of the song dated back to 1959 when Leonard Lipton, a college student at Cornell University, was inspired by a poem he had read about a dragon. Feeling creative, he sat down at a friend’s typewriter and wrote his own poem about a dragon named Puff. Lipton left the poem at the home of Peter Yarrow, who found it and decided to turn it into a song. Yarrow polished the lyrics and set the words to music, adding a wistful melody that complemented the poignant theme of the poem.
"Puff, the Magic Dragon" was released in 1963 as part of Peter, Paul and Mary’s album Moving. The song became an instant hit and resonated deeply with audiences. Its gentle melody and bittersweet lyrics evoke the magic of childhood imagination and the inevitable passage of time. The narrative focuses on the joyful adventures of Jackie Paper and Puff, who play together in a world of wonder. As Jackie grows older, he loses interest in Puff, symbolizing the end of childhood and the fading of imagination. Puff, heartbroken by Jackie’s absence, retreats to his cave, never to be seen again.
Over the years, the song has been subject to various interpretations. One widespread, yet incorrect, theory suggested that the song was an allegory for drug use, with references to "paper" and "puff" being coded allusions to smoking marijuana. Peter Yarrow and Leonard Lipton have consistently denied this interpretation, emphasizing that the song is simply a tale about the innocence of childhood and the inevitable process of growing up. Yarrow once remarked that the drug theory was "preposterous" and lamented that it overshadowed the song’s true meaning.
Peter, Paul and Mary quickly became not just musical stars but symbols of the social and political upheaval of the 1960s. They were prominent participants in the civil rights movement, performing at the historic March on Washington in 1963 where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. The trio also took part in the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965, using their platform to call for civil rights and social justice. They were vocal critics of the Vietnam War, and their music became a rallying cry for peace. Songs such as "Blowin' in the Wind," written by Bob Dylan but popularized by Peter, Paul and Mary, underscored the group’s commitment to activism through music.
After a decade of success, Peter, Paul and Mary disbanded in 1970, with each member pursuing solo projects. During this period, Yarrow continued to write, produce, and perform music. He co-wrote and produced Mary MacGregor's chart-topping hit "Torn Between Two Lovers" in 1977, which showcased his versatility in genres beyond folk. He also contributed to children’s programming, earning an Emmy nomination for his work on animated specials based on "Puff, the Magic Dragon." Despite his solo endeavours, Yarrow’s heart remained with the causes he championed through music, including environmentalism and human rights.
In 1978, Peter, Paul and Mary reunited to perform at anti-nuclear rallies and benefit concerts. This reunion sparked a renewed interest in their music, and they began touring again, bringing their message of hope and justice to a new generation of listeners. Yarrow's dedication to activism extended into education when he founded Operation Respect in 1999, an organization that promotes anti-bullying and character education programs in schools. The organization’s message, centered around mutual respect and dignity, resonated with Yarrow's lifelong ideals of compassion and empathy.
Peter Yarrow's personal life was not without controversy. In 1970, he was convicted of taking "immoral and improper liberties" with a minor, for which he served a short prison sentence. He was later pardoned by President Jimmy Carter in 1981. Despite this episode, Yarrow continued to be recognized for his contributions to music and social activism, and his work with Operation Respect garnered praise for positively influencing thousands of students across the United States.
Yarrow remained musically active well into his later years, performing solo and with his bandmates until Mary Travers’ death in 2009. The loss of Travers marked the end of an era for the trio, but Yarrow and Stookey continued to perform together occasionally, keeping the spirit of their music alive. Yarrow also published books, including a children’s book adaptation of "Puff, the Magic Dragon," which featured illustrations and further cemented the song’s legacy in American culture.
International Songwriters Association Hall Of Fame Member.
At the age of 86, on the 7th January 2025, in New York City, New York, USA, of bladder cancer.
International Songwriters Association Hall Of Fame Member Obituary, courtesy of Jim Liddane
Ed Askew
Born in in Stamford, Connecticut, USA in 1940, Ed SAskew was an American painter and singer-songwriter renowned for his contributions to the psych-folk genre. In 1963, he moved to New Haven to study painting at the Yale School of Art, where he graduated in 1966. After his graduation, to avoid the draft, he secured a teaching position at a private preparatory school in Connecticut. During this period, he began composing songs and acquired a Martin Tiple, an instrument that became a hallmark of his music.
In 1967, Askew briefly relocated to New York City, where he met Bernard Stollman of ESP-Disk, who offered him a recording contract. This led to the release of his debut album, "Ask The Unicorn," in 1968. Following this, he returned to New Haven, performing both solo and with his band until 1986. In 1987, he moved back to New York City, continuing to write, record, and occasionally perform.
Throughout his career, Askew released eleven albums, including "Little Eyes" in 2005, "Imperfiction" in 2011, and "For The World" in 2013, which featured collaborations with artists like Sharon Van Etten. His final album, "London," was released in 2020.
In addition to his musical endeavours, Askew was a dedicated painter, maintaining a lifelong commitment to visual art alongside his music. His work garnered praise from various music media outlets, with Pitchfork labelling him “a New York legend”.
At the age of 84, on the 4th January 2025, in New York City, New York, USA, of undisclosed causes.
Jim Liddane
Brenton Wood
Born in 1941 in Shreveport, Louisiana, USA, Brenton Wood was a singer and songwriter whose family relocated to San Pedro, California, during his childhood. There he attended San Pedro High School before moving to Compton High School, where he excelled as a track athlete, earning several awards.
After graduating, he enrolled in East Los Angeles College, during which time he adopted the stage name Brenton Wood, possibly inspired by the affluent Los Angeles neighbourhood of Brentwood. Greatly influenced by Sam Cooke, even recording a version of Cooke’s classic “A Change is Gonna Come”, Wood honed his songwriting abilities and became a proficient pianist.
In 1966, Wood he signed with Double Shot Records and the following year, "The Oogum Boogum Song" reached No. 19 on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart and No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100. This was followed by his biggest hit, "Gimme Little Sign," which peaked at No. 9 on the pop chart and No. 19 on the R&B chart, selling over one million copies and earning a gold disc. Another notable track from the same year, "Baby You Got It," also reached No. 34 on the Hot 100.
In the early 1970s, Wood established his own record labels, Prophesy Records and Mr. Woods Records, and in 1972, co-produced and co-wrote the funk-soul track "Sticky Boom " with collaborators George Semper and Al McKay of Earth, Wind & Fire fame. Throughout the 1970s, he continued to release music, including the single "Rainin' Love (You Gotta Feel It)" in 1975 and a rendition of the olf Fleetwoods classic "Come Softly to Me" in 1977.
After a period of relative quiet, Wood returned to the music scene in 1986 with the album "Out of the Woodwork," which featured contemporary re-recordings of his earlier hits alongside new material, including the single "Soothe Me." He remained active in the music industry, releasing the album "This Love Is for Real" in 2001. In 2014, he collaborated with William Pilgrim & The All Grows Up on a remake of "Gimme Little Sign" for their album "Epic Endings", while his first hit, "The Oogum Boogum Song" was featured in a commercial for Kinder Joy products in 2019.
During his career, Brenton Wood released nine studio albums and several compilations along with 24 singles, while his music was featured in numerous films and television shows, including "Almost Famous," "Don't Worry Darling," "Big Little Lies," and "The Umbrella Academy".
In early 2024, he launched what he described as his final tour. The "Catch You On The Rebound" tour (named after one of his early hits), was cancelled mid-way due to illness.
At the age of 83, on the 3rd January 2025, at his home in Moreno Valley, California, USA, of undisclosed causes.
Jim Liddane
Don Nix
Born 1941 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, Don Nix was a musician, songwriter, and producer who started his career as a member of the Mar-Keys who scored a US Top 10 hit in 1961 with "Last Night" and would later provide the backing on records for such acts as Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Wilson Pickett and many more.
Having moved to Los Angeles in 1965, he founded Don Nix & The Alabama State Troopers who released several albums, and also took up record production, working with and writing for such acts as Leon Russell, Gary Lewis & The Playboys and John Mayall.
During this period, he penned "Goin' Down" for Moloch, a tune which would subsequently covered by more than 70 acts including The Rolling Stones, J J Cale, Chicken Shack, Freddie King, John Lee Hooker, Dr Feelgood, Deep Purple, Savoy Brown, the Jeff Beck Group, Bryan Ferry, Fun Lovin' Criminals and the Who.
He also penned "Same Old Blues" (Freddie King, Irma Thomas and others), "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven" (Earl Scruggs and The Earl Scruggs Revue) and "Black Cat Moan" (John Mayall).
Don Nix released nine solo albums, including "In God We Trust" and "Goin' Down: The Songs of Don Nix", and published three books - "Road Stories and Recipes", "Who's That with Don Nix?" and "Memphis Man: Living High, Laying Low".
At the age of 83, on the 1st January 2025, in Germantown, Tennessee, USA, of undisclosed causes.
Jim Liddane
Wayne Osmond
Born on August 28, 1951, in Ogden, Utah, USA, singer-songwriter Wayne Osmond was the fourth of nine children in the Osmond family. Raised in a devout Latter-Day Saints household, Wayne, along with his brothers Alan, Merrill, and Jay, began performing as a barbershop quartet in 1958. Their talent was recognised during a 1961 performance at Disneyland, leading to regular appearances on "The Andy Williams Show" from 1962 to 1969. Wayne also showcased his acting skills in the ABC Western series "The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters" during 1963-1964.
As the Osmonds transitioned to rock music in the 1970s, Wayne's musical versatility became evident. He played multiple instruments, including guitar and drums, and was noted for his perfect pitch. The group's success was highlighted by hits like "One Bad Apple," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, "Yo-Yo", "Down By The Lazy River", "Hold Her Tight", "Crazy Horses", "Goin' Home", "Let Me In", "Love Me for a Reason", "The Proud One", "I'm Still Gonna Need You" and "I Can't Live a Dream". Wayne's contributions (he penned several of their biggest hits), were integral to the band's harmonious sound and dynamic performances.
Wayne faced significant health challenges, including a brain tumor diagnosis in 1997, which led to partial hearing loss, and a stroke in 2012 that affected his ability to play the guitar. Despite these obstacles, he continued to perform with his brothers, with his final intended appearance in October 2018 and a special performance in 2019 for his sister Marie's birthday.
At the age of 73, on the 1st January 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, following a stroke.
Jim Liddane
Chad Morgan
Born 1933 in in Wondai, Queensland, Australia, Chad Morgan was a singer-songwriter whose performance on a talent show of the self-composed "Sheik of Scrubby Creek", resulted in a recording contract, a hit record and a national tour with fellow country act Slim Dusty.
Twenty studio and four live albums followed, accompanied by more then two dozen chart hits including "I'm My Own Grandpa", "Double Decker Blowflies", "There's Life In The Old Dog Yet" and "The Ballad of Bill and Eva", a song which dealt with his own grandparents' aboriginal roots.
Morgan - whose trademark buck teeth became the inspiration for the Barry Humphries comedic character Les Patterson, appeared frequently on television, as well as in such movies as "Newsfront" (1978) and "Dimboola" (1979), retiring from public performance on his 90th birthday.
At the age of 91, on the 1st January 2025, in Gin Gin, Queensland, Australia, of undisclosed causes.
Jim Liddane
Leo Dan
Leopoldo Dante Tévez, known professionally as Leo Dan, was an Argentine singer, composer, and actor born on March 22, 1942, in Villa Atamisqui, Santiago del Estero Province, Argentina.
From a young age, he exhibited a profound interest in music, which led him to pursue formal studies in composition and music theory. His career took off in the early 1960s when he moved to Buenos Aires, where he began recording and performing his own songs.
Leo Dan became a prominent figure in the Nueva Ola (New Wave) movement that swept through Latin America during the 1960s and 1970s. His mellow voice and distinctive interpretative style resonated with audiences, leading to a series of hits that have since become classics in Latin American music.
Among his most celebrated songs are "Celia", "Fanny", "Como Te Extraño, Mi Amor", "Estelita", "Santiago Querido", "Por Un Caminito", "Esa Pared", "Pídeme La Luna" and "Ojos Azules".
His appreciation for Mexican music led him to incorporate mariachi elements into his work, further broadening his appeal across the continent, and he also scored hits in Spain where he lived for several years.
Throughout his career, Leo Dan penned more than 2,000 songs and released more than 80 albums showcasing his versatility across various genres, including Latin pop, bolero, and soft rock. His contributions were recognised in 2012 when he received the Latin Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award, underscoring his influence and legacy in the Latin music industry.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Leo Dan ventured into acting, appearing in films such as "Cómo te extraño" (1966) and "La novela de un joven pobre" (1968), further demonstrating his multifaceted talent.
At the age of 82, on the 1st January 2025, in Miami, Florida, USA, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
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ISA • International Songwriters Association (1967)
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