Charles Wesley - Died 3-29-1788 in London, England ( Gospel ) Born 12-18-1707 in Epworth, Lincolnshire, England - Organist and composer - (Wrote lyrics for, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "Christ The Lord Is Risen Today") - Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1800

William Billings - Died 9-26-1800 in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. ( Psalms - Hymns - Military Songs ) Born 10-7-1746 in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. - Composer and singer - (He wrote, "Chester") - Inventor of fuguing songs - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1843

Francis Scott Key - Died 1-11-1843 in Baltimore, MD, U.S. - Born 8-1-1779 in Frederick, MD, U.S. - He set lyrics to an English drinking song called, "The Anacreontic Song" with it first being called "The Defence Of Fort McHenry" but later became known as "The Star Spangled Banner" which  became the United States national anthem in 1931 - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1848

Oliver Shaw - Died 12-31-1848 in Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. - Born 2-13-1779 in Newport, Rhode Island, U.S. - Composer and musician - (He wrote, "There's Nothing True But Heaven" and "The Bird Let Loose") - Rhode Island Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1864

Stephen Foster (Stephen Collins Foster) - Died 1-13-1864 - After striking his head during a fall ( Folk - Pop ) Born 7-4-1826 in Lawrenceville, PA, U.S. - Singer and composer - (He wrote, "Oh! Susanna", "Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair" and "Camptown Races").

1869

Louis Moreau Gottschalk - Died 12-18-1869 in Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Possibly of Yellow fever - Born 5-8-1829 in New Orleans, LA, U.S.  - Pianist and composer - (He wrote, "Bamboula" and "Morte") - His works, although classical, reflect a blend of African and Caribbean styling with some saying the earliest hints of jazz.

1875

Asa B. Everett (Asa Brooks Everett) - Died 9-?-1875 near Nashville, TN, U.S. ( Gospel ) Born 9-?-1828 in Virginia, U.S. - (He wrote, "Knocking At The Door" and "Come Unto Me") - Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1876

P. P. Bliss (Philip Paul Bliss) - Died 12-29-1876 - A trestle fractured and the train he was in plunged 70 feet ( Gospel ) Born 7-9-1838 - Composer - (He wrote, "Hold The Fort" and "Almost Persuaded").

1879

Edouard-Leon Scott de Martinville - Died 4-26-1879 - Born 4-25-1817 - Inventor of earliest sound recording device, the phonautograph - This device recorded someone singing, "Au Clair de la Lune" from 1860 which is  the earliest known recording of a human voice and the earliest known recording of music although it was not able to play back what it recorded - Using the help of a computer the song was played back for the first time in 2008.

1884

Henry Clay Work - Died 6-8-1884 in Hartford, Connecticut, U.S. - Born 10-1-1832 in Middletown, Connecticut, U.S. - Songwriter - (He composed, "My Grandfather's Clock" and "The Ship That Never Returned") - His home was a stop on the Underground Railroad helping the escape of several thousand slaves - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1892

Patrick S. Gilmore (Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore) - Died 9-24-1892 in St. Louis, MO - Born 12-25-1829 in Ballygar, County Galway, Ireland - Composer, bandmaster and cornet player - (Wrote the lyrics for, "When Johnny Comes Marching Home") -  Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1893

J.S. Pierpont (James Lord Pierpont) - Died 8-5-1893 in Winter Haven, FL, U.S. - Born 4-25-1822 in Medford, MA, U.S. - Organist and music director - (He wrote, "Jingle Bells" and "Kitty Crowe") - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1894

Adolph Sax (Antoine Joseph Sax) Died 2-4-1894 in Paris, France - Born 11-6-1814 in Dinant, Belgium - Inventor of the saxophone.

1895

George F. Root (George Frederick Root) (aka G. Friedrich Wurzel) - Died 8-6-1895 in Bailey Island, ME, U.S. - Born 8-30-1820 in Sheffield, MA, U.S. - Played flute and organ and was a songwriter - (He wrote, "Rosalie The Prairie Flower" and "The First Gun Is Fired") -  Collaborated with Rev. David Nelson, Mary S. B. Dana and Frances Jane Crosby - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Samuel Francis Smith - Died 11-16-1895 in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. ( Hymns ) - Born 10-21-1808 in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. - Composer - (He wrote, "America" and "The Morning Light Is Breaking") - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1896

Francis J. Child (Francis James Child)  - Died 9-11-1896 ( Folklorist ) Born 2-1-1825 in Boston, MA, U.S. - He edited the five volume series, "The English And Scottish Popular Ballads".

1899

Robert Lowry - Died 11-25-1899 in Plainfield, NJ, U.S. ( Gospel - Hymns ) Born 3-12-1826 in Philadelphia, PA, U.S. - Composer - (He wrote, "Where Is My Boy Tonight?" and co-wrote, "I Need Thee Every Hour") - His songs have been sung by Michael Bruce, Graham Kendrick, Doris Day, Jimmie Davis and The Forbes Family - He set to music many of Fanny Jane Crosby's poems.

1902

Septimus Winner (aka Alice Hawthorne) - Died 11-22-1902 ( Composer ) Born 5-11-1827 - (He wrote, "Whispering Hope" and many children's songs including, "Ten Little Injuns" and "Listen To The Mocking Bird") - His songs have been recorded by Lester Flatt, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Hank Snow, Jim Reeves and Pat Boone.

1903

Samuel A. Ward (Samuel Augustus Ward) - Died 9-28-1903 in Newark, NJ, U.S. - Born 12-28-1847 in Newark, NJ, U.S. - Organist and composer - (He wrote, "Materna" for which Katharine Lee Bates' lyrics where used with the song becoming, "America The Beautiful") -  Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Hart P. Danks (Hart Pease Danks) - Died  11- 20-1903 in Philadelphia, PA, U.S. - Born 4- 6-1834 in New Haven, CT, U.S. - Composer and choirmaster - (He wrote, "Lake Street" and "Don’t Be Angry With Me, Darling") - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Jules Levy - Died 11-28-1903 in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. - Born 4-24-1838 in London, England - Cornetist and composer - (He did, "Una Voce" and "Whirlwind Polka") - Worked with Patrick Gilmore - Father of cornetist and trumpeter, Jules Levy Jr.

1904

Dan Emmett (Daniel Decatur Emmett) - Died 6-28-1904 in Mount Vernon, Ohio, U.S. - Born 10-29-1815 in Mount Vernon, Ohio, U.S. - Was a singer and composer and played banjo and fiddle - (He is credited with writing, "Dixie" and "Turkey In The Straw" although both songs' authorship is contested) - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1905

Meyer Duque Estrada (Paulo Augusto Duque Estrada Meyer) - Died 4-24-1905 ( Latin - Choro ) Born 2-15-1848 - Flutist - Was a director of the Filarmonica do Rio de Janeiro.

1906

Charles Hunter (Charles H. Hunter) - Died 1-23-1906 - Tuberculosis ( Ragtime ) Born 5-16-1876 in Columbia, TN, U.S. - Composer - (He wrote, "Tickled To Death" and "Possum And Taters").

Paul Dresser (Johann Paul Dreiser Jr.) - Died 1-30-1906 in New York, NY, U.S. - Born 4-21-1859 in Terre Haute, Indiana, U.S. - Composer and singer - (He wrote, "On The Banks Of The Wabash" and "The Curse Of The Dreamer") - Worked with The Billy Rice Minstrels - Co-founder of the music publishing firm, Howley, Haviland & Dresser -  Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1907

Patapio Silva - Died 4-24-1907 ( Latin ) Born 10-22-1881 - Played flute and was a songwriter - (He did, "Margarida" and "Primeiro Amor").

Will S. Hays (William Shakespeare Hays) - Died 7-23-1907 in Louisville, KY, U.S. ( Country ) Born 7-19-1837 in Louisville, KY, U.S. - (He wrote, "Evangeline" and "Mollie Darling") - His songs have been recorded by Hank Snow, Eddy Arnold and The Sons Of The Pioneers.

1908

Louis Chauvin - King of the Ragtime Players - Died 3-26-1908 in Chicago, IL, U.S. - Neurosyphilitic sclerosis ( Ragtime ) Born 3-13-1881  in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. - Pianist and composer - (He co-wrote, "Heliotrope Bouquet" with Scott Joplin and "The Moon Is Shining In The Skies" with Sam Patterson).

Blind Tom (aka Thomas Wiggins) (Thomas Greene Bethune) - Died 6-13-1908 in Hoboken, NJ, U.S. - Stroke - Born 5-25-1849 in Harris County, GA, U.S. - Pianist and songwriter  - (He composed, "Battle Of Manassas" and "Virginia Polka").

Ira D. Sankey (Ira David Sankey) (aka Rian A. Dykes) - Died 8-13-1908 in Brooklyn, NY, U.S. ( Gospel ) Born 8-28-1840 in Edinburgh, PA, U.S. - Singer - (Wrote, "The Ninety and Nine" and "Hiding In Thee") - Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1909

Ernest Hogan (Ernest Reuben Crowders) - Father Of Ragtime - Died 5-20-1909 - Tuberculosis ( Ragtime ) Born 4-17-1865 in Bowling Green, KY, U.S. - (He wrote, "La Pas Ma La") - Produce and stared in Broadway's, The Oyster Man.

Francisco Tarrega - Died 12-15-1909 in Barcelona, Spain ( Composer ) Born 11-21-1852 in Villarreal, Castellón - Guitarist -  (He wrote, "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" and "Adelita") - His songs have been recorded by Chet Atkins and Mike Oldfield.

1910

 John Yorke Atlee - Died 4-1-1910  in Charleston, SC, U.S. ( Vaudeville - Music Hall ) Born 1842 in Detroit, MI, U.S. - Sang and whistled - Recorded cylinders for The Columbia Phonograph Company.

William Sydney Porter (aka O Henry) - Died 6-5-1910 in New York City, NY, U.S. - Born 9-11-1862 in Greensboro, NC, U.S. - Played guitar and mandolin and was a writer and singer - Was a member of The Hill City Quartet - Founder of the humor weekly, The Rolling Stone - He was a writer of short stories which included, The Gift Of The Magi and The Ransom Of Red Chief.

Julia Ward Howe - Died 10-17-1910 in South Portsmouth, RI, U.S. - Born 5-26-1819 in New York, NY, U.S. - (She wrote, "Battle Hymn Of The Republic") - National Women's Hall Of Fame Inductee and Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1911

George Walker - Died 1911 - Syphilis? ( Pop - Ragtime ) Singer and songwriter (He did, "Good Morning, Carrie" with Bert Williams).

Paul Sarebresole - Died 10-3-1911 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. ( Ragtime ) Born 5-?-1875 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - (He wrote, "Roustabout Rag " and "Get Your Habits On").

Karl Hoschna - Died 12-22-1911  in New York, NY, U.S. ( Pop ) Born 8-16-1877 in Kuschwarda, Bohemia  - Songwriter (He co-wrote, "Cuddle Up A Little Closer") Worked with Otto Harbach.

1912

Wallace Hartley - Died 4-14-1912 - Drowned or froze - Born 6-2-1878 in Lancashire, England - He was the band leader on the Titanic as it sunk, with the band supposedly playing "Nearer  My God, To Thee" as it did.

Frantisek Kmoch - Died 4-30-1912 in Kolin, Czechoslovakia (at the time Austro-Hungary) ( Brass Music - Pop ) Born 8-1-1848 in Zasmuky u Kolina, Czechoslovakia (at the time Austro-Hungary) - Composer and orchestra leader - (He wrote, "Koline, Koline", "Jarabacek" and "Andulko safarova").

1914

George W. Johnson - Died 1-23-1914 ( Novelty ) Born 10-?-1846 - Singer and whistler - (He did, "The Laughing Song" and "The Mocking Bird") - Worked with Len Spencer and Billy Williams.

Len Spencer - Died 12-15-1914 in New York, NY, U.S. ( Novelty - Tin Pan Alley ) Born 1-12-1867 in Washington, D.C., U.S. - Worked with Ada Jones and George W. Johnson.

1915

Augusto Dias - Died 2-5-1915 in Honolulu, Hawaii - Born 10-3-1842 in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal - Sang and played guitar and ukulele and was a guitar and furniture maker - Performed for King David Kalakaua - Ukulele Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Fanny Crosby (Frances Jane Crosby) - Died 2-12-1915 in Bridgeport, CN, U.S. ( Hymnist - Poet ) Born 3-24-1820 in Putnam County, NY, U.S. - (She Co-wrote, "Safe In The Arms Of Jesus" and "Blessed Assurance") - Many of her poems were set to music by Robert Lowry .

Joe Hill (Joel Emmanuel Haaglund) (aka Joseph Hillstrom) - Died 11-19-1915 in Salt Lake City, UT, U.S. - Executed by firing squad over the objections of many people including President Woodrow Wilson ( Folk ) Born 1-7-1879 in Gavle, Sweden - Singer, songwriter, guitarist and pianist - (He wrote, "The Rebel Girl" and "Down In The Old Dark Mills").

1916

Mildred Hill (Mildred Jane Hill) - Died 6-5-1916 in Chicago, IL, U.S. ( Composer ) Born 6-27-1859 in Louisville, KY, U.S. - She was a co-writer of, "Happy Birthday To You" (The song most of you sing at someone's birthday party) - Originally titled, "Good Morning To All", the words to the song were changed without the composers permission, which was later proved in court - Royalties are still paid whenever the song is played commercially.

Julius Fucik (Julius Ernst Wilhelm Fucik) - The Bohemian Sousa - Died 9-15-1916 in Berlin, Germany - Illness - Born 7-18-1872 in Prague, Austro-Hungary ( Pop - Brass ) played bassoon and violin - (Wrote, "Entry Of The Gladiators") - Composed over 300 marches, polkas and waltzes.

