Obituary News

Blossom Dearie

Source: Rifftides by Doug Ramsey
February 10, 2009

When Blossom Dearie died at 82 over the weekend, we lost a brilliant musician whose subtle artistry and private nature conspired to limit her popularity. There was nothing about her “teacup voice," as Whitney Balliett described it, or her sophisticated harmonic sense at the piano that could have led to mass adoration. Nonetheless, for decades she was idolized by a substantial base of listeners charmed by her singing and of musicians who admired her integration of vocal performance with self-accompaniment. ...

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Blossom Dearie a Songwriters Singer Passes

Source: Michael Ricci
February 9, 2009

Blossom Dearie saw herself as a songwriters singer, performing tunes by the great Broadway and Hollywood teams and newer talents like Dave Frishberg.

The singer and songwriter whose sweet soprano voice, harmonically innovative piano stylings and sophisticated performances made her a popular attraction in jazz and cabaret for nearly half a century, Blossom Dearie has died. She was 82.

Dearie died Saturday morning at her home in New York City, her manager Donald Schaffer told The Times. He said she ...

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Tenor Saxophonist David Young R.I.P.

Source: Night Lights Classic Jazz
February 8, 2009

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Tom Brumley Steel Guitarist for Buck Owens and Rick Nelson Dies

Source: Michael Ricci
February 6, 2009

Steel guitarist Tom Brumley, known as a perfectionist with an instantly recognizable sound, also spent 10 years in Rick Nelsons band.

Tom Brumley, a legendary steel guitarist who contributed to the “Bakersfield sound" of Buck Owens and the Buckaroos in the 1960s before spending 10 years performing with Rick Nelson, has died. He was 73. Brumley died Tuesday at Northeast Baptist Hospital in San Antonio, eight days after suffering a heart attack, said his wife, Rolene Brumley.

During his years ...

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Remembering Drummer Dewey Martin

Source: Michael Ricci
February 6, 2009

Dewey Martin, drummer for the short-lived but long-resonating rock band Buffalo Springfield whose career after the group split never ignited like those of his former band mates Neil Young and Stephen Stills, has died. He was 68.

He was found dead Sunday by a roommate in his Van Nuys apartment, longtime friend Lisa Lenes said Thursday. The cause of death has not been determined. “We believe it was natural causes," Lenes said, adding that he had suffered health problems in ...

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Buffalo Springfield Drummer Dewey Martin Passes Away

Source: All About Jazz
February 5, 2009

Buffalo Springfield drummer Dewey Martin died January 31st of unknown causes. He was 68. Born Walter Milton Dwayne Midkiff, Martin cut his teeth in Nashville, playing with Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison and the Everly Brothers.

He moved to L.A. in the mid-1960s and learned that a fledgling band was looking for a new drummer. The groups guitarist, Neil Young, was highly impressed by Martin during his audition in 1966. He was a sensitive drummer, Young says in his biography Shakey. ...

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Milton Parker Carnegie Deli Partner Dies

Source: Michael Ricci
February 5, 2009

Milton Parker, who brought long lines and renown to the Carnegie Deli in Manhattan with towering pastrami sandwiches and a voluble partner who kibitzed with common folk and celebrities alike, died in Queens on Friday. He was 90 and lived in Manhattan.

Mr. Parker was primarily the back-room planner who brought taam a Yiddish word suggesting great flavor and quality to the pastrami, corned beef, brisket and tongue; the cheesecake and matzo balls; the soups and the pickles that placed ...

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Buddy Holly 50th the Day Music Didn't Die

Source: All About Jazz
February 3, 2009

Sorry, Don McLean, but the music didnt die 50 years later, Buddy Hollys songs still alive in tunes we hear today.

Buddy Holly was the James Dean of his generation. But whereas Dean who died at 24 in a car crash in California was celebrated for his brooding screen presence, it was Hollys earnestness that defined him. At another time in history, he would have been called a nerd. The wreckage of a single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza was scattered ...

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