As this year draws to a close, I find myself thinking about the devastating loss we have suffered. So many incredible musicians have left the stage and their loss will have an effect for many years to come. I will list them in no particular order, for we all have varying music tastes and I don't want to imply that one artist should be favoured above another. They are Rock Stars, Rappers and Vocalists and they all will be missed.
If a favourite artist of yours is not on this list, it is not that I don't value them but rather that they don't fall into my limited music taste.
Fats Domino
February 26, 1928 – October 24, 2017
He will always hold a special place in my heart. I remember sing to "Blueberry Hill" at an early age. Ain't that a Shame and Shake, Rattle and Roll had many other artists cover them.
Gordon Downie
February 6, 1964 – October 17, 2017Poet, lyricist and lead singer of Tragically Hip died too soon from a brain tumour at 53.
Tom Petty
(October 20, 1950 – October 2, 2017)A major figure in the pop industry, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were influential. Tom had many solo hits. A favourite of mine is "Free Falling". He was a founding member of the Travelling Wilburys. I wrote and earlier post on this musical icon.
https://steemit.com/music/@petruska13/tom-petty-a-cultural-icon-sadly-passed-away-aged-66
Walter Becker
February 20, 1950 – September 3, 2017Guitarist, bassist and co-founder of Steely Dan. Pretzel Logic, their first album that featured Walter on guitar
Here we are in October 2017. I am still reeling from the loss of George Michael, David Bowie and Prince. We have gone through a period where we can can honestly say that for some of us the music has died. I sometimes think that we have a window period between 14 and 30 and that the music we listen to, sing to and dance to, determines our music taste for the rest of our lives. Being a baby boomer, I have been influenced mainly by the music of the 60's 70's and 80's and to some extent by the music of the late 50's. I don't don't think this is set in stone and may vary from individual to individual according to their interests.
I have always loved the raw sound of soul Charles Bradley epitomised that for me.
Charles Bradley
November 5, 1948 – September 23, 2017
It is sobering to think that the most common causes of death for these singers is cancer and heart disease, a true reflection of what plagues our society.
We lost two members of the Allman Brother's band.
Gregg Allman
December 8, 1947 – May 27, 2017Butch Trucks
May 11, 1947 – January 24, 2017Seven Turns
Geoff Nicholls
28 February 1948 – 28 January 2017. Black Sabbath Key Board player was 68 when he died after a long battle with lung cancer.
The Jazz music genre saw the loss of two great artists,
Al Jarreau
March 12, 1940 – February 12, 2017 One of the best jazz singers of all time. His most famous song arguably being, "We're in this love together".Larry Coryell
April 2, 1943 – February 19, 2017. An American jazz guitarist known as the "Godfather of Fusion"Al Jarreau
Image Source
Larry Coryell
Image Source
We're in this love together
Who has not heard of Chuck Berry, a pioneer of Rock and Roll. He received numerous music awards. I always remember him singing "Johnny B. Goode" and his fancy footwork on stage.
Chuck Berry
October 18, 1926 – March 18, 2017
Last but definitely not least on my list is country singer Don Williams, inducted into music Hall of Fame, this gentle giant with his smooth voice sang his way into my heart.
Don Williams
May 27, 1939 – September 8, 2017
What would the world be without music? We will miss them.