August 2021 brought us the passing of six more rock legends, including one-half of a celebrated duo, and one of rock and roll’s most iconic drummers.
But the deaths of Don Everly and Charlie Watts were far from the only losses felt by music fans. Some didn’t have the same impact, to be sure, but while the others were not the “stars” in their respective groups, their contributions to songs that will live forever can hardly be discounted.
Dennis Thomas (sax with Kool & The Gang) Aug. 7
Don Everly (Everly Brothers) Aug. 21
Fritz McIntyre (keyboards with Simply Red) Aug. 24
Charlie Watts (drummer with The Rolling Stones) Aug. 24
John Drake (lead singer with The Amboy Dukes) Aug. 29
Ron Bushy (drummer with Iron Butterfly) Aug. 29
Memories … That’s What We’re All About
Play button is on the left … Volume slider is on the right
2021 Music Deaths / Part 5
Kool & The Gang – Everly Brothers
Simply Red – Rolling Stones
Amboy Dukes – Iron Butterfly
I think the point being made with the past few sets is that there are no “minor” players in Rock& Roll as all these players made “major” contributions. I may not know a name but I sure can recognize a great influence. Also, you don’t have to have a long string of hits to influence other musicians.
Thank you, Don. Every single one of these guys played a part in the soundtrack of many lives, and for that, they deserve to be remembered.
You’ve brought us through 2/3 of 2021’s losses so far. I would assume doing these medleys as a lover and historian of all things Music, these tributes feel like a way of giving back. It is a lovely way to enter a new year by remembering those lost to us so we don’t forget! Every person memorialized here contributed to the quilt of our Music History. You included everyone no matter how “big” or “small” and I love that about you!
Thank you, Wendyl ❤️
The “quilt of our Music History” is a wonderful statement! As for the “big” or “small,” if someone played a part in the soundtrack of our lives, they deserve to be included. ❤️
Like Don, I don’t know all the names but know their impact was/is enduring through time …….. Artists today, weather lead singers or working instruments don’t have the greatness that these older people / groups do and that is what will stand the test of time!
Love all that you do to make sure none of them are forgotten!
Stay warm my friend!
Thank you, Penny, for an outstanding comment! Because I am in the “memories business,” I would not be doing my job if I overlooked some of the lesser known names in bands that gave us such wonderful music. ❤️
Oh well, Don Everly, who could ever replace him? And Charlie was the king of it all, could make those drums talk! But all of the others did play a very Intercal part in the different hits that we remember from our earlier years. And they are the things that build memories, with things that happened at the time and the power of association.. Gosh I just love these trips back, so stimulating and to make someone remember where were you? What were you doing? Love it love it!! This was great Ray. Thanks so much
Thank you, Sandy. ❤️
Yep, Don and Charlie were both icons. There was nothing “flashy” about either one of them but they left legacies that are hard to match. As for the other names on today’s list, they were all part of some of the best songs of our generation, so while their names may not be “up in lights,” they surely needed to be remembered.