1917

Scott Joplin - Died 4-1-1917 New York, NY, U.S. ( Ragtime ) Born between June 1867 and mid-January 1868 in Texas, U.S. - Pianist - (He composed, "The Entertainer" and "Maple Leaf Rag") - Was the leader of The Texas Medley Quartet - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Paul Rubens (Paul Alfred Rubens) - Died 2-25-1917 in Falmouth, Cornwall, England ( Musicals ) - Born 4-29-1875 in London, England - Songwriter - Wrote music for a production of Alice In Wonderland with collaboration from Lewis Carroll - He also wrote music for The Shop Girl, Dandy Dan The Lifeguardsman and San Toy.

1918

Orville Gibson (Orville H. Gibson) - Died 8-21-1918 in Ogdensburg, NY, U.S. - Chronic endocarditis - Born 1856 near Chateaugay, NY, U.S. - Founder of Gibson Guitars.

1919

James Reese Europe - Died 5-19-1919 in Boston, MA, U.S. - Stabbed in the neck by a band member ( Big Band ) Born 2-22-1881 in Mobile, AL, U.S. - Conductor for James Reese Europe's 369th U.S. Infantry "Hell Fighters" Band (They did, "On Patrol In No Man's Land" and "Jazz Baby").

1920

Billy Marrero - Died 1920 ( Jazz ) Born 1874 - Played string bass - Father of bass player Eddie Marrero.

Charles Alexander (Charles McCallon Alexander) - Died 10-13-1920 in Birmingham, England ( Gospel ) Born 10-24-1867 in Meadow, TN, U.S. - Singer and song leader - Traveled with evangelists, R.A. Torrey and J. Wilbur Chapman - Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Bernie "Sugar" Wilson - Died 192? - Murdered ( Blues ) Mandolinist - Worked with his half brother, singer and guitarist Sonny Boy Nelson.

1921

Tony Jackson (Anthony Jackson) (Antonio Jackson) - Died 4-20-1921 in Chicago, IL, U.S. - Syphilis ( Blues - Ragtime ) Born 6-5-1876 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Sang and played piano - (He wrote, "The Naked Dance" and co-wrote, "Pretty Baby") - Worked with The Whitman Sisters.

1922

Bert Williams - Died 3-4-1922 in New York, NY, U.S. ( Pop - Ragtime ) Born 11-12-1874 in Nassau, Bahamas - Singer and songwriter (He did,"Good Morning, Carrie" with George Walker, "Nobody" and "When The Moon Shines On The Moon Shine").

Ada Jones - Died 5-22-1922 in Rocky Mount, NC, U.S. ( Ragtime - Pop - Ballards ) Born 6-1-1873 in Oldham, Lancashire, England - Singer - (She sang, "Cross My Heart And Hope To Die" and "I Just Can't Make My Eyes Behave") - Worked with Walter Van Brunt and Len Spencer.

Manuel Nunes - Died 7-9-1922 in Honolulu, Hawaii - Born 7-14-1843, in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal - Considered to be the inventor of the ukulele - Manufactured and help popularize the ukulele - Ukulele Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Tom Turpin (Thomas Million Turpin) - Father of St. Louis Ragtime - Died 8-13-1922 in St. Louis, MO, U.S. ( Ragtime ) Born 11-18-1871 or possibly 1873 in Savannah, GA, U.S. - Played piano - (He wrote, "Harlem Rag" and "Bowery Buck").

1923

B.C. Unseld (Benjamin Carl Unseld) - Died 1923- Born 10-18-1843 - Music teacher, singer, composer, and publisher - (Co-wrote, "Twilight Is Stealing") - Editor of The Musical Visitor - Worked for The Biglow & Main Company, The Fillmore Music House and The Lorenz Publishing Company -  Southern Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1924

Louis Hirsch (Louis Achille Hirsch) - Died 5-13-1924 in New York, NY, U.S. - Pneumonia ( Tin Pan Alley ) Born 11-28-1887 in New York, NY, U.S. - Composer and pianist - (He wrote, "Gaby Glide" and "Come Dance With Me") - Co-founder of The ASCAP.

Victor Herbert - Died 5-26-1924 in New York, NY, U.S. - Coronary arrest - Born 2-1-1859 in Dublin, Ireland - Played piano, cello, flute and piccolo and was a composer - (He wrote, "Babes In Toyland" and "Naughty Marietta") - He was a founder of The American Society Of Composers, Authors And Publishers -  Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

A.J. Showalter (Anthony Johnson Showalter) - Died 11-16-1924 in Chattanooga, TN, U.S. - Born 5-1-1858 in Cherry Grove, VA, U.S. - (Co-wrote, "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms") - Southern Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1925

Emmett Hardy (Emmett Louis Hardy) - Died 6-16-1925 in Gretna, New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Tuberculosis ( Jazz ) Born 6-12-1903 in Gretna, LA, U.S. - Cornet and banjo player - Was a member of The New Orleans Rhythm Kings - Worked with Papa Laine's Band and Norman Brownlee's Orchestra.

Edna Hicks (Edna Landreaux) - Died 8-16-1925 in Chicago, IL, U.S. - Burned in domestic accident ( Blues ) Born 10-14-1895 in  New Orleans, La, U.S. - Singer and musician - (She did, "Hard Luck Blues" and "Poor Me Blues") - Half sister of singer, Lizzie Miles.

1926

Hersal Thomas - Died 7-3-1926 in Detroit, MI, U.S. - Food poisoning ( Blues ) Born circa 1909 in Houston, TX, U.S. - Pianist and composer - (He did, "Suitcase Blues") - Worked with his sister Sippie Wallace and with Hociel Thomas, Lilian Miller, Sodarisa Miller and Louis Armstrong .

1927

Ragbaby Stephens (aka Ragbaby Stevens) (Joseph Stephens Sr.) - Died 1927 ( Dixieland - Jazz ) Born 1-?-1887 - Drummer - Worked with Papa Jack Laine's Reliance band, Alcide Nunez and Bert Kelly.

Bud Aiken (Gene Aiken) - Died 8-21-1927 ( Jazz ) Played trumpet and trombone - Worked with Perry Bradford's Jazz Phools - Brother of trumpeter, Gus Aiken.

Blind Boone (J.W. Boone) (John William Boone ) - Died 10-4-1927 - Heart attack ( Ragtime ) Born 5-17-1864 in a federal Army camp near Saline County, Miami, MO, U.S. - Played piano and  harmonica.

Louis Cottrell Sr. - Died 10-17-1927 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. ( Jazz - Blues ) Born 12-25-1878 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Played clarinet and drums - Worked with Sweet Emma Barrett, Manuel Perez, John Robichaux, Jim Robinson and his son Louis Cottrell Jr. .

Florence Mills (aka Blackbird and Queen Of Happiness) - Died 11-1-1927 - Appendicitis ( Blues ) Born 1-25-1895 in Washington, D.C. or Virginia, U.S. - Singer (She did, "I'm A little Blackbird Looking For A Bluebird" in the revue Blackbirds) - Was one of The Mills Trio with her sisters - Worked with Ada "Bricktop" Smith and Cora Green as The Panama Trio .

1928

Stump Evans (Paul Anderson Evans) Died 8-29-1928 in Douglas, KS, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 10-18-1904 in Lawrence, KS, U.S. - Played saxophone - Worked with Louis Armstrong, Johnny Dodds and King Oliver.

Mayeus Lafleur - Died 10-28-1928 - He was shot while aiding a friend who had been shot ( Cajun ) Born 1906 in Mamou, Louisiana, U.S. - Sang and played accordion - Worked with Leo Soileau.

1929

Granville Wood - Died 1929 ( Musician ) Born 1832 - Was a melodeon and piano maker.

Clarence "Pinetop" Smith - Died 3-15-1929 in Chicago, IL, U.S. - Hemorrhaged after being accidently shot by a man while trying to break up a fight ( Blues - Boogie Woogie ) Born 6-11-1904 in Troy, Alabama, U.S. - (He recorded, "Pinetop's Boogie Woogie", "I Got More Sense Than That" and "I'm Sober Now") - Credited with creating boogie woogie and being the first to recorded it.

Katharine Lee Bates - Died 3-28-1929 in Wellesley, Massachusetts - Born 8-12-1859 in Falmouth, Massachusetts - Writer and poet - She wrote the words for, "America The Beautiful" - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Don Murray - Died 6-2-1929 - Car accident ( Jazz ) Born 6-7-1904 - Played clarinet - Worked with Ted Lewis, Joe Venuti, Benny Goodman, Adrian Rollini and Chauncey Morehouse.

Chris Kelly - Died 8-19-1929 ( Jazz ) Born about 1890 in Plaquemines Parish, LA, U.S. - Played trumpet - Worked with George Lewis.

Henri Berger (Heinrich August Wilhelm Berger) - Died 10-14-1929 in Honolulu - Born 8-4-1844 in Berlin, Prussia (now Germany) - Composer, arranger and bandmaster - (He wrote, "Sweet Lei Lehua" and "Hawai i Pono i") -  Led The King's Band which was renamed The Royal Hawaiian Band - Hawaiian Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Little Katie Crippen (aka Ella White) - Died 11-25-1929 in New York, NY, U.S. - Cancer ( Blues ) Born 11-17-1895 in Philadelphia, U.S. - Singer - Worked with Fletcher Henderson .

Blind Lemon Jefferson (aka Deacon L.J. Bates) - Died 12-?-1929 in Chicago, IL, Ill., U.S. - Exposure following a heart attack on the streets (Blues ) Born 7-11-1897 or 1893 in Couchman, Texas, U.S. - Singer and guitarist - (He recorded, "See That My Grave Is Kept Clean" and "That Black Snake Moan") Blues Foundation's Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1930

Steve Tarter - Died 193? - Born circa 1895 near Knoxville, TN, U.S. - Sang and played violin and mandolin - Was half of the duo, Tarter & Gay (They did, "Brownie Blues" and "Unknown Blues").

Johnny Burke - Bard of Prescott Street - Died 1930 ( Folk ) Born 1851 - Musician and songwriter - (He wrote, "The Night Paddy Murphy Died" and "Cod Liver Oil").

Gene Greene (Eugene Delbert Greene) - The Ragtime King - Died 4-5-1930 in New York, NY, U.S. ( Ragtime ) Born 6-9-1881 in Aurora, IL, U.S. - Singer - (He did, "I Didn't Raise My Boy To Be A Soldier" and "King Of The Bugaloos") - Worked wih his wife, Blanche Werner.

Henry Creamer - Died 10-14-1930 in New York, NY, U.S. ( Pop ) Born 6-21-1879 in Richmond, VA, U.S. - Singer, songwriter and dancer (He co-wrote, "Way Down Yonder In New Orleans" and "If I Could Be With You") Worked with Turner Layton, J.C. Johnson and Jimmy Johnson.

Charles K. Harris (Charles Kassel Harris) - Died 12-22-1930 in New York, NY, U.S. - Born 5-1-1867 in Poughkeepsie, NY, U.S. - Played banjo and was a songwriter - (He wrote, "After The Ball" and "Hello Central, Give Me Heaven") - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1931

Henry Kimball - Died 1931 ( Jazz ) Born 1878 - Played string bass - Worked with Fate Marable.

Charlie Poole - Died 5-?-1931 in Eden, NC, U.S. - Heart failure ( Bluegrass ) Born 3-22-1892 in Randolph County, NC - Sang and played banjo - Was a member of The North Carolina Ramblers (They did, "Don't Let Your Deal Go Down" and "White House Blues").

Buddy Petit (aka Buddie Petit) (Joseph Crawford) - Died 7-4-1931 ( Jazz ) Born between 1887 and 1897 in White Castle, LA, U.S. - Played cornet - Played for The Young Olympia Band and worked with  Jimmie Noone, Jelly Roll Morton, The Black And Tan Orchestra and Frankie Dusen.
 

Leon Bix Beiderbecke - Died 8-6-1931 - Pneumonia ( Jazz ) Born 3-10-1903 in Davenport, Iowa, U.S. (He did, "Singing The Blues" and "In A Mist") Was a member of The Wolverines, Bix Beiderbecke And The Chicago Cornets,  Bix Beiderbecke And His Gang and Bix, Tram & Eddie.

Thomas Edison (Thomas Alva Edison)- Died 10-18-1931 in West Orange, NJ, U.S. ( Inventor ) Born 2-11-1847 in Milan, Ohio, U.S. - Invented the phonograph (record player) in 1877 which he called the "Talking Machine" - He was the first to record and playback the human voice, "Mary Had A Little Lamb".

Barbecue Bob (Robert Hicks) - Died 10-21-1931 - Pneumonia ( Blues ) Born 9-11-1902 in Walnut Grove, Georgia, U.S. - Singer and guitarist (He recorded, "She Shook Her Gin" and "Darktown Gamblin' ").

Buddy Bolden (Charles Joseph Bolden) - Died 11-4-1931 in Jackson, LA, U.S. ( Jazz - Dance - Blues ) Born 9-6-1877 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Cornet player - A pioneer of Jazz music.

1932

Evan Thomas - Died 1932 ( Jazz ) Bandleader - Worked with Bunk Johnson.

John Hughes - Died 1932 in Tonteg - Born 1873 - (Wrote the hymn, "Cwm Rhondda").

Joseph Kekuku - Died 1-16-1932 in Boston, MA, U.S. - Born 1874 in La'ie, O'ahu, HI - Considered to be the inventor of the steel guitar - Steel Guitar Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Laura Smith - Died 2-?-1932 in Los Angeles, CA, U.S. ( Blues ) Possibly born in Indianapolis, IN, U.S. - Singer - (She did, "Gonna Put You Right In Jail" and a version of, "Don't You Leave Me Here") - Led Laura Smith And Her Wild Cats - Worked with Clarence Williams' Harmonizers and Perry Bradford's Mean Four.

Frank Teschemacher - Died 2-29-1932 in Chicago, IL, U.S. - Car crash ( Jazz ) Born 3-13-1906 in Kansas City, MO, U.S. - Played clarinet and saxophone - Worked with Ben Pollack, Red Nichols, Bud Freeman, Muggsy Spanier and  Gene Krupa.

James "Bubber" Miley - Died 5-20-1932 - Tuberculosis ( Jazz ) Born 4-3-1903 in Aiken, SC, U.S. - Played trumpet - Was the leader of Bubber Miley & His Mileage Makers - Worked with Duke's Jungle Band, Duke Ellington, Elmer Snowden's Washingtonians, Leo Reisman ("What Is This Thing Called Love") and Cootie Williams.

Virginia Liston - Died 6-?-1932 in St. Louis, MO, U.S. - Born in 1890 - (She did, "You Can Dip Your Bread In My Gravy, But You Can't Have None Of My Chops" and "Just Take One Long Last Look") - Worked with her husband of that time, Sam Gray as Liston And Liston and with Clarence Williams Blue Five ("You've Got The Right Key, But The Wrong Keyhole" and "Early In The Morning") and Clarence Williams Washboard Band ("Cushion Foot Stomp" and "P.D.Q. Blues").

Samuel Castriota - Died 7-8-1932 ( Tango ) Born 11-21885 in Buenos Aires, Argentina - Pianist and guitarist (Co-wrote Carlos Gardel's, "Mi noche triste") - Worked with Vicente Loduca and Francisco Canaro.

Reginald Aubrey Fessenden -  The Father Of Radio - Died 7-22-1932 ( Inventor ) Born 10-6-1866 in Knowlton, Quebec, Canada - Was the first voice to be heard and the first to play music on the radio.

Charles H. Gabriel (aka S. B. Jackson, Charlotte G. Homer and H. A. Henry) - Died 9-14-1932 in Hollywood, CA, U.S. -  Born 8-18-1865 in Wilton, Cedar County, Iowa, U.S. -  Wrote over 7000 gospel songs including, "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" and "An Evening Prayer".

1933

Blind Blake (Born Arthur Phelps or Arthur Blake) (aka Blind Arthur, Gorgeous Weed, Billy James and Blind George Martin) - Died between 1933-1940 in Jacksonville, FL, U.S. ( Blues ) Born early 1890's in Jackson, Florida or Georgia Sea Islands - Guitarist and singer - (He recorded, "West Coast Blues" and "Police Dog Blues") - Blues Foundation's Hall Of Fame Inductee .

Eddie Lang (Salvatore Massaro) - Died 3-26-1933 - Complications following a tonsillectomy ( Jazz ) Born 10-25-1902 in Philadelphia- Pioneer of plectrum guitar playing - (He did, "Eddie's Twister" "Church Street Sobbin' Blues") .

Jimmie Rodgers (James Charles Rodgers) - The Singing Brakeman, Father of Country Music - Died 5-26-1933 in New York, NY, U.S. - Tuberculosis ( Country - Blues ) Born 9-8-1897 in Pine Springs, Mississippi, U.S. - (He did, "Blue Yodel" and "Waitin' For A Train") - Country Music Hall Of Fame Inductee, Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee, Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee, Alabama Music Hall Of Fame Inductee and  Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Freddie Keppard (aka Freddy Keppard) - Died 7-15-1933 in Chicago, IL, U.S. - Tuberculosis ( Jazz ) Born 2-15-1889 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Played the Cornet - Was a member of The Olympia Orchestra, The Original Creole Band, Doc Cook's Dreamland Orchestra, The Jazz Cardinals ("Stock Yard Strut"), Ollie Powers and Charles Elgar.

Charles Tindley (Rev. Dr. Charles Albert Tindley) - The Prince of Preachers - Died 7-26-1933 in Philadelphia, PA, U.S. ( Gospel ) Born 7-7-1851 in Berlin, MD, U.S. - Composer - (He wrote, "I Shall Overcome" and "Stand By Me") - Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1934

Jack Carey - Died 1934 ( Jazz ) Born 1889 in Hahnville, LA, U.S. - Trombonist - (Wrote, "Tiger Rag") - Led The Crescent City Orchestra - Brother of bandleader, Thomas "Mutt" Carey.

Charley Patton - Father of the Delta Blues - Died 4-28-1934 - Heart condition ( Delta Blues ) Born 4-1-1891 in Indianola, Mississippi, U.S. - Played slide guitar and guitar - Might be the first rock & roller (He did, "Revenue Man Blue" and "Oh Death") - Blues Foundation's Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Alcide "Yellow" Nunez - Died 9-2-1934 ( Jazz ) Born 3-17-1884 in New Orleans Member of The Original Dixieland Jazz Band (They recorded, "La St. Louis Blues" and "Royal Garden Blues") - The 1st jazz band to make records.

Russ Columbo (Ruggiero Eugenio di Rodolpho Colombo) - Died 9-2-1934 in Los Angeles, CA, U.S. - Accidental shooting - Singer and violinist - ( Orchestral Pop - Jazz ) Born 1-14-1908 in Camden, NJ, U.S. - (He sang, "Prisoner Of Love" and "You Call It Madness (But I Call It Love)").

1935

Simon Marrero - Died 1935 ( Jazz ) Born 1897 - Played string bass - Worked with Papa Celestin and Dave Nelson.

Clara Smith - Queen of the Moaners - Died 2-2-1935 in Detroit, MI, U.S. - Heart disease ( Blues ) Born circa 1894 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, U.S. - Singer - (She did, "Awful Moaning Blues" and "Every Woman's Blues") - Worked with Fletcher Henderson, Louis Armstrong and Coleman Hawkins.

Leroy Carr - Died 4-29-1935 in Indianapolis, IN, U.S. - Nephritis ( Blues ) Born 3-27-1905 in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. - Singer, songwriter and pianist - (He did,"Six Cold Feet In The Ground" and "Corn Likker Blues") - Blues Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Bennie Moten (Benjamin Moten) - Died 4-2-1935 - Botched tonsillectomy ( Jazz ) Born 11-13-1894 in Kansas City, MO, U.S. (His band did, "South" and "Moten Swing") Was the leader of Bennie Moten & The Kansas City Orchestra - Worked with Hot Lips Page, Ben Webster and Eddie Barefield.

Carlos Gardel (Charles Romuald Gardes) - The King Of Tango - El Zorzal Criollo - Died 6-24-1935 in Medellin, Colombia - His plane collided with another on takeoff ( Tango ) Born 12-11-1890 in Toulouse, France - Singer - (He did, "Mi Noche Triste" and "Mi Buenos Aires Querido") - Worked with Jose Razzano.

Guillermo Barbieri (Guillermo Desiderio Barbieri) - Died 6-24-1935 in Medellin, Colombia - His plane collided with another on takeoff ( Tango - Folk ) Born 9-25-1894 in San Cristobal, Buenos Aires-  Guitarist, singer and composer - Worked with Felix Rodríguez, Carlos Gardel, Pedro Vallarino and The Gardel-Razzano Duo.

A'ngel Domingo Riverol  - Died 6-26-1935 in Medellin, Colombia - His plane collided with another on takeoff ( Tango ) Born 10-1-1893 in Buenos Aires - Guitarist - Worked with Carlos Gardel.

Honore Dutrey -  Died 7-21-1935 in Chicago, IL, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 9-9-1894 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Played trombone - Worked with Jimmie Noone, Carrol Dickerson, King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band, Louis Armstrong's Stompers and Johnny Dodds.

Richard B. Smith - Died 9-28-1935 - Tuberculosis - Born 1901 in Honesdale, PA, U.S. - Lyricist - (Co-wrote, "Winter Wonderland").

Ballard MacDonald - Died 11-17-1935 in Forest Hills, NY, U.S. - Born 10-15-1882 in Portland, OR, U.S. - Lyricist - (Co-wrote, "Second Hand Rose" and "Here Comes Charlie") - Collaborated with Con Conrad, Walter Donaldson, Sigmund Romberg, Albert Von Tilzer, Jesse Greer, Joe Meyer, James Hanley, George Gershwin, Victor Herbert, Harry Carroll and Lewis Muir  - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1936

Blind Mamie Forehand - Died 1936? ( Gospel ) Sang and played cymbals - She had been married to guitarist, A.C. Forehand (They did, "Mother's Prayer" and "I'm So Glad Today").

George Thomas (George Washington Thomas Jr.) - Died 1936 in Washington, DC, U.S. or 3-?-1930 in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. ( Blues ) Born 1885 in Houston, TX, U.S. - Pianist and songwriter - Worked with his sister, Sippie Wallace and his brother, Hersal Thomas - Father of singer and pianist, Hociel Thomas.

Esther Bigeou - Died 1936 ( Blues ) Born 1895 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Singer - (She did, "Outside Of That, He's All Right With Me" and "You Ain't Treating Me Right ") - Worked with Clarence Williams, Piron's New Orleans Orchestra and Rickett's Stars - Cousin of drummer, Paul Barbarin.

Francis O'Neill - Died 1936 ( Folkologist ) Born 1848 in Tralibane, County Cork - Played the flute - He is credited with collecting about 3,500 Irish songs that might have otherwise been lost.

Harry B. Smith (Harry Bache Smith) - Died 1-3-1936 in Atlantic City, NJ, U.S. - Born 12-28-1860 in Buffalo, NY, U.S. -  Writer, lyricist and composer - (Co-wrote, "Bright Eyes" and "The Land Of Let's Pretend") - Collaborated with Ted Snyder, Reginald De Koven, Jerome Kern, Sigmund Romberg and Victor Herbert - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

John Mills Jr. - Died 1-24-1936 - Tuberculosis ( Swing - Pop - Jazz - R&B ) Born 2-1-1911 in Piqua, Ohio, U.S. - Was one of The Mills Brothers (They recorded."Tiger Rag" and "Goodbye Blues").

Sam Morgan - Died 2-25-1936 ( Jazz ) Born 12-18-1887 - Played the cornet and trumpet - Leader of The Sam Morgan Band (They did,"Sing On" and "Bogalusa Strut") and The Magnolia Brass Band - Worked with Jim Robinson.

Milton Brown - Died 4-12-1936 - Car crash ( Western Swing ) He was 32 years old - Was the singer for The Musical Brownies - Worked with The Light Crust Doughboys.

Posey Rorer - Died 6-6-1936 - Heart attack ( Bluegrass ) Played fiddle - Was a member of The North Carolina Ramblers (They did,"Don't Let Your Deal Go Down" and "White House Blues").

Johnny Black - Died 6-9-1936 ( Composer ) Born 9-30-1891 in St. Louis, MO, U.S. (He wrote "Dardanella" and "Paper Doll").

Dr. Humphrey Bate - Died 6-12-1936 ( Country ) Born 5-25-1875 in Castallian Springs, TN, U.S. - Played harmonica - Was a member of The Possum Hunters (They recorded, "Take Your Foot Out Of The Mud " and "Ham Beats All Meat").

1937

Jimmy Johnson - Died 1937? ( Jazz ) Born 1876 - Played the string bass - Worked with Buddy Bolden.

Alex Hill (William A. Hill) - Died 2-1-1937 in Little Rock, AR, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 4-19-1906 in Little Rock, AR, U.S. - Pianist - Worked with Fats Waller, Eddie Condon, Jimmy Wade's Dixielanders and Jimmie Noone's Apex Club Orchestra.

George Gershwin (Jacob Gershvin) - Died 7-11-1937 - Brain tumor ( Composer ) Born 9-26-1898 in New York, NY, U.S. (He wrote,"I'll Build A Stairway To Paradise" and Al Jolson's, "Swanee").

Johnny Dunn - Died 8-20-1937 in Paris, France - Tuberculosis ( Jazz ) Born 2-19-1897 in Memphis, TN, U.S. - Played trumpet - He was the leader of The Original Jazz Hounds and The New Yorkers - Worked with W.C. Handy ("Sergeant Dunn's Bugle Call Blues"), Edith Wilson, Noble Sissle, Jelly Roll Morton, Mamie Smith, James P. Johnson and Fats Waller.

Bessie Smith - Queen of the Blues, Empress of the Blues - Died 9-26-1937 in Clarksdale, Mississippi, U.S. - Car accident ( Blues - Jazz ) Born possibly 4-15-1894 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, U.S. - (Recorded, "Downhearted Blues" and "Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out") - Blues Foundation's Hall Of Fame Inductee - "Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee".

Joe "Fox" Smith - Died 12-2-1937 ( Jazz ) Born 6-28-1902 in Ripley, OH, U.S. - Played cornet and trumpet - Worked with Bessie Smith, The Black Swan Jazz Masters, Mamie Smith, Allie Ross and McKinney's Cotton Pickers - Son of trumpet player, Luke Smith Sr. and brother of trumpet player, Russell Smith.

1938

Mary Stafford - Died 1938 in Atlantic City, NJ, U.S. ( Blues - Jazz ) Born 1895 in Missouri, U.S. - Singer - (She did, "Ain't Got Nobody To Grind My Coffee In The Morning " and "Take Your Finger Off It ") - Led Mary Stafford And Her Jazz Band ("If You Don't Want Me, Send Me To My Ma " and "I've Lost My Heart To The Meanest Girl In Town ") - Worked with Eubie Blake, Bessie Smith and Charlie Johnson's Orchestra.

King Oliver (Joseph Oliver) - Died 4-10-1938 in Savannah - Bronchial asthma ( Jazz ) Born 5-11-1885 in Aben, Louisiana, U.S. - Played cornet - Was the leader of the first great New Orleans Jazz Band (They did, "Louisiana Snake Rag" and "Dippermouth Blues").

Papa Charlie Jackson (William Henry Jackson) - Died 5-?-1938 in Chicago, IL, U.S. - ( Blues ) Born circa 1890 in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. - (He recorded, "Papa's Lawdy Blues" and "Airy Man Blues" ) - Worked with Ida Cox, Blind Blake, Ma Rainey, Big Bill Broonzy and Hattie McDaniel.

James Johnson (James Weldon Johnson) - the Renaissance Man -  Died 6-26-1938 in Wiscasset, ME, U.S. - His car was hit by a train - Born 6-17-1871 in Jacksonville, FL, U.S. - Lyricist, author, editor, professor and lawyer - (He co-wrote, "Lift Every Voice and Sing") - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Robert Johnson (Robert Leroy Johnson) - King Of The Delta Blues - Died 8-16-1938 in Greenwood, MS, U.S. - Poisoned with strychnine laced whiskey by a jealous husband ( Blues ) Born 5-8-1911 in Hazelhurst, Mississippi, U.S. - Singer and guitarist - (He did, "Stones In My Passway" and "Love In Vain") - Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee and Blues Hall Of Fame Inductee.

James Scott (James Sylvester Scott) - Died 8-30-1938 in Kansas City, MO, U.S. ( Ragtime ) Born 2-12-1886 in Neosho, MO, U.S. - Composer - (He wrote, "A Summer Breeze" and "Frog Legs Rag") - Cousin of blues singer, Ada Brown.

Jess Young - 12-31-1938 ( Country ) Born 10-23-1883 in Flat Rock, AL, U.S. - Fiddler and guitarist (He recorded, "Maybelle Rag" and "Are You From Dixie").

1939

Lena Wilson - Died 1939 in New York, NY. U.S. ( Blues - Jazz ) Born 1898 in Charlotte, NC, U.S. - Singer - (She did, "Chiropractor Blues" and "Love Ain't Blind No More") - Worked with The Jazz Hounds, The Nubian Five, Perry Bradford's Jazz Phools, Conaway's Rag Pickers, Fletcher Henderson, Johnny Dunn's Jazz Hounds, Danny Wilson and Edith Wilson - She had been married to violinist, Shrimp Jones.

Herschel Evans - Died 2-9-1939 in New York, NY, U.S. - Heart problem ( Jazz ) Born 3-9-1909 in Denton, TX, U.S. - Saxophonist - Worked with Lionel Hampton, Buck Clayton, Count Basie and Troy Floyd.

William Morgan Ramsey - Died 3-12-1939 in Little Rock, AR, U.S. ( Gospel ) Born 8-24-1872 in Bell County, TX,U.S. - Singer and songwriter - (He wrote, "He Whispers Sweet Peace To Me" and "Some Glad Day") - Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee and Southern Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Tee Tot Payne (Rufus Payne) - Died 3-17-1939 in Montgomery, Ala., U.S. ( Blues ) Born 1884 in Lowndes County - Played guitar and piano - Credited with starting Hank Williams' musical career.

Tommy Ladnier (Thomas J. Ladnier) - Died 6-4-1939 in New York, NY, U.S. - Heart attack ( Jazz - Blues ) Born 5-28-1900 in Florence, LA, U.S. - Played trumpet - Worked with Charlie Creath, Ollie Powers, Lovie Austin's Blues Serenaders, Fate Marable, Benny Peyton, Sidney Bechet, Noble Sissle, Fletcher Henderson and King Oliver.

Chick Webb (William Henry Webb) - Died 6-16-1939 - After a major operation ( Jazz ) Born 2-10-1909 in Baltimore, MD, U.S. - Drummer and bandleader (His band did,"A Tisket-A-Tasket" with Ella Fitzgerald and "T'aint What You Do (It's The Way That You Do It)") Worked with Benny Carter, Louis Jordan and Johnny Hodges.

Samuel Pokrass (aka Sam Pokrass) - Died 9-15-1939 in New York, NY, U.S. - Born in 1897 in Kiev, Russia (now Ukraine) - Composer (He co-wrote, "White Army, Black Baron") - Wrote music for films including, The Little Princess, You Can't Have Everything and Rebecca Of Sunnybrook Farm.

Ma Rainey  (Gertrude Melissa Nix Pridgett) -  Mother of the Blues - Died 12-22-1939  - Heart attack ( Blues ) Born 4-26-1886 in Columbus, Georgia, U.S - (She recorded,"Big Boy Blues" and "Broken Hearted Blues") Was a member of The Rabbit Foot Minstrels - She worked with Louis Armstrong and Fletcher Henderson - Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1940

John Baltzell - Died 1940 ( Folk ) Born 9-23-1860 in Knox County, OH, U.S. - Fiddler - Worked with Daniel Emmett.

Jack Pettis (John Barton Pettis or John Baber Pettis) - Died 1-1-1940 in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 1-1-1891 in Alton, Illinois, U.S. - Played clarinet and saxophone - Worked with The New Orleans Rhythm Kings, Tommy Dorsey, The Whoopee Makers, Jack Teagarden, Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller.

Arthur Whetsol - Died 1-5-1940 ( Jazz ) Born in Punta Gorda, FL, U.S. - Played trumpet - Worked with Duke Ellington and Elmer Snowden.

Rudy Weidoft - Died 2-18-1940 - Cirrhosis of the liver ( Jazz ) Born 1893 in Detroit Michigan, U.S. - Sax player - (He did, "Sax-o-phobia").

Guy Kelly - Died 2-24-1940 in Chicago, Ill., U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 11-22-1906 in Scotland, LA, U.S. - Played trumpet - Worked with Toots Johnson, Half Pint Jaxon, Papa Celestin, Kid Howard, Jimmie Noone and Albert Ammons.

Len Williams - Died 6-2-1940 in New York, NY, U.S. ( Gospel ) He was 40 years old - Singer - Was a member of The Norfolk Jubilee Quartet.

Johnny Dodds - Died 8-8-1940 in Chicago, Ill., U.S. ( Blues - New Orleans Jazz ) Born 4-12-1892 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Recorded with Oliver's Creole Jazz Band, Jelly Roll Morton and  Louis Armstrong.

V. O. Stamps (Virgil Oliver Stamps) - Died 8-19-1940 in Dallas, TX, U.S. ( Gospel ) Born 9-18-1892 in Upshur County, TX, U.S. - Promoter, singer and composer - (He wrote, "The Man Behind The Plow" and "Singing On My Way") - Brother of singer, Frank Stamps - Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee and Southern Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Charley Straight (Charles Theodore Straight) - Died 9-22-1940 in Chicago, IL, U.S. - Hit by a car while emerging from a manhole in the street - Born 1-16-1891 in Chicago, IL, U.S - Pianist and composer - Led Charley Straight's Rendezvous Orchestra (They did, "Forgetful Blues") - Worked with Gene Greene and Roy Bargy.

Nadezhda Plevitskaya (Nadezhda Vasilievna Plevitskaya) - Died 10-1-1940 in a prison in Rennes, France - Heart problem ( Russian Folk ) Born 1-17-1884 in Vinnikovo, Russia - Singer - Worked with Sergei Rachmaninoff - She was sent to prison for the abduction of the Russian general, Evgeny Miller.

Billy Jones - Died 11-23-1940 ( Jazz ) Singer - Worked with Fletcher Henderson, Louis Armstrong, Charlie Green, Kaiser Marshall,  Isham Jones and Charlie Dixon.

Ted Bates - Died 12-13-1940 in Lake Muskoka - His plane collided with another ( Big Band ) He was 27 years old - Played saxophone - Worked with The Len Hopkins Orchestra.

Billy Hill (William Joseph Hill) - Died 12-24-1940 in Boston, MA, U.S. - Born 7-14-1899 in Boston MA, U.S.l - Violinist and pianist - (He wrote, "The Last Roundup" and co-wrote, "In The Chapel In The Moonlight") - Collaborated with his wife, Dedette Hill and with J. Keirn Brennan, Peter De Rose, William Raskin, Victor Young and Edward Eliscu  - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee and Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1941

George Beauchamp (George D. Beauchamp) - Died 1941 in Los Angeles, CA, U.S. - While deep sea fishing - Born 1899 in Texas, U.S. - Played steel guitar - Invented musical instruments and was a co-founder of The National Stringed Instrument Corporation and Rickenbacker - Created the frying pan electric guitar.

Blind Boy Fuller (Fulton Allen) (aka Brother George) - Died 2-13-1941 - Blood poisoning ( Blues ) Born 1907 in Wadesboro, North Carolina, U.S. - (He did,"Piccolo Man" and " Red River Blues").

Mary Rose-Anna Travers (aka Madame Bolduc or La Bolduc) - The Queen of Canadian Folksingers -  Died 2-20-1941 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada - Cancer ( Folk ) Born 6-4-1894 in Newport, Quebec, Canada - Played fiddle, accordion, spoons, harmonica and Jew's harp and was a singer - (She did, "La Cuisiniere" and "Si Vous Avez une Fille qui Veut se Marier") - Worked with Conrad Gauthier.

Ken Johnson (Kendrick Reginald Huymans Johnson) (aka Snakehips) - Died 3-8-1941 in London, England - During a Nazi bomb blast at a club ( Jazz ) Born 9-10-1914 in Georgetown, Guiana - Drummer - Led Ken Johnson And His Rhythm Swingers and Ken Johnson And His West Indian Orchestra - Worked with The Emperors Of Jazz.

Cleoma Falcon (Breaux) - Died 4-9-1941- Complications from car crash ( Cajun ) Born 5-27-1906  in Crowley, LA, U.S. - Guitarist and singer - (She recorded, "Allons a Lafayette" with her husband Joseph Falcon).

Al Bowlly (Albert Alick Bowlly) - Died 4-17-1941 in London, England - A Nazi bomb exploded right outside of his apartment ( Swing - Pop ) Born 1-7-1899 in Maputo, Mozambique - Singer - Was the leader of The Radio City Rhythm Makers and The Radio Stars With Two Guitars -  Worked with Jimmy Liquime, Fred Elizalde ("If I Had You") and Ray Noble.

Jelly Roll Morton (Ferdinand Joseph Lemott) - Died 7-10-1941 in Los Angeles, CA, U.S. ( Early Jazz ) Born 10-20-1885 or 1890 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Singer, pianist and songwriter (He did, "Tom Cat Blues" and "Mournful Serenade") - Was the leader of Jelly Roll Morton's Red Hot Peppers - Worked with Kid Ory, Johnny Dodds and Baby Dodds - Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee and Louisiana Blues Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Frank Melrose (Kansas City Frank) (Franklyn Taft Melrose) - Found dead 9-1-1941 in Hammond, IN, U.S. - Gunfight ( Jazz ) Born 11-26-1907 in Sumner, IL, U.S. - Pianist - (He did, "Pass The Jug" and "Jelly Roll Stomp") - Worked with Jelly Roll Morton, Wingy Manone's Cellar Boys, The Beale Street Washboard Band, King Mutt And His Tennessee Thumpers, and E.C. Cobb And His Corn Eaters.

Helen Morgan (Helen Riggins) - Died 10-9-1941 in Chiacago, IL, U.S. - Cirrhosis of the liver ( Pop ) Born 8-2-1900 in Danville, IL, U.S. - Singer (She sang, "My Bill" and "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man") - Worked with The Paul Whiteman Orchestra, Rodgers & Hart and Bing Crosby.

Gus Kahn (Gustav Gerson Kahn) - Died 10-8-1941in Beverly Hills, CA, U.S. - Born 11-6-1886 in Koblenz, Germany - Musician and songwriter - (Wrote, "I'll See You In My Dreams") - Collaborated with his wife, Grace LeBoy Kahn and with Egbert van Alstyne ("Memories") - Worked with  Isham Jones, Walter Donaldson ("Makin' Whoopee!"), Ira Gershwin, Al Jolson and Buddy DeSylva - Worked on the Broadway scores, Kitty's Kisses and Whoopee! and the films, Flying Down To Rio and Ziegfeld Girl - The Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Chu Berry (Leon Brown Berry) - Died 10-31-1941 in Conneaut, OH, U.S. - Car accident ( Jazz ) Born 9-13-1908 in Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S. - Played clarinet, reeds and tenor saxophone - Worked with Perry's Broadway Buddies, Sammy Stewart, Cab Calloway, Benny Carter, Fletcher Henderson, Bessie Smith and Count Basie - Wheeling Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Amede Ardoin - Died 11-4-1941 ( Zydeco )  Born 1896 in L'Anse Rougeau, LA, U.S. - Accordion player (He did, "Amadie Two Step" and "Les Blues De Voyage").

Peetie Wheatstraw (William Bunch)- Died 12-21-1941 in East St. Louis, IL, U.S. - His car was hit by a train ( Blues ) Born 12-21-1902 in Ripley, Tennessee, U.S. - Pianist and singer - (He did, "Sweet Home Blues" and "Four O'Clock In The Morning") - Worked with Charlie McCoy, Casey Bill Weldon, Bumble Bee Slim, Kokomo Arnold, Lonnie Johnson and Charley Jordan.

Karel Hasler - Died 12-22-1941 in Mauthausen, Germany - Killed by Nazis in a concentration camp (tied up under an icy shower) ( Chanson - Vaudeville - Cabaret ) Born 10-31-1879 in Zlichov u Prahy, Czechoslovakia (at the time Austro-Hungary) - Was a singer, songwriter and arranger - (He did, "Po Starych Zameckych Schodech" and "Ta Nase Pisnicka Ceska").

Mary Lewis (Born Mary Kidd and renamed Mary Maynard) - The Golden Haired Soprano - Died 12-31-1941 in New York City, New York, U.S. - Possibly from health effects of radiation poisoning from wearing an illuminated radium painted dress on stage ( Vaudeville - Cabaret - Opera ) Born 1-29-1897 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S. - Singer (She did, "The Old Folks At Home" and "Dixie").

1942

Jaroslav Jezek - Died 1-1-1942 in New York City, USA - Kidney illness ( Jazz - Classical ) Born 9-25-1906 in Prague, Czechoslovakia (at the time Austro-Hungary) - Was a piano player, composer and arranger - Worked with actors Jiri Voskovec and Jan Werich  - (Did, "Svet Patri Nam" and "Ezop A Brabenec").

Fred Fisher - Died 1-14-1942 in New York, NY, U.S. ( Tin Pan Alley ) Born 9-30-1875 in Cologne, Germany - Composer - (He co-wrote, "Peg o' My Heart" and "There's A Little Bit Of Bad In Every Good Little Girl") - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

 Jimmy Hanley (James Frederick Hanley) - Died 2-8-1942 in Douglaston, NY, U.S. - Born 2-17-1892 in Rensselaer, IN, U.S. - (He wrote, "Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart" and co-wrote, "Second Hand Rose") - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Charlie Christian - Died 3-2-1942 - Tuberculosis ( Jazz )  Born 7-29-1916 in Dallas, Texas, U.S. (He recorded, "Flying Home" and "Seven Come Eleven") - Pioneer of  the electric guitar - Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Joe Poston - Died 5-?-1942 ( Jazz ) Born 1895 in Alexandria, LA, U.S. - He was a member of  Jimmie Noone's Apex Club Orchestra - Worked with Doc Cook.

Bunny Berigan (Rowland Bernart Berrigan)- Died 6-2-1942 in New York, NY, U.S. - Cirrhosis of the liver ( Jazz ) Born 11-2-1908 in Hilbert, WI, U.S. - Trumpeter and singer - Played for Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey and Paul Whitman.

J.A. McClung (John Alexander McClung) - Died 7-23-1942 ( Gospel ) Born 1-1-1894 in Talihina, OK, U.S. - Singer and composer - He worked with The Hartford Quartet - (He wrote, "Standing Outside" and "Death Will Never Knock On Heaven's Door") - Owner and president of Hartford Musical Institute and co-owner of Hartford Music Company - He composed over 300 songs - Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee and Southern Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Jimmy Blanton - Died 7-30-1942 in Los Angeles, CA, U.S. - Tuberculosis ( Jazz ) Born 10-5-1918 in Chattanooga, TN, U.S. - Played bass - Worked with Duke Ellington ("Pitter Panther Patter"), The Jeter Pillars Orchestra and Fate Marable.

George M. Cohan (George Michael Cohan) - Died 11-5-1942 in New York, NY, U.S. - Cancer ( Tin Pan Alley ) Born 7-3-1878 in Providence, RI, U.S. - Composer, dancer and singer - (He wrote, "Who Could Ask for Anything More?" and "I'm A Yankee Doodle Dandy") - He was one of The Four Cohans - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee, Long Island Music Hall Of Fame Inductee and American Folklore Hall of Fame Inductee.

1943

Marty Quinto (Mario Giaquinto) - Died 1-?-1943 in Hartford, CT, U.S. - Heart attack ( Classical - Dance ) Born 7-?-1902 in Caserta, Italy - Played guitar, violin, banjo, saxophone and mandolin - Worked with The Felix Ferdinando Orchestra, The Barney Rapp Orchestra, Sam Lanin, The Fred Rich Orchestra and The Arnold Johnson Orchestra.

A. J. Piron (Armand Piron) - Died 2-17-1943 ( Jazz ) Born 8-16-1888 - Violinist and band leader - (He wrote, "I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate" but Louis Armstrong claims he sold it to him) - He was the leader of Piron's New Orleans Orchestra (They did, "Mama's Gone, Goodbye" and "New Orleans Wiggle") - Worked with King Oliver, Lorenzo Tio Jr. and Sidney Bechet.

Alvin "Zue" Robertson - Died 1943 ( Jazz ) Born 3-7-1891 - Played trombone, piano and organ - Worked with Storyville, The Levee Serenaders (They did, "Mr. Jelly Lord" and "Midnight Mama"), The Olympia Band, Manuel Perez,  Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, W.C. Handy, Richard M. Jones and John Robichaux.

Tiny Parham (Hartzell Strathdene Parham) - Died 4-4-1943 ( Jazz - Blues ) Born 2-2-1900 in Winnipeg, Manitoda, Canada - Band leader and pianist (He did, "The Head-Hunter's Dream" and "Jogo Rhythm") - Worked with Johnny Dodds, Punch Miller and Milt Hinton.

Min Leibrook - Died 6-8-1943 ( Jazz ) Born 1903 - Played Sax, tuba and bass - He worked with The Ten Foot Band, Paul Whiteman, Bix Beiderbecke and Lennie Hayton.

Corky Cornelius (Edward Cornelius) - Died 8-3-1943 ( Jazz ) Born 12-3-1914 in Indiana, U.S. - Trumpet player - Worked with Benny Goodman and Gene Krupa - He was married to singer Irene Daye.

Bill Gallaty Sr. - Died 9-?-1943 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 11-9-1880 - Trombonist - Worked with The Reliance Brass Band and led his own band - Father of trumpeter, Bill Gallaty Jr.

Charlie D. Tillman - Died 9-2-1943 in Atlanta, GA, U.S. ( Gospel ) Born 3-20-1861 in Tallasee, AL, U.S. - Singer, musician and songwriter - (He wrote, "The Old Time Religion" and "Life's Railway To Heaven") - Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Trixie Smith - Died 9-21-1943 in New York, NY, U.S. ( Blues ) Born 1895 in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. - Singer - (She did, "Trixie's Blues" and "Railroad Blues") - Led Trixie Smith And Her Down Home Syncopators - Worked with Sidney Bechet and Jimmy Bythe And His Ragamuffins.

Fats Waller (Thomas Wright Waller) - Died 12-15-1943 - Pneumonia - Born 5-21-1904 in New York (He did, "Ain't Misbehavin" and  "Your Feets Too Big") .

1944

Harold Fraser-Simson - Died 1-19-1944 in Inverness, Scotland - After a fall down stairs ( Musicals ) Born 8-15-1872 in London, England - He wrote music for The Maid Of The Mountains and A Southern Maid - He also set children's poems to music.

Joe McMichael - Died 2-12-1944 in Los Angeles, CA, U.S. ( Pop ) Born 1-16-1916 in Minneapolis, MN, U.S. - Was a founder of The Merry Macs (They did, "Mairzy Doats" and  "Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition") - The group was originally know as The McMichaels, The Mystery Trio and The Personality Boys - Vocal Group Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Bob Zurke - Died 2-16-1944 ( Jazz ) Born 1-17-1912 in Detroit, MI, U.S. - Pianist, singer and composer - Worked with Bob Crosby's Bobcats (They did, "Honky Tonk Blues").

Jimmie Noone - Died 4-19-1944 in Los Angeles, CA, U.S. - Heart attack ( Jazz ) Born 4-23-1895 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Clarinetist - Was a member of Doc Cook's Dreamland Orchestra and the leader of Jimmie Noone's Apex Club Orchestra (They did, "Lorraine" and "Four Or Five Times") - Worked with Freddie Keppard, Joe Poston, Buddy Petit and Kid Ory - Father of Jimmie Noone Jr. of The Cheathams.

Vincent Rose - Died 5-20-1944 in Rockville Center, NY, U.S. ( Pop ) Born 6-13-1880 in Palermo, Italy - Bandleader, composer, pianist and violinist - (He wrote, "Whispering" and "Linger Awhile") - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Lazy Ned Cline - Died 6-?-1944 - While serving in the U.S. Army in the Normandy invasion ( Bluegrass ) Played banjo - Was a member of The Lonesome Pine Fiddlers - International Bluegrass Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Samuel W. Beazley - Died 9-16-1944 in Chicago, IL, U.S. ( Gospel ) Born 1873 in Sparta, VA, U.S. - Composer - (He wrote, "Jesus Paid It All" and "The Great Redeemer") - He composed about 5000 songs - Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Bedrich "Fricek" Weiss - Died 10-4-1944 in Osvetim, Poland - Gas chamber in a concentration camp ( Jazz - Swing ) Born 9-28-1919 in Prague, Czechoslovakia - Played trumpet, clarinet, alt sax and was a composer - (He did, "Doktor Swing" and "Vlajici Satek") - While in the detention camp Terezin, he led Weisskvintet and The Ghetto Swingers - Later he was taken to Osvetim, where he refused to leave his father and both were sent to the gas chamber.

Hoppy Jones (Orville Jones) - Died 10-18-1944 in New York, NY, U.S. - Brain hemorrage ( R&B - Pop ) Born 2-17-1905 in Chicago, Ill, U.S. - Was a bass vocalist for The Ink Spots ( They recorded, "If I Didn't Care" and "My Prayer") - Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Felix Bernard (Felix William Bernhardt) - Died 10-20-1944 in Los Angeles, CA, U.S. - Born 4-28-1897 in Brooklyn, NY, U.S. - Pianist and a composer - (Co-wrote, "Winter Wonderland" and "Dardanell") - Wrote music for Al Jolson, Sophie Tucker, Nora Bayes, Marilyn Miller and Eddie Cantor.

Glenn Miller (Alton Glenn Miller) - Died 12-15-1944 - One theory on how he died is that his plane was accidentally hit by a bomb from a RAF bomber ( Jazz - Swing ) Born 3-1-1904 in Clarinda, Iowa, U.S. - Was the leader of The Glenn Miller Orchestra (They did, "Moonlight Serenade" and  "In the Mood") and The Army Air Force Band (They did a cover of, "St. Louis Blues March").

1945

Jules Allen (Jules Verne Allen) (aka Longhorn Luke and Shiftless) - Died 1945 ( Country ) Born 4-1-1883 in Waxahachie, Ellis County, TX, U.S. - Singer and guitarist - (He did, "The Dying Cowboy" and "Long Side The Santa Fe Trail").

Thomas Morris (aka Brother Pierre) - Died 1945 in California, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 8-30-1897 in New York, NY, U.S. - Cornetist - Led Thomas Morris And His The Seven Hot Babies (They did, "Charleston Stampede " and "Ham Gravy ") and Thomas Morris Past Jazz Masters (They did, "Bull Blues " and "Just Blues, That's All ") - Worked with Eva Taylor, Charlie Johnson, Sippie Wallace, Clarence Williams, Margaret Johnson, Sara Martin, Fats Waller and Mamie Smith -  Uncle of pianist, Marlowe Morris.

John McCormack (John Francis McCormack) - Died 1945 - ( Irish Folk - Opera ) Born 1884 in Ireland - Singer.

Al Dubin - Died 2-11-1945 in New York, NY, U.S. - Pneumonia ( Lyricist ) Born 6-10-1891 in Zurich, Switzerland - (He co-wrote, "I Only Have Eyes For You" and "A Cup Of Coffee, A Sandwich And You") - Worked with Harry Warren and Jimmy McHugh - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Clyde Hart - Died 3-19-1945 in New York, NY, U.S. - Tuberculosis ( Swing ) Born 2-24-1910 in Baltimore, MD, U.S. - Arranger and pianist - Worked with  Gene Coy, Jap Allen, Andy Kirk, Stuff Smith, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and many others.

Nat Jaffe - Died 8-5-1945 - Complications from high blood pressure ( Jazz ) Born 1-1-1918 - Pianist - Worked with Joe Marsala, Louis Armstrong, Jack Teagarden, Charlie Barnet, Billie Holiday, Noel Francis, The Emery Deutsch Orchestra and Sarah Vaughan.

Tubby Hall (Alfred Hall) - Died 5-13-1945 in Chicago, IL, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 10-12-1895 in Sellers, LA, U.S. - Drummer - Worked with Buddie Petit, King Oliver, Sugar Johnny Smith, Jimmie Noone, Johnny Dodds, Tiny Parham and Louis Armstrong - Brother of drummer,  Minor "Ram" Hall.

Gus Edwards (Gus Simon) - The Star Maker - Died 11-7-1945 in Los Angeles, CA, U.S. - Born 8-18-1879 in Hohensalza, Prussia - Singer and songwriter - (Co-wrote, "School Days (When We Were A Couple Of Kids)" and "By The Light Of The Silvery Moon") - Was a member of The Newsboys Quintet - Collaborated with Will Cobb and Edward Madden - Was a founder member of ASCAP - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Jerome Kern (Jerome David Kern) - Died 11-11-1945 in New York, NY, U.S. - Born 1-27-1885 in New York, NY, U.S. - Played piano and was a composer - (He wrote, "Ol' Man River" and "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes") - He composed over 700 songs.

Richard M. Jones - Died 12-9-1945 in Chicago, IL, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 6-13-1892 in Barton, LA, U.S. - Pianist, composer, arranger and producer (He composed,"Jazzin' Babies Blues" and "Trouble In Mind") - Worked with Oscar Celestin, The Eureka Brass Band and Clarence Williams.

Johnny Marvin (John Senator Marvin) (aka Honey Duke And His Uke and The Ukulele Ace) - Died 12-20-1945 in North Hollywood, CA, U.S. - Heart attack after contacting dengue fever ( Country - Bluegrass ) - Born 7-11-1897 in Butler, OK, U.S. - Sang and played ukulele and steel guitar - (He did, "You Know Me Alabam") - Was a member of Sargent, Marvin And The Four Camerons - Worked with Gene Autry and The Royal Hawaiians - Ukulele Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Bobby Stark - Died 12-29-1945 ( Jazz ) Born 1-6-1906 in New York, U.S. - Played trumpet - Worked with Fletcher Henderson ("King Porter Stomp"), June Clark, The McKinney's Cotton Pickers, Chick Webb, Ella Fitzgerald and Garvin Bushell.

1946

Manuel "Manole" Perez - Died 1946 ( Jazz ) Born 12-28-1871- Band leader and cornet player - He worked with The Onward Brass Band, George Filhe, Charlie Elgar and The Imperial Orchestra.

Harry Von Tilzer (Harry Gumm, possibly Harry Gummblinsky) - Died 1-10-1946 in New York, NY, U.S. - Born 7-8-1872 in Detroit, MI, U.S. - Composer, pianist and publisher - (Co-wrote, "My Old New Hampshire Home" and "I Wonder If She's Waiting") - Collaborated with Arthur Lamb, Will A. Heelan, Will Dillon and Andrew B. Sterling - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Frederic Lee Beckett - Died 1-30-1946 ( Jazz ) Born 1-23-1917 in Nettleton, Mississippi, U.S. - Played trombone - Worked with Lionel Hampton, J .J .Johnson, Andy Kirk, Prince Stewart and Nat Towels.

Rufus Quillian - Died 1-31-1946 in Atlanta, GA, U.S. ( Blues ) Born 2-2-1900 in Gainesville, GA, U.S. - Singer and pianist - Worked with Ben Quillian (They did, "Sweet Miss Stella Blues" and "Ragged But Right").

Vincent Youmans (Vincent Millie Youmans) - Died 4-5-1946 in Denver, CO, U.S. -  Tuberculosis - Born 9-27-1898 in New York, NY, U.S. - Composer - (He co-wrote, "Flying Down To Rio", "I Want To Be Happy" and "Tea For Two") - Worked with Herbert Stothart, Edward Eliscu and Gus Kahn - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Dr. Patty Hill (Patty Smith Hill) - Died 5-25-1946 New York, NY, U.S. - Born 3-27-1868 in Anchorage, KY, U.S. - Composer - She was a co-writer of, "Happy Birthday To You" (The song most of you sing at someone's birthday party) - Originally titled, "Good Morning To All", the words to the song were changed without the composers permission, which was later proved in court - Royalties are still paid whenever the song is played commercially.

Joe Tricky Sam Nanton (Joseph N. Irish) - Died 7-20-1946 in San Francisco, CA, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 2-1-1904 in New York, NY, U.S. - Played trombone - Worked with Duke Ellington, Frazier's Harmony Five, Thomas Morris, Cliff Jackson and Elmer Snowden.

Mamie Smith (Mamie Robinson) - The Queen of the Blues - Died 10-30-1946 in New York, NY, U.S. - Illness ( Blues - Cabaret ) Born 5-26-1883 in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. - Singer, pianist and dancer - (She recorded, "Crazy Blues" and "It's Right Here For You") - Led Mamie Smith's Jazz Hounds - Gave Coleman Hawkins his first big break.

1947

Edmonia Henderson (Jennie Katherine Edmonia Henderson) (aka Catherine Henderson) - Died 1947 ( Blues - Gospel ) Born 1900 - Singer - (She did, "Georgia Grind" and "Dead Man Blues ") - Worked with Jelly Roll Morton, Tommy Ladnier and Johnny Dobbs.

Blind Willie Johnson - Died 1947 - Pneumonia ( Blues - Gospel ) Born 1902 in Marlin, Texas, U.S. - (He recorded, "Lord, I Just Can't Keep From Cryin'" and "Jesus Make Up My Dying Bed").

William Hamilton Stepp - Died 1947 in Knox County, IN, U.S. - Born 1875 in Proctor, Lee County, KY. U.S. - (He did, "Ways of the World" and "Bonaparte's Retreat") - Old-Time Fiddlers Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Joe Barocco - Died 1947 ( Jazz ) Born 10-16-1891 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Played bass and tuba - Worked with The Susquehanna Band, The Reliance Brass Band and Johnny Fischer's Brass Band.

Freddie Webster - Died 1947 in Chicago, Ill., U.S. - Heart attack or heroin overdose ( Jazz ) Born 1917 - Trumpeter - Worked with Jimmie Lunceford, Earl Hines, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Nance, Billy Eckstine, The Marion Sears Orchestra and Sarah Vaughan.

Doc Clayton (Peter Clayton) - Died 1-7-1947 - Tuberculosis ( Blues ) Born 4-19-1898 in Georgia - (He recorded, "Ain't Gonna Drink No More" and "Angels In Harlem").

Fate Marable - Died 1-16-1947 in St. Louis, MO, U.S. - Pneumonia ( Jazz ) Born 12-2-1890 in Paducah, Kentucky, U.S. - Pianist and bandleader - (He did, "Frankie and Johnny" and "Pianoflage") - He formed The Kentucky Jazz Band - Played on riverboats for decades - Worked with Louis Armstrong, Johnny Dodds, Baby Dodds, Pops Foster, Zutty Singleton, Henry "Red" Allen and Gene Sedric.

Sonny Berman (Saul Berman) - Died 1-16-1947 in New York, NY, U.S. - Suicide, drug overdose ( Jazz ) Born 4-21-1925 in New Haven, CT, U.S. - Trumpet player - Worked with Woody Herman, Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman.

John Walter Bratton - Died 2-7-1947 in Brooklyn, NY, U.S. - Born 1-21-1867 in Wilmington, DE, U.S. - Singer, composer and theatrical producer - Collaborated with lyricists Walter H. Ford and Paul West - (He co-wrote, "Teddy Bears' Picnic") - His songs were featured in the musicals, The Rainmakers and The Rollicking Girl.

Jimmie Lunceford (James Melvin Lunceford) - Died 7-12-1947 - May have been poisoned by a racist restaurant owner or from a heart attack ( Swing ) Born 6-6-1902 in Fulton, MS, U.S. - Music teacher turned pro - Played piano and reeds.

Walter Donaldson - Died 7-15-1947 in Santa Monica, CA, U.S. - Born 2-15-1893 in Brooklyn, NY, U.S. - Composer - (He co-wrote, "My Blue Heaven", "Makin' Whoopee" and "Yes Sir, That's My Baby").

Son Bonds - Died 8-31-1947 - Shot ( Blues ) Born 3-16-1909 in Brownsville, Tennessee, U.S. - (He did, "A Hard Pill To Swallow" and "Come Back Home").

1948

Frank Henry Martin - Died 1948 - Born 1866 - Ran The Martin Guitar Company which made over 110,000 ukuleles - Ukulele Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Fred Bacon (Fred J. Bacon) - Died in 1948 - Born 1871 in Vermont, U.S. - Played banjo - Founded The Bacon Manufacturing and Publishing Company - National Four-String Banjo Hall Of Fame Inductee.

John Lomax - Died 1-26-1948 ( Folklorist ) Born 9-23-1867 in Goodman, Mississippi, U.S. - Collected about  ten thousand early folk and blues recordings for the Library of Congress

Sidney Arodin - Died 2-6-1948 ( Jazz ) Born 3-29-1901 in Westwego, Louisiana, U.S. - Played clarinet (He wrote,"Lazy River") Worked with Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Stein, Jimmy Durante and Wingy Manone.

Red McKenzie (William McKenzie) - Died 2-7-1948 in New York, NY, U.S. - Cirrhosis of the liver ( Jazz ) Born 10-14-1899 in St. Louis, MO, U.S. - Sang and played comb and kazoo and also was a Jazz promoter - Led The Mound City Blue Blowers (They did, "Hello Lola" and "One Hour") - Worked with The Paul Whiteman Orchestra and Eddie Condon.

Sonny Boy Williamson (John Lee Williamson) - Died 6-1-1948 - Died in a mugging ( Country Blues ) Born 3-30-1914 in Jackson, Tennessee, U.S. (He recorded, "Good Morning Little School Girl" and "Check Up on My Baby").

James Baskett - Died 7-9-1948 ( Pop ) Born 2-16-1904 - (He sang, "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah") - He was Uncle Remus in The Disney film Song Of The South.

Lucille Bogan (Lucille Armstrong) (aka Bessie Jackson) - Died 8-10-1948 - Coronary sclerosis ( Blues ) Born 4-1-1897 in Amoury, Mississippi, U.S. - (She did, "Shave 'Em Dry", "Don't Mean You No Good Blues" and "Women Won't Need No Men").

Mutt Carey (Thomas Carey) - Died 9-3-1948 in Elsinore, CA, U.S. ( New Orleans Jazz ) Born 8-28-1891 in Hahnville, LA, U.S. - Trumpet and cornet player - Worked with Kid Ory, The Crescent Orchestra and Spikes' Seven Pods Of Pepper Orchestra - Brother of trombonist, Jack Carey.

Vernon Dalhart (Marion Try Slaughter) (aka Hugh Lattimer, Vernon Dale, Bob White, Frank Evans, Al Craver, Tobe Little, Sid Turner and others) - Died 9-14-1948 in Bridgeport, CT, U.S. - Heart failure ( Country ) Born 4-6-1883 in Jefferson, TX, U.S. - Singer - (He did, "Wreck Of The Old 97" and "The Prisoners Song") - Country Music Hall Of Fame Inductee and Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Jan Savitt (Jacob Savetnick) - Died 10-4-1948 in Sacramento, CA, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 9-4-1907 in Shumsk, Russia - Bandleader and violinist - Led Jan Savitt & His Top Hatters (They did, "Quaker City Jazz" and "From Out Of Space"), The Jan Savitt String Orchestra and Jan Savitt & His Orchestra.

Chano Pozo (Luciano Pozo Gonzales) - Died 12-2-1948 - Killed in a bar fight ( Latin Jazz ) Born 1-7-1915 in Havana, Cuba - Percussionist - Worked with Dizzy Gillespie ("Tin Tin Deo" and "Manteca").

Dave Tough - Died 12-9-1948 ( Jazz ) Born 4-26-1907 - Drummer - Worked with Benny  Goodman, Red Nichols, Tommy Dorsey, Mezz Mezzrow, Woody Herman and Muggsy Spanier.

Wilton Crawley - Died 12-31-1948 ( Jazz ) Born 7-18-1900 in Smithfield, VA, U.S. - Songwriter, clarinetist and contortionist - (He did, "She's Got What I Need" and "You Oughta See My Gal") - Led Wilton Crawley And The Washboard Rhythm Kings - Worked witn Jelly Roll Morton, Pops Foster, Luis Russell and Henry Allen.

1949

Joe Holmes - Died 1949 ( Jazz ) Born 1897 in McComb, MS, U.S. - Singer and guitarist - Worked with Mal Hallet and Lizzy Borden.

Herschel Foshee - Died 1949 - Singer - Was a member of The Melody Boys Quartet and led The Hershel Foshee Junior Quartet.

Euday Bowman (Euday Louis Bowman)- Died 5-26-1949 in New York, NY, U.S. - Pneumonia ( Jazz ) Born 11-9-1887 in Fort Worth, TX, U.S. - Pianist - (He did, "12th Street Rag" which was also recorded by Walter "Pee Wee" Hunt).

George Bacquet - Died 1-14-1949 in Philadelphia, PA, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 1880 - Clarinetist - Worked with The Onward Brass Band, Jelly Roll Morton, Bessie Smith, Sidney Bechet, Manuel Perez, John Robichaux and Buddy Bolden.

Irving Fazola (Irving Henry Prestopnik) - Died 3-20-1949 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. ( Jazz - Blues ) Born 12-10-1912 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Clarinetist and saxophonist - Worked with Gus Arnheim, Muggsy Spanier, Glenn Miller,  Bob Crosby, Jimmy McPartland, Teddy  Powell, Tony Almerico, Claude Thornhill, Horace Heidt, Candy Candido, Louis  Prima, Ben Pollack, Sharkey Bonano and Armand Hug.

Kid Rena (Henry Rena) - Died 4-25-1949 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 8-30-1898 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Trumpet player - He formed The Pacific Brass Band - Led Kid Rena's Jazz Band - Worked with Kid Ory and The Tuxedo Brass Band.

Arthur "Bud" Scott - Died 7-?-1949 ( Jazz ) Born 1-11-1980 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Guitarist and banjo player - Worked with Jelly Roll Morton, John Robichaux, Freddie Keppard, Johnny Dodds, Kid Ory and Louis Armstrong.

Bunk Johnson (William Geary Johnson) - Died 7-7-1949 in New Iberia, LA, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 12-27-1889 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Trumpet  player (He did,"Storyville Blues" and "Moose March")  Worked with The Eagle Band and The Yerba Buena Jazz Band - Pioneered New Orleans Jazz.

Eddie DeLange - Died 7-13-1949 ( Jazz ) Born 1-12-1904 in Long Island City, NY, U.S. - Singer and song writer - (He wrote, "Solitude" and "Moonglow) - Worked with The Hudson-DeLange Orchestra.

Paul Mares - Died 8-18-1949 in Chicago, IL, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 6-15-1900 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Trumpeter - Was a member of New Orleans Rhythm Kings - Worked with Ragbaby Stevens, The Friars Society Orchestra and Tom Brown.

Big Eye Louis Nelson (Louis Nelson DeLisle) - Died 8-20-1949 ( Jazz ) Born 1-28-1880 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Played Clarinet, accordion, guitar, banjo and violin - Worked with Kid Rena, Buddy Bolden, King Oliver and Jelly Roll Morton.

Henry Thacker Burleigh - Died 9-12-1949 ( Spirituals ) Born 12-2-1866 in Erie, PA, U.S. (He sang, "Deep River").

Buddy Clark (Samuel Goldberg) - Died 10-1-1949 in Los Angeles, CA, U.S. - Plane crash ( Pop ) Born 7-26-1912 in Dorchester, MA, U.S. - (He did, "Linda" which he wrote for Linda Eastman and "Spring Is Here") - Worked with Johnny Hodges, Doris Day and Dinah Shore.

Cryin' Sam Collins (aka Jim Foster) - Died 10-20-1949 in Chicago, IL, U.S. - Heart disease ( Blues ) Born 8-11-1887 in Louisiana, U.S. - Singer and guitarist - (He did, "The Jail House Blues").

Stan King - Died 11-19-1949 ( Jazz ) Born 1900 - Drummer - Worked with Benny Goodman, Paul Whiteman, The California Ramblers and The Dorsey Brothers.

Albert Ammons (Albert C. Ammons) - Died 12-2-1949 in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. ( Boogie Woogie ) Born 9-23-1907 in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. - Pianist (He recorded,"Boogie Woogie Stomp" and "Cuttin' The Boogie") Father of Gene Ammons.

Leadbelly ( Huddie Ledbetter ) - The King of the Twelve-String Guitar - Died 12-6-1949 in New York, NY, U.S. - Lateral sclerosis  ( Folk - Blues ) Born 1-21-1888 in Shiloh, Louisiana, U.S. - Played guitar, mandolin and sang (He did,"Goodnight Irene" and "The Midnight Special") "Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee" and "Louisiana Blues Hall Of Fame Inductee".

Ivie Anderson - Died 12-28-1949  in Los Angeles, CA, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 7-10-1905 in Gilroy, CA, U.S. - Singer - She worked with Duke Ellington, Earl Hines, Curtis Mosby, Anson Weeks and Paul Howard's Quality Serenaders.

1950

Josie Miles (Josephine Miles) - Died sometime in the 1950s or 1960s - Car accident ( Blues ) Singer - Born about 1900 in Sommerville, NC, U.S. - (She did, "Please Don't Tickle Me Dear Blues" and "Graveyard Dream Blues") - Worked with Fletcher Henderson, Bubber Miley, Louis Metcalf, Rex Stewart, Cliff Jackson and Elmer Snowden.

Johnny Doran - Died 1-?-1950 ( Irish Folk ) Born 1907 or 1908 - He played the uilleann pipes (He did, "Rakish Paddy" and "My Love Is In America").

A Bing (aka Blind A Bing) (Hua Yanjun) - Died 1950 ( Chinese Folk ) Played the pipa and erhu - (He did, "Huge Waves Wash The Sand" and "Dragon Boat").

Sir Harry Lauder (Henry MacLennan Lauder) - Laird of the Music Hall - Died 2-26-1950 - Born 8-4-1870 in Portobello - Singer, songwriter and comedian - (He wrote, "Roamin' In The Gloamin' and "I Love A Lassie").

Joe McCoy - Died 1-28-1950 - Heart disease ( Blues ) Born 5-11-1905 in Raymond, Mississippi, U.S. (He did, "Oh Red" and "Yes I Got Your Woman").

Buddy Stewart - Died 2-1-1950 in Minnesota, U.S. - Car accident ( Jazz ) Born 1922 - Singer - Was a member of The Snowflakes - Worked with Glenn Miller, Claude Thornhill,  Dave Lambert, Gene Krupa, Charlie Ventura, Kai Winding, Anita O'Day and Charlie Barnet.

Ada Brown (Ada Scott Brown) - Died 3-31-1950 in Kansas City, KS, U.S. - Kidney disease ( Blues ) Born 5-1-1890 in Kansas City, KS, U.S. - Singer - (She did, "Ill Natural Blues" and "Break O' Day Blues") - Worked with Bennie Moten ("Evil Mama Blues").

Kurt Weill (Kurt Julian Weill) - Died 4-3-1950 - Born 3-2-1900 - (He co-wrote, "Die Moritat von Mackie Messer" known to most people as "Mack The Knife" and "Alabama Song" also known as "Whiskey Bar") - His songs have been recorded by The Doors, David Bowie, Dave Van Ronk, Louis Armstrong, Bobby Darin, Sting and Nick Cave - Was married to actress, Lotte Lenya.

Leo Watson - Died 5-2-1950 in Los Angeles, CA, U.S. - Pneumonia ( Jazz ) Born 2-27-1898 in Kansas City, MO, U.S. - Singer, trombonist and drummer - Worked with The Whitman Sisters, John Kirby, The Spirits Of Rhythm, Artie Shaw, Slim Gaillard, Jimmy Mundy and Gene Krupa.

Bertha "Chippie" Hill - Died 5-7-1950 in New York, NY, U.S. - Hit and run accident ( Jazz - Blues ) Born 3-15-1905 in Charleston, South Carolina, U.S. - Singer and accordionist - (She did, "Atomic Blues" and "Blackmarket Blues") - Worked with Louis Armstrong, Jimmie Noone, Kid Ory and Tampa Red.

Whispering Jack Smith (John Schmidt) - Died 5-13-1950 in New York, NY, U.S. - Born 5-31-1898 in The Bronx, NY, U.S. - Singer and pianist - (He had a hit with, "Me and My Shadow").

Jaybird Coleman (Burl C. Coleman) (aka Rabbit's Foot Williams) - Died 6-28-1950 in Tuskegee, Alabama, U.S. - Cancer ( Blues ) Born 5-20-1896 in Gainsville, Alabama, U.S. - Harmonica player, guitarist and singer - Worked his sister, Lizzie Coleman and with Big Joe Williams and The Birmingham Jug Band.

John Lindsay - Died 7-3-1950 in Chicago, IL., U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 1894 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Played trombone and bass - Worked with Jimmie Noone, John Robichaux, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong and King Oliver - Brother of drummer Little Joe Lindsay and violinist Herb Lindsay.

Fats Navarro (Theodore Navarro) - Died 7-6-1950 in New York, NY, U.S. - Tuberculosis ( Jazz ) Born 9-24-1923 in Key West, FL, U.S. - Trumpet  and piano player - (He did, "Hollerin' and Screamin" and "Fat Girl") - Worked with Andy Kirk, Billy Eckstine,  Kenny Clarke's Bebop Boys, Coleman Hawkins, Lionel Hampton, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Sonny Rollins, Illinois Jacquet, Charlie Parker, Benny Goodman and Tadd Dameron.

B.G. DeSylva (George Gard DeSylva) (aka Buddy de Sylva) Died 7-11-1950 in Los Angeles, CA, U.S. ( Pop - Tin Pan Alley ) Born 1-27-1895 in New York, NY, U.S. - Composer - (He wrote, "California, Here I Come" and  Al Jolson's, "I'll Say She Does") - Worked with Ray Henderson and Lew Brown - He was a record executive at Capitol Records and producded Shirley Temple's films, "The Littlest Rebel" and "Poor Little Rich Girl".

"Papa" Charlie McCoy - Died 7-26-1950 in Chicago, IL, U.S. - Paralytic brain disease ( Blues ) Born 5-26-1909 in Jackson, Mississippi, U.S. - Sang and played guitar and mandolin - (He did, "Your Valves Need Grinding" and "Times Ain't What They Used To Be") - Led Papa Charlie's Boys and The Harlem Hamfats - Worked with Tommy Johnson, The Mississippi Sheiks, Rubin Lacy, Son Spand and Ishmon Bracey - Brother in-law of Memphis Minnie.

Harry P. Guy - Died 9-?-1950 in Detroit, MI, U.S. ( Ragtime - Classical ) Born 7-17-1870 in Zainsville Ohio - Played piano, violin and pipe organ - (He composed, "Echoes From The Snowball Club" and "The Flowret Waltz").

Al Killian - Died 9-5-1950 in Los Angeles, CA, U.S. - Murdered by his landlord ( Jazz ) Born 10-15-1916 in Birmingham, AL, U.S. - Played Trumpet - Worked with Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, T-Bone Walker, Paul Robeson and Charlie Parker.

Al Jolson (Asa Yoelson) - The World's Greatest Entertainer - Died 10-23-1950 ( Minstrel - Traditional Pop ) Born 5-26-1885  in Seredzius, Lithuania - (He did, "Sonny Boy " and "Swanee ") - He starred in The Jazz Singer - Worked with The Andrews Sisters, The Mills Brothers, Carl Fenton & His Orchestra and Johnny Mercer.

Tommy Gaither - Died 11-5-1950 - Car accident ( R&B ) Born 1927 in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. - Was a guitarist for The Vibranaires which became The Orioles (They recorded, "You Belong to Me" and "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me")  "Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee".

Raymond Grant, Jr. - Died 12-?-1950 ( R&B ) Born 6-16-1916 - Was a guitarist for The Four Vagabonds (They did, "It Can't Be Wrong").

Elmer "Coo Coo" Talbert - Died 12-13-1950 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 8-8-1900 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Played trumpet - Worked with Kid Rena and George Lewis.

Charles L. Johnson (Charles Leslie Johnson) (aka Raymond Birch) - Died 12-28-1950 in Kansas City, MO. U.S. ( Ragtime ) Born 12-3-1876 in Kansas City, KS. U.S. - Composer - (He wrote, "Sweet And Low" and "Snookums Rag").

1951

Roy Howard - Died 1951 ( Gospel ) Singer - Was a member of The Gospel Melody Quartet a group that later became The Florida Boys.

John A. Pope - Died 1951 ( Jazz ) Born 1863 in Mobile, Ala., U.S. - Played trumpet - Founder of The Excelsior Band - Alabama Music Hall Of Fame Achiever.

Doc West (Harold West) - Died 1951 ( Jazz ) Born 1915 - Drummer - Worked with Roy Eldridge and Tiny Parham.

Erman Slater (Erman Clark Slater) - Died 1-12-1951 in Texas, U.S. - Car accident ( Gospel ) Born 2-2-1903 in Dekalb County, AL, U.S. - Singer - Worked with The Jolley Family Quartet, The Sand Mountain Quartet, The Stamps Dixie Four, The Lone Star Quartet, Fred C Maples And The Harmoneers and The Rangers Quartet - Southern Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Cecil Gant (aka Gunter Lee Carr) - Died 2-4-1951 - Pneumonia ( Blues - R&B ) Born 4-4-1913 in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. - (Recorded, "Cecil Boogie" and "Another Day - Another Dollar").

Ed Haley (James Edward Haley ) - Died 2-4-1951 in Ashland, KY, U.S. - Heart attack - Born 1883 in Hart's Creek, WV, U.S. - Played fiddle - (He did, "Humphrey's Jig" and "Done Gone") - Old-Time Fiddlers Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Eddy Duchin - Died 2-9-1951 (Jazz - Pop ) Born 4-10-1910 - Pianist - (He did remakes of, "My Blue Heaven" and "Three O'Clock In The Morning").

Jyotiprasad Agarwalla (aka Rupkonwar) - Died 2-17-1951 - Born 6-17-1903 - Composer and poet - (He wrote, "Karingarligiri" and "Rupalim").

Ivor Novello - Died 3-6-1951 ( Pop - Jazz ) Born 1-15-1893 in Cardiff - Composer - (He wrote, "Keep The Home Fires Burning" and " The Thought Never Entered My Head").

Big Sid Catlett (Sidney Catlett) - Died 3-25-1951 in Chicago, IL, U.S. - Heart attack ( Jazz ) Born 1-17-1910 in Evansville, IN, U.S. - Drummer - Worked with Darnell Howard, Benny Carter, McKinney's Cotton Pickers, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington.

Fanny Brice (Fania Borach) - Died 5-29-1951 in Hollywood, CA, U.S. - Cerebral hemorrhage - Born 10-29-1891 in New York, NY, U.S. - Singer, comedienne and actress - (She did, "My Man"  and "Second Hand Rose") - Was the creator and star of radio's, The Baby Snooks Show - Barbra Streisand starred as Fanny Brice in the Broadway musical, Funny Girl.

Egbert Van Alstyne (Egbert Anson Van Alstyne) - Died 7-9-1951 - Born 3-4-1878 in Marengo, Illinois, U.S. - Songwriter and pianist - Worked with Harry H. Williams (They co-wrote, "In The Shade Of The Old Apple Tree").

Harry Choates (Harry H. Choates) - The Godfather of Cajun music - Died 7-17-1951 in Austin, TX, U.S. - May have died after an epileptic fit or a violent case of the DTs ( Cajun ) Born 12-26-1922 in Vermillion Parish, LA, U.S. - Singer and songwriter, he also played fiddle, accordion and guitar - (He did, "Jole Blon" and "Harry Choates Blues") - Was a member of The Melody Boys.

Uncle Bunt Stephens (John L. Stephens) - Died 7-25-1951 in Moore County, TN, U.S. - Born 2-2-1879 in Bedford County, TN, U.S. - Played fiddle and harmonica - (He did, "Old Hen Cackled" and "Sail Away Lady") - Old-Time Fiddlers Hall Of Fame Inductee.

"Papa" Jimmy Yancey - Died 9-17-1951 in Chicago, IL, U.S. - Diabetic stroke ( Boogie Woogie ) Born 2-20-1898 in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. - (Recorded, "Yancey Stomp" and "35th and Dearborn") - Was a groundskeeper for The Chicago White Sox for 25 years - Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Charlie Creath (Charles W. Creath) - Died 10-23-1951 ( Jazz ) Born 12-30-1890 in Ironton, MO, U.S. - Played trumpet and was a band leader - Worked with his brother in-law Zutty Singleton and Lonnie Johnson.

Dixie Lee Crosby (Wilma Winifred Wyatt) - Died 11-1-1951 in Holmby Hills, CA, U.S. - Ovarian cancer - Born 11-4-1911 in Harriman, TN, U.S. - Singer, actress and dancer - (She did, "The Way You Look Tonight" and "A Fine Romance" with her husband, Bing Crosby).

Mildred Bailey (Mildred Rinker) - Died 12-12-1951 in Poughkeepsie, NY, U.S. - Diabetes ( Jazz ) Born 2-27-1907 in Tekoa, Wash., U.S. - Singer - (Recorded, "Rockin' Chair" and "Please Be Kind" with her husband, Red Norvo) - Led Mildred Bailey And Her Oxford Greys -  Worked with Paul Whiteman, Frankie Trumbauer, Benny Goodman, Coleman Hawkins and Eddie Lang.

Vic Berton (Victor Cohen) - Died 12-26-1951 in Hollywood, CA, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 5-6-1898 in Chicago, Ill., U.S. - Drummer - (He co-wrote, "Sobbin' Blues") - Led Vic Berton And His Orchestra - Worked with John Philip Sousa's Navy Band, Red Nichols ("Washboard Blues"), Miff Mole ("Feelin' No Pain"), Joe Venuti, Charlie Charleston ("Red Hot Henry Brown"), Chick Bullock and Eddie Lang.

1952

Elmer Chambers - Died 1952 ( Jazz - Blues ) Born 1897 - Played trumpet - Worked with Fletcher Henderson Louis Armstrong, Alberta Hunter, Rosa Henderson, Clara Smith, Fats Waller, Sidney Bechet, June Cole and Ida Cox ("Gulf Coast Blues").

Curly Howard (Jerome Lester Horwitz) - Died 1-18-1952 in San Gabriel, CA, U.S. - Following a series of strokes ( Swing ) Born 10-22-1903 in Bath Beach, Brooklyn, NY, U.S. - Was one of The Three Stooges (They did, "Swingin The Alphabet").

Herb Morand - Died 2-23-1952 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 1905 - Played trumpet - Worked with with Nat Towles, Cliff Jackson, Chris Kelly, The Harlem Hamfats, George Lewis and The Beale Street Washboard Band.

Edward Madden - Died 3-11-1952 in Hollywood, CA, U.S. - Born 7-17-1878 in New York, NY, U.S. - Lyricist - (Co-wrote, "By The Light Of The Silvery Moon" and "Red Rose Rag") - Collaborated with his wife Dorothy Jardon and with Louis Hirsch, Joseph Daly, Gus Edwards, Julian Edwards, Ben Jerome, Jerome Kern, Theodore Morse and Percy Wenrich - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Uncle Dave Macon (David Harrison Macon) (aka The Dixie Dew Drop) - Died 3-23-1952 ( Country ) Born 10-7-1870 - Fiddler - He lead The Fruit Jar Drinkers (They did, "Keep My Skillet Good And Greasy" and "Chewing Gum") Country Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Joe L. Frank - Died 5-4-1952 ( Country ) Born 4-15-1900 in Mount Rozell, AL, U.S. - Manager - (He wrote, "Chapel On The Hill" and "Sundown And Sorrow") - Started the singing cowboy concept - Country Music Hall Of Fame Inductee and Alabama Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

John Kirby - Died 6-14-1952 in Hollywood, CA, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 12-31-1908 in Baltimore, MD, U.S. - Played tuba and bass - He was the leader of The John Kirby And His Sextet (They did, "It Feels Good" and "Jumpin' In The Pump Room") - Was married to singer Maxine Sullivan.

Luke Jordan - Died 6-25-1952 in Lynchburg, VA, U.S. ( Blues ) Born 1-28-1892 in Appomattox County, VA, U.S. - Singer and guitarist - (He did, "Pick Poor Robin Clean" and "My Gal's Done Quit Me").

R. E. Winsett (Robert Emmett Winsett) - Died 6-26-1952 in Dayton, TN, U.S. ( Gospel ) Born 1-15-1876 in Bledsoe County, TN, U.S. - Composer and publisher - (He wrote, "Jesus Is Coming Soon") - He wrote about 1,000 songs - Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee and Southern Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Hociel Thomas - Died 8-22-1952 in Oakland, CA, U.S. - Heart disease ( Blues ) Born 7-10-1904 in Houston, Texas, U.S. - Singer and pianist - (She did, "Deep Water Blues" and "I Can't Feel Frisky Without My Liquor") - Daughter of pianist, George W. Thomas Jr. and niece of singer, Sippie Wallace - Worked with Louis Armstrong, Mutt Carey and Kid Ory's Creole Orchestra.

Gertrude Lawrence (Gertrud Alexandra Dagmar Klasen) - Died 9-6-1952 ( Cabaret - Nostalgia - Pop ) Born 6-4-1898 in London, England - Singer - (She did, "How Could We Be Wrong?" and "An Hour Ago This Minute") - Worked with  Noel Coward.

Leonard Bechet - Died 9-17-1952 ( Jazz ) Born 4-25-1877 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Trombonist - Brother of clarinet player Sidney Bechet.

Helen Desha Beamer (Helen Kapuailohia Desha Beamer) - Died 9-25-1952 - Born 9-8-1882 in Honolulu, Hawaii - Musician, singer and composer - (She did, "Ke Kali Nei Au" (The Hawaiian Wedding Song) with Sam Kapu) - Hawaiian Music Hall Of fame Inductee.

Hattie McDaniel - Died 10-26-1952 in Los Angeles, CA, U.S. - Breast cancer - Born 6-10-1895 in Wichita, Kansas, U.S. - Singer and actress - Sang with Paul Robeson, Irene Dunne and Will Rogers - She acted in the film, Gone With The Wind for which she became the first black actress to win an Academy Award.

Mal Hallet - Died 11-20-1952 ( Jazz ) Led Mal Hallet & His Orchestra - Worked with Teddy Grace and Turk Murphy.

Rabon Delmore (Rabon A. Delmore) - Died 12-4-1952 in Athens, AL, U.S. ( Country ) Born 12-3-1916 in Elkmont, AL, U.S. - Singer songwriter and guitarist - Was one of The Delmore Brothers (They did, "Brown's Ferry Blues" and "Gonna Lay Down My Old Guitar") - Country Music Hall Of Fame Inductee, Alabama Music Hall Of Fame Inductee and Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Uncle John Wills (John Tomkins Wills) - Died 12-28-1952 in Tulsa, OK, U.S. - Heart attack ( Country ) Born 1880 in Grovesburg, TX, U.S. - Fiddler - Led Uncle John Wills And His Lone Star Rangers.

Fletcher Henderson (Fletcher Hamilton Henderson Jr.) - Died 12-29-1952 in New York, NY, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 12-18-1897 in Cuthbert, GA, U.S. - Band Leader, arranger and pianist - (He did, "Christopher Columbus") - Worked with Louis Armstrong, Rex Stewart, Joe Smith, Bobby Stark, Benny Goodman, Tommy Ladnier, Lucky Thompson and Cootie Williams to name a few.

Willie Lee Brown - Died 12-30-1952 in Tunica, MS, U.S. - Heart disease ( Blues ) Born 8-6-1900 in Clarksdale, Mississippi, U.S. - (He did, "Future Blues" and "M&O Blues").

1953

Emmett Lundy (Emmett W. Lundy) - Died 1953 - Born 5-9-1864 in Grayson County, VA, U.S. - (He did, "Molly Put The Kettle On" and "Wild Goose Chase") - Worked with Isom Rector, Fielden Rector, Crockett Ward, Eck Dunford and Ernest V. Stoneman ("Piney Woods Gal" and "The Long Eared Mule") - Old-Time Fiddlers Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Arthur "Dooley" Wilson - Died 1953 ( Jazz ) Born 4-2-1894 in Tyler, TX, U.S. - Drummer - Was a member of The Red Devils - He played Sam the piano player in the movie Casablanca but his playing was dubbed as he couldn't play piano.

Bobby Strickland - Died 1953 ( Gospel ) Singer - Led Bobby Strickland's Crusaders Quartet.

Hank Williams (Hiram King Williams) (aka Luke the Drifter) - Died 1-1-1953 in Oak Hill, WV, U.S. - Heart attack ( Country & Western ) Born 9-17-1923 in Mount Olive West, AL, U.S. - Singer and guitarist - (He did, "Your Cheatin' Heart" and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry") - He was a member of The Drifting Cowboys - Father of Hank Williams Jr. - Country Music Hall Of Fame Inductee, Alabama Music Hall Of Fame Inductee, Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee, Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee and Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Big Maceo ( Major Merriweather ) - Died 2-23-1953 - Stroke ( Blues ) Born 3-31-1905 in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. - Singer and pianist - (He did, "Worried Life Blues" and  "Texas Stomp") - Blues Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Radim Drejsl - Died 4-20-1953 in Prague, Czechoslovakia - Suicide ( Pop ) Born 4-29-1923 in Dobruska, Czechoslovakia - After Communist political plot in 1948 he composed Soviet influenced community songs - (He wrote, "Armade Zdar", "Vlaj, Nase Vlajko" and "Rozkvetly Den").

Peter De Rose - Died 4-23-1953 in New York, NY, U.S. ( Jazz - Pop ) Born 3-10-1900 in New York, NY, U.S. - Pianist and songwriter - (Co-wrote, "Buena Sera" and "When Your Hair Has Turned To Silver") - Collaborating with Harry Richman, Carl Sigman, Jo Trent, Charles Tobias, Billy Hill, Bert Shefter, Al Stillman, Stanley Adams, Mitchell Parish, Benny Davis, Sammy Gallop and Sam Lewis - He and his wife ukulele player, May Singhi Breen appeared on NBC's, "Sweethearts Of The Air" for more than 15 years - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Django Reinhardt (Jean Baptiste Reinhardt) - Died  5-16-1953 - Stroke ( Jazz - Swing ) Born  1-23-1910 in Liverchies, Belgium (He did,"Daphne" and "Stomping At Decca") He recorded with Mel Powell, Peanuts Hucko and Ray McKinley.

Mila Spazierova-Hezka - Died 7-27-1953 in Ceske Budejovice, Czechoslovakia - Heart condition  ( Chanson ) Born 9-1-1901 in Ceske Budejovice - Singer - (She did, "Nocni motyl", "Cerna kocka" and "Ulicky v Soho").

Betty Jack Davis - Died 8-2-1953 - Car crash - She recorded with Skeeter Davis as The Davis Sisters (although they weren't related).

Willie Love - Died 8-19-1953 - Bronchopneumonia ( Blues ) Born 11-4-1906 in Duncan, Mississippi, U.S. - (He recorded, " Nelson Street Blues").

Walter Bullock - Died 8-19-1953 in Los Angeles, CA, U.S. - Born 5-6-1907 in Shelburn, IN, U.S. - Composer - (He wrote, "Someday You'll Find Your Bluebird" and "I'd Like To See Samoa Of Samoa") - Wrote music for the films, Sing Baby Sing and Shirley Temple's, Just Around The Corner - Collaborated with Alfred Newman, Harold Spina, Abraham Ellstein and Richard Whiting.

Fred Ahlert (Fred E. Ahlert) - Died 10-20-1953 in New York, NY, U.S. - Born 9-19-1892 in New York, NY, U.S. - Composer - (Co-wrote, "I Don't Know Why (I Just Do)" and "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter") - Collaborated with Roy Turk - His songs have been recorded by Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Fats Waller and Frank Sinatra - Father of composer, Richard Ahlert - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Carolina Slim (Edward P. Harris) (aka Lazy Slim Jim, Jammin' Jim, Paul Howard and Country Paul) - Died 10-22-1953 - Heart attack during back surgery ( Blues ) Born 8-22-1923 in Leasburg, North Carolina, U.S. (Recorded,"Black Cat Trail" and "I'll Never Walk In Your Door").

Sol Hoopii - The King of the Steel Guitar - Died 11-16-1953 in Seattle, WA, U.S. ( Hawaiian - Jazz - Blues ) Born 1902 1902 in Honolulu, HI - Played steel guitar - Worked with Bud Tutmarc, Glenwood Leslie and Lani McIntire - Steel Guitar Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Larry Shields (Lawrence James Shields) - Died 11-21-1953 in Los Angeles, CA, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 9-13-1893 in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. -  Clarinetist - Member of The Original Dixieland Jazz Band (They did, "St. Louis Blues" and "Royal Garden Blues") - The 1st jazz band to make records - Brother of clarinetist, Harry Shields.

Samuel Kamaka (Samuel Kaialiilii Kamaka) - Died 12-15-1953 - Born 12-29-1890 in Waihee, Maui, HI - Founder of The Kamaka Ukulele and Guitar Works - Ukulele Hall Of Fame inductee.

1954

George Filhe - Died 1954 in Chicago, Ill., U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 11-13-1872 - Trombonist - Worked with The Coustaut-Desdunes Orchestra, The Onward Brass Band, The 'Peerless Orchestra, The Imperial Orchestra, Joe King Oliver, Manuel Perez, Sidney Bechet and Lawrence Duhe.

Rhythm Willie (Willie Hood) - The Harmonic Wizard - Died 1954 ( Jazz - Blues - Pop ) Born 9-15-1910 - Played  harmonica - Led Rhythm Willie And His Gang (They did, "New Block And Tackle Blues" and "Bedroom Stomp") - Worked with Lee Brown, Earl Bostic and Peetie Wheatstraw.

Paul Specht - Died 1954 ( Jazz ) Was the leader of Paul Specht & His Orchestra.

Dick Davis - Died 1-26-1954 ( Jazz ) Saxophonist - Worked with Danny Overbea, Al Hibbler and King Kolax.

Edwin Howard Armstrong - Died 2-1-1954 - Jumped from his 13th floor apartment window - Born 12-18-1890 - He invented FM radio .

Lil Green - Died 4-14-1954 in Chicago, IL, U.S. - Bronchial pneumonia ( