Sly Stone broke down barriers with his revolutionary sound and inclusive vision, leaving a permanent mark on funk, soul, and beyond.
Browsing: Obituary
Drawn from a 2009 interview, Rick Derringer candidly reckons with how he was perceived, how he saw himself, and how the blues shaped a career that refused to stay in one lane.
Known for his fiery guitar work, soulful vocals, and six-decade career, Walker was a Blues Hall of Fame inductee and a global touring artist whose influence spanned generations.
Grammy-winning soul icon Roberta Flack, known for timeless hits like “Killing Me Softly,” has passed away at 88. A visionary in both music and social activism, Flack’s influential voice and artistry earned her five Grammys and a lasting legacy.
A classically trained musician, he played a key role in shaping the Band’s sound and was known for his mastery of keyboards, organ, and woodwinds. Hudson’s musical legacy includes his work with Bob Dylan and his contributions to timeless tracks like “Chest Fever.” He was honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sam Moore, one half of the influential soul duo Sam & Dave, has passed away at 89. Known for hits like “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” Moore’s distinctive voice and contributions to soul music left a lasting impact on the genre and generations of artists.
Peter Yarrow’s passing leaves Paul Stookey as the only member of Peter, Paul and Mary left alive. The trio’s “Puff the Magic Dragon” in 1963 introduced a mass market to the folk boom that had been primarily the genre of choice for the academic community spearheaded by acts like Dylan, Tom Paxton, and Tom Rush.
To his family, friends, and the local blues communities he was a titan. Robert was the founder and artistic director of The Ealing Blues Festival, the longest running event of its type in London. He was also a self-deprecating “bluesmaster, funkateer, global groover and raconteur.”
His unconventional bass playing style was influenced by his classical music and jazz background, which played a key role in shaping the Dead’s distinctive sound.
Kris belonged to a small group of iconoclastic artists who fought for and won their creative freedom outside of the Nashville establishment that dictated the sound of most country music of the era.
There is a pain and loneliness in several of his songs that many of us can identify with in one way or another. He writes about it in a language we understand.