Category: Notable Obituaries

Gone too soon, George Michael.

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George Michael was one of the most successful modern pop stars in the world. Billboard magazine ranked Michael the 40th most successful artist of All Time. I wasn’t a big fan in his Wham! days, but damn the man could sing a ballad like no one else, short of Freddie Mercury. It seemed that when Queen performed again in tribute to Freddie in 1992, George was the only one worthy to sing “Somebody To Love,” and make it a hit all over again.

https://youtu.be/yPJiuqp1LS4

While he produced indelible music with Faith and Listen Without Prejudice Vol.1 his personal life and frequent drug convictions overshadowed his future. On 25 December 2016, Michael died at Goring, Oxfordshire, England. His publicist stated that he had “passed away peacefully at home” He was only 53.

ELP Christmas tribute

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With the passing of Keith Emerson (71)  last March and Greg Lake (69) last week, it punctuates the end of legendary prog band Emerson Lake and Palmer. Emerson was one of the greatest keyboardists of his generation, and Carl Palmer wrote in a recent statement; “Greg’s soaring voice and skill as a musician will be remembered by all who knew his music and recordings he made with ELP and King Crimson. I have fond memories of those great years we had in the 1970s and many memorable shows we performed together. Having lost Keith this year as well has made this particularly hard for all of us. As Greg sang at the end of Pictures at an Exhibition, ‘death is life.’ His music can now live forever in the hearts of all who loved him.”

Below is the timeless holiday song “I Believe in Father Christmas” by Greg Lake
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lqwqknq7nuI

Don Ciccone passes away

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Don Ciccone, a singer-songwriter who was a member of the Four Seasons, the Shondells, and the Critters, died Saturday at 70 years old. Born in New Jersey, Ciccone was a founding member of the Critters, who had minor hits in the 1960s and helped the American front hold its own during the British Invasion years. Their “Mr. Dieingly Sad,” written by Ciccone, and “Younger Girl” both made their way to the Billboard charts. After serving in the Vietnam war, he was tapped by Frankie Valli to join the Four Seasons, where he played guitar and bass. He also contributed lead vocals to songs including “December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” and “Rhapsody.”

“Mr. Dieingly Sad” is one of my favorite nuggets from the post British Invasion era, full of lush harmonies, soft melodic vocals and I was proud to review The Critters last album. Thanks for the memories Don, you will be missed.

Dearly beloved…

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We are gathered here today to get through this thing called life. Those words opened the iconic Purple Rain LP. Prince (Rogers Nelson) likely the most influential musician of the 1980s died Thursday at his Paisley Park studios and estate in Minnesota. He was 57. Prince’s irreverent attitude and antics were the stuff of legend. During disputes with Warner Bros. over a multi-million dollar contract in the 1990s, he frequently appeared with the word “slave” written on his forehead. In recent years, the artist and the entertainment giant had mended bridges and begun working together again. It’s a shame he had to go, he was too young.