Rock Star Death Notices - February 2013

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Bryan Carlstrom - photo by Gonzo Sandoval

Bryan Carlstrom
photo by Gonzo Sandoval

Todd Ankrom - Died 12-30-2011 - After performing with his band (Rock) He was 33 years old - Drummer - Was a member of Something Involving A Monkey (They did, “Diva Pizza” and “Enis The Muppet Eating Puppet”) - Worked with Mosquito Bitten Bastard (MBB) and The Family Riot.

Patti Page (Clara Ann Fowler) - The Singin’ Rage - Died 1-1-2013 in Encinitas, CA, U.S. (Pop - Country) Born 11-8-1927 in Claremore, Oklahoma, U.S. - Singer - (She did, “Tennessee Waltz” and “(How Much Is That) Doggie In The Window”) - Worked with The Jimmy Joy Band - Oklahoma Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Andy Banks - Died 1-1-2013 in Heckmondwike - Fell down a drain - He was 49 years old - Played mandolin, banjo, flute and violin - Worked with Eric And The Viaduct and Ship Of Fools.

Jon Fromer (Jonathan Fromer) - Died 1-2-2013 in Mill Valley - Stomach cancer (Folk) Born 5-11-1946 in Chicago, Ill., U.S. - Singer and guitarist - (He did, “No One’s Got Your Back Like Your Woman” and “Still Looking For Freedom”) - Was a member of Jonathan, David And Elbert (They did, “Three Kids”) - Worked with Glen Campbell - Founded The Freedom Song Network.

Senay Yuzbasioglu (Senay Ekiz) - Died 1-4-2013 in Istanbul, Turkey - Respiratory failure (Pop) Born 1951 in Istanbul, Turkey - Singer - (She did, “Sev Kardesim” and “Hayat Beyram Olsa”) - She was married to musician, Serif Yuzbasioglu.

Sammy Johns (Sammy Reginald Johns) - Died 1-4-2013 in Gastonia, N.C., U.S. (Folk Rock) Born 2-7-1946 in Charlotte, N.C., U.S. - Singer, guitarist and songwriter - (He did, “Chevy Van” and wrote Waylon Jennings’, “America”,  John Conlee’s, “Common Man” and Conway Twitty’s, “Desperado Love”) - Was a member of The Devilles.

Freddy E (Frederick Eugene Buhl) - Died 1-5-2013 - Shot himself (Rap) He was 23 years old - (He did, “Ignorance”).

Bart Van den Bossche - Died 1-6-2013 - Traumatic aortic rupture - Born 4-17-1964 in Oostende, Belgium - Singer, guitarist and actor - (He did, “De stad van mijn jeugd” and “k Heb bijna alles”).

Lou Wilson (aka Sweet Lou) (Louis Wilson) - Died 1-7-2013 in California, U.S. - Cardiac arrest (Afro-Funk) He was 71 years old - Played trumpet, flugelhorn, drums and sang - Was a member of Mandrill (They did, “Warning Blues” and “Chutney”).

Tom Ebbert - Died 1-7-2013 - Complications due to Alzheimer’s disease (Jazz - Polka) He was 93 years old - Born in Pittsburgh, PA, U.S. - Trombonist - Worked with The Dukes Of Dixieland.

Kent Abbott - Died 1-7-2013 (Punk) He was 32 years old - Guitarist and singer - Was a member of Grade and Somehow Hollow (They did, “Kamloops”) - Worked with 45 Goodbye.

Liz Lands (Elizabeth Lands) - Died 1-7-2013 (Soul - R&B) Born 1939 in The Georgia Sea Islands - Singer - (She did, “Midnight Johnny” with The Temptations and “One Man’s Poison”).

Sam Pace (Sammie L. Pace) - Died 1-7-2013 in Milwaukee, WI, U.S. - Illness (R&B) Born 9-22-1944 in Kansas City, MO, U.S. - Singer - Was a member of The Esquires (They did, “Get On Up” and “And Get Away”).

Tandyn Almer - Died 1- 8-2013 in McLean, VA, U.S. - Complications of respiratory and cardiac illnesses - Born 7-30-1942 in Hennepin County, Minnesota, U.S. - Musician and songwriter - (He did, “Degeneration Gap”) - (He wrote The Association’s, “Along Comes Mary” and co-wrote, “Sail On Sailor” with Brian Wilson) - Collaborated with Eddie Hodges (The Paper Fortress’, “Butterfly High” and “Sleepy Hollow People”) - His songs have been recorded by The Purple Gang, Eddie Hodges (“Shadows And Reflexions”), The Garden Club, Pleasure and The Beach Boys.

Bill Mills (aka Rusty Chopps) - Died 1-9-2013 in Guerneville, CA, U.S. - Cancer (Blues Rock) He was 62 years old - Born in San Francisco, CA, U.S. - Drummer - Was a member of Amongst Our Tribe (They did, “Bloodstream” and “Lady Luck”) - Worked with The Sonoma County Blues Society, Tommy Miller and Levi Lloyd & The 501 Band.

Frank Page - Died 1-9-2013 - Complications of pneumonia - Broadcaster - Born 7-16-1925 in Malvern, Arkansas, U.S. - Introduced Elvis Presley for his first appearance on The Louisiana Hayride in 1954 - He wrote the book, “Elvis - The Hayride Years 54-56” - Country Music DJ Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Rex Trailer (Rexford Traylor) - Died 1-9-2013 (Country - Western) Born 9-16-1928 in Fort Worth, Texas, U.S. -  Television personality and singer - (He did, “Hoofbeats” and “Cowboys Don’t Cry”) - Led Rex Trailer And The Playboys and Rex Trailer And His Cow Hands - Worked with Bill Haley And His Saddlemates - Hosted TV’s, Boomtown.

Karl Potter - Died 1-9-2013 - Complications of diabetes (Jazz) Born 7-16-1950 - Percussionist - Worked with Alphonso Johnson, Charles Mingus, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, The Isley Brothers, PFM, James Senese, Gigi D’Alessio, Gato Barbieri, Pino Daniele, Antonello Venditti, Lucio Dalla, Riccardo Della Ragione, Edoardo Bennato, Banco del Mutuo Soccorso, Tullio De Piscopo, Lucio Battisti, U.F.J. Project (Urban Funky Jazz Project), Renato Zero and Rosa Martirano.

Trevor Gordon (Trevor Gordon Grunnill) - Died 1-10-2013 (Rock) Born 5-5-1948 in Blackpool, UK - Singer and guitarist - (He did, “House Without Windows” and “And I’ll Be Happy”) - He was a member of The Blue Sect which became the duo, The Marbles with his cousin, Graham Bonnet (They did, “Only One Woman” and “The Walls Fell Down”) and Bonar Law - Worked with The Bee Gees (“Peace Of Mind” and “Wine And Women”).

Claude Nobs - Died 1-10-2013 in Lausanne, Switzerland - After sustaining injuries from a fall while cross country skiing - Born 2-4-1936 in Montreux, Switzerland - Played harmonica - Worked with Chris Rea - Founder and general manager for The Montreux Jazz Festival - He is mentioned on Deep Purple’s, “Smoke On The Water” as Funky Claude.

George Gruntz - Died 1-10-2013 in Basle, Switzerland - Illness (Jazz) Born 6-24-1932 in Basle, Switzerland - Keyboardist - Led The George Gruntz Concert Big Band - Worked with Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Tom Harrell, Marvin Stamm, Phil Woods, Mel Lewis, Don Cherry, Chet Baker, Art Farmer, Johnny Griffin, Charlie Mariano, Seamus Blake and Dexter Gordon - Was an artistic director for The JazzFest Berlin.

John Wilkinson - Died 1-11-2013 in Springfield, MO, U.S. - He was 67 years old - Guitarist and singer - Worked with Elvis Presley, The TCB Band and The New Christy Minstrels.

Murali (aka Khushi Murali) - Died 1-11-2013 in Kakinada, India - Heart attack on a train (Playback) He was 48 years old - Singer - (He did, “kevvu keka” and “Aaduvari Matalaku Ardhale Verule”).

Jimmy O’Neill - Died 1-11-2013 - Born 1-8-1940 in Enid, Okla., U.S. - Television host and DJ - Hosted TV’s Shindig, one of the earliest network TV rock shows with guest such as Leon Russell, Darlene Love, Billy Preston, Jerry Lee Lewis, Sam Cooke, Chuck Berry, Tina Turner, The Everly Brothers, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Little Richard, The Animals, The Ronettes, Donovan, The Yardbirds and The Rolling Stones.

Precious Bryant (Precious Bussey Bryant) - Died 1-12-2013 in Columbus, GA, U.S. - After complications from diabetes and congestive heart failure (Blues) Born 1-4-1942 in Talbot County, Georgia, U.S. - Singer and guitarist - (She did, “I Can’t Stand To See You Go” and “You Can Have My Husband But Please Don’t Mess With My Man”) - Was a member of The Bussey Sisters.

David Wilson - Died 1-13-2013 in Heber Springs, Cleburne County, Arkansas, U.S. - Shot himself - Born 1979 - Ran Dave Wilson Productions - Produced Boom Kinetic, Faun and Zach Gump.

Morten Molster - Died 1-14-2013 - Cardiac arrest (Rock) Born 3-31-1962 - Guitarist - Worked with The September When (They did, “Where You Go I Go” and “Mother, I’ve Been Kissed”).

Ivo Varts - Died 1-15-2013 in Tallin - After falling down stairs (Prog - Punk - Blues) Born 12-1-1961 in Rakvere - Drummer - Worked with Ruja, Kaseke, In Spe, Mahavok, Propeller, Haak, Compromise Blue and Apelsin - Son of clarinetist, Tiit Varts and brother of guitarist, Ain Varts.

Nic Potter - Died 1-17-2013 in London, England (Rock) Born 10-18-1951 in Wiltshire, England - Bassist and guitarist - Worked with The Misunderstood, Van der Graaf Generator (They did, “Killer” and “The Emperor In His War Room”), Colin Scot, Magna Carta, Jeff Beck, The K-Group, Chuck Berry, The Tigers, Rare Bird, Duncan Browne, Steve Swindells and Peter Hammill.

Claude Black - Died 1-17-2013 - Cancer (Jazz) Born 1930 in Detroit, Mich., U.S. - Pianist - Worked with Charlie “Bird” Parker, Stan Getz, Larry Steele, Smiley Farris, Al Grey, Candy Johnson, Dagwood Langford, Calvin Frazier, David “Fathead” Newman, Wes Montgomery, The Murphys and Aretha Franklin.

Craig Lieske - Died 1-19-2013 - Aneurysm (Rock) He was 48 years old - Guitarist - Was a member of Thundercrack and Garbage Island.

A. Rafiq (Ahmad Rafiq) - Died 1-19-2013 - After treatment for diabetes (Dangdut) Born 3-5-1948 in Jakarta, Indonesia - Singer and actor - (He did, “Pandangan Pertama”).

Mehnaz Begum (Mehnaz Tasnim) - Died 1-19-2013 in Bahrain - Illness (Ghazal - Playback) Born 1958 - Singer - Daughter of singer, Kajjan Begum.

Steve Kramer - Died 1-19-2013 in Utah, U.S. (Punk-Polka) Born 1953 - Accordionist, keyboardist, played bongos and sang - Was a member of The Wallets (They did, “Totally Nude” and “((Like A) Zombie”) - Worked with James Chance And The Contortions - Created jingles for Target, Buick and MTV.

Martin Miglioretti (aka Martino) - Died 1-19-2013 - Heart attack - Born 7-23-1954 - Guitarist, painter and graphic designer - Founding member of the Houston Blues Society - Created posters and album covers for musicians for over 30 years.

Bob Engemann (aka Bobby Engemann) (Robert Philip Engemann) - Died 1-20-2013 in Provo, Utah, U.S. - Complications from heart bypass surgery (Pop) Born 1-19-1935 in Highland Park, Michigan, U.S. - Singer - Was a member of The Lettermen (They did, “The Way You Look Tonight” and “When I Fall In Love) - Vocal Group Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Susan Denny (Susan Hight Denny) - Died 1-20-2013 in Silver Spring, Md., U.S. - Illness- She was 84 years old - Actress and singer - Worked with Paul Whiteman and Sigmund Romberg - Appeared on The Don Ameche Show and The Colgate Comedy Hour and in the musicals, Kiss Me Kate and Showboat - She taught voice and musical theater performance at The American University.

Tracy Sugarman (Tracy A. Sugarman) - Died 1-20-2013 - Born 1921 - Illustrator - His works appear on over 100 record covers for Waldorf Music Hall Records and Grand Award Records.

Richard Patt (Richard B. Patt, M.D.) - Died 1-20-2013 - Metastatic lung cancer (Blues) He was 58 years old - Singer and guitarist - Led Dr. Rick & The Burners and Dr. Rick’s Fool’s Paradise - He established The Patt Center For Pain Management.

Paco Strickland (William Strickland) - Died 1-21-2013 in Wilmington, NC, U.S. - Bone marrow cancer (Flamenco) Born 11-15-1952 in Utah, U.S. - Guitarist - Hosted radio’s, Flamenco Cafe.

Milan Opacich - Died 1-21-2013 - Complications of pancreatic cancer - He was 84 years old - Born in Gary, Indiana, U.S. - Luthier and tamburitza player - Worked with The Drina Tamburitza Orchestra - Created and repaired wooden stringed instruments for many musicians including Roy Acuff and Chet Atkins - Tamburitza Association of America Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Chris Caswell - Died 1-21-2013 - Cancer - He was 60 years old - Sang and played harp, tin whistle, Irish flute, highland bagpipes, tar, English concertina, chromatic button accordion, harmonium, tambura, bodhran, congas and Scotch snare and was a harp maker - (He did, “Jenny Plucks Pears” and “Kookookatchoo Mrs. Palin”) - He was half of the duo, Caswell Carnahan - Worked with Robin Williamson And His Merry Band and Myra Joy.

Tony Douglas - Died 1-22-2013 in Athens, Texas, U.S. - Lymphoma (Country) Born 4-12-1929 in Martins Mill, Texas, U.S. - Singer - (He did, “His And Hers” and “My Last Day”) - Led Tony Douglas And The Shrimpers.

Mason Mauldin (Mason Christopher Mauldin) - Died 1-24-2013 in Monroe, Louisiana, U.S. - The plane he was piloting crashed (Rock) Born 1981 - Singer and guitarist - Worked with Sugar & The Raw (They did, “Middle Ground” and “Ruler Of The World”), Big Boots (They did, “Silver Trees”) and Collin vs. Adam.

Brian Bailey - Died 1-27-2013 (Rock - Soul) Born 2-?-1943 in Ilkley - Singer - Worked with The Tarantulas, The Moldy Warp and Five Dollar Shoes.

Bryan Carlstrom - Died 1-26-2013 (Rock - Metal) in Los Angeles, due to illness.  He was 51 -  California based record producer, engineer, mixer, songwriter. Credits include: Alice in Chains, Rob Zombie, The Offspring, Social Distortion, Poe, PIL, Filter, Stabbing Westward, 4 Non-Blondes, Love Spit Love, Anthrax, Billy Idol, Queen, Last Crack and many more. Founded Tranzformer Studios in Burbank, CA

Ann Rabson – Died 1-30-2013, Hartwood, Va (Blues) - Born 4-12-1945, New York.  She was an American blues vocalist, pianist, and guitar player, and a member of Saffire-The Uppity Blues Women and a solo recording artist.  She did “Elevator Man” and “Struttin’ My Stuff”. Worked with Cephas and Wiggins, Pinetop Perkins, Deb Coleman, Steve James, Madcat and Kane, and Ani De Franco.