The Passing of Music Icons - 2016 - A tribute to those who passed

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The Passing of Music Icons - 2016 - A tribute to those who passed

Published: Tuesday, March 21st, 2017 @ 1:21 am
By: Bobby Tony ( More Entries )

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For many years, I have tried to capture my feelings when a music Icon passes. I usually try to write a contemporaneous note and compile them at end of the year. I do this just as a reminder that all things must pass and musicians mark the mood of the times with their music. The Icons for 2016 are listed in groups below. Click on a group or Navigate from page to page at bottom of each section.

George Michael and Leon Russell on this page.
Bobby Vee, Glenn Yarborugh, Pete Fountain, Chips Moman, Guy Clark, Billy Paul,Page 2
Prince, Merle Haggard, Frank Sinatra Jr. Page 3
Keith Emerson, Maurice White, Glenn Frye, David Bowie Page 4

George Michael December 25, 2016

    To a younger generation George Michael and Prince were the poster boys for the changing music scene with George starting his career near the end of Prince's major career. While I was not a fan of either's music, it was perhaps more generational than snobbery, or at least I hope that is the case. Both were talented musicians and performers. It is ironic that they both passed on the same year.

    Details are still sketchy but indications now are that George passed on Christmas day of an apparent heart attack. Below is the official video release of Faith, which was his biggest hit in 1988.

Leon Russell November 13,2016

   Okie, Hippie Extraordinaire and Redneck "Mag Dog" Leon Russell is Dead at 74.
This post is a duplicate of the post that the publisher Stan Deatherage posted on BCN. It is included here as a part of the compilation for the Music Icon series with no additions by me. . This is purely Stan's tribute to Leon who I suspect is still singing this song for Stan and his bride. Bobby Tony   Here is Stan's original post.

   Leon Russell, for my generation, may be one of those forgotten icons that will endure as time marches on. He always will be one of those that I call attention to in my broad memory.  Stan

    Leon Russell died today, November 13, 2016. He was 74, in failing health for years, yet he continued to play his music where ever he was welcome.

    Born Claude Russell Bridges in Lawton, Oklahoma, Leon Russell went from studio musician (i.e Beach Boys), to band member (i.e. Joe Cocker), to recording artist, producing 31 albums, as Leon Russell and Hank Wilson, exploring genres from rock 'n' roll, blues, country, and poignant ballads. As a rocker, Leon Russell, the pianist and vocalist /songwriter, played with John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, Elton John and many others.

    As a recording artist, Leon was such a lion in his formative years making some really great music: "Masquerade", Tight Rope", "Ballad of Mad Dogs and Englishmen", "Lady Blue", "Song for You", "Delta Lady", a great cover of "Wild Horses", etc., etc.

    Leon Russell is one of the acts of my generation that I saw on multiple occasions, and every show was an experience; usually involving an extensive band, a white baby grand piano, and Leon clothed in a white suit, his pre-mature graying hair and beard flowing. These memorable shows gave me everything I wanted and expected, perpetuated my youthful experiences to a near the perpetual youth that I still harbor as an older gentleman, blessed with outstanding fortune of good health.

    Just tonight, upon hearing of the death of Leon, I whipped out my acoustic guitar, and learned one of my favored ballads, "Song for You" (a favorite of mine with my sweet bride). Now, as an older picking novice, I poignantly play the melody, and sadly sing Leon's now prophetic words:

I love you in a place where there's no space or time
I love you for my life you're a friend of mine
And when my life is over
Remember when we were together we were alone
And I was singing this song for you.

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Bobby Tony said:

( January 2nd, 2017 @ 3:05 pm )

You are right about Jimmy Buffett. I think I saw him at the Great Southeastern Music Hall before he became a hit. He managed to take two drinking songs and morph them into a very lucrative business. Having read his autobiography, I don't think he ever took himself too seriously as a musician. He was and is a great businessman. That is not normal for a musician. Another is Robbie Robinson who is great at both. Here is my post on GSEMH 500 seat venue in Atlanta in 70's. Sorry but did you notice how I had to get a plug in for my article ONLY ON BCN.

beaufortcountynow.com

Stan Deatherage said:

( January 2nd, 2017 @ 1:04 pm )

When I was a young hippie taking in many shows, I judged bands on how well they performed in concerts.

Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, James Taylor, the Eagles, the Moody Blues, the Allman Brothers were always great. Alice Cooper and Jimmy Buffett not so great, actually, not very good at all. To me, Jimmy Buffet is just a washed up lounge act that people, who have no concept of good music, love to listen to.

Recently, I just saw Jewel in a small theater in Durham, just her and her guitar. Overall, she was far better than her recordings.

Her voice, her soulful attitude, her commitment to message was remarkable, and it may be one of the best shows I have ever seen, and I saw all of the above great bands when they were in their prime.

Bobby Tony said:

( January 2nd, 2017 @ 11:14 am )

I am in 100% agreement.

Here is my question. Is professionalism the result of a competent live performance or it a mimic of an artificial creation of a studio performance with creative mixing, multiple takes, and finally a digitally enhanced FAKE PERFORMANCE. I much preferred the actual live performance of a small venue and a stage with live performers. Even concert performances are mostly live with ample help from technology. In early TV I could see the need for Lip Sync as the music was usually created with studio musicians that were not available for American Bandstand etc. But for a National New Years Eve show, give me a break.

So in the final analysis, professionalism is in the quality of the performance and not the technology itself. Do you think I may be going just a bit overboard on this?

Stan Deatherage said:

( January 2nd, 2017 @ 11:08 am )

(You) Said: ( Jan 2, 2017 @ 11:08 am )
I am not a big fan of today's music, and it could be that I have been exposed to much better music from our generation, my rudimentary understanding of how to create music from scratch, or my knowledge of classical music of many genres from over the last few centuries. And, from this perspective, today's popular music is abysmal, too stylized and very short on musical originality: from country music to rap, it is mostly not very good.

There are some great musicians today, but they are not so stylized, and, therefore, not so popular.

Mariah Carey v. Jewel: No contest here - Jewel is far more talented, more soulful, better singer, writes better music, and offers far more to our society in so many ways.

Bobby Tony said:

( October 31st, 2016 @ 7:49 pm )

Well, in 1961-62 most of the girls were good gate keepers. Since pantyhose was not yet a big fashion fad, the goal was just to do some reconnaissance around the garter belt. However, with a stereo player and the 1958 album Johnny Mathis's Greatest hits a fellow could dream.

And I say to myself
"It's wonderful, wonderful
Oh, so wonderful, my love"

Stan Deatherage said:

( October 31st, 2016 @ 7:28 pm )

Yeah, I remember Bobby V., but when I was at the "make-out age", Bobby Vee had seen his best days.

Bobby Tony said:

( October 28th, 2016 @ 9:15 pm )

I did not include this link in the article about Bobby Vee, but for those who want to know more about his life here is a nine minute video interview with him.

beaufortcountynow.com

Bobby Tony said:

( August 28th, 2016 @ 6:05 am )

I do remember that movie. Steve was a real social misfit who often played the anti hero, a role that matched his character. He was a anti-authority rebel in real life as well as movie rolls. Of course my favorite McQeeen movie was Bullitt mainly due to the car chase.

Stan Deatherage said:

( August 27th, 2016 @ 8:12 pm )

Hey, B.T.: Do you remember this movie: beaufortcountynow.com

Lee Remick and Steve McQueen both succumbed to cancer. Lee Remick was so sweet and Steve McQueen was an inigma of grand proportions.

Bobby Tony said:

( August 27th, 2016 @ 7:47 am )

I did not include this in the article but put it here in the comment section to illustrate the purity of Glenn's voice. The song is not a bad lesson either.

beaufortcountynow.com

Bobby Tony said:

( August 7th, 2016 @ 5:56 pm )

I was never an avid Basketball fan, but I did follow Pistol Pete just because of his Atlanta connection. It was a shame his knees could not hold up and amazing that he was able to play with an undiagnosed heart condition. It just goes to show how much you can accomplish through sheer effort and perseverance.

Stan Deatherage said:

( August 7th, 2016 @ 5:45 pm )

Yeah, and don't forget Pete Maravich, who went to LSU, and I think played for the old Jazz. Nobody ever talks about Pete anymore. What a natural talent back when White boys played sports like basketball.

Pete would be a big star now.

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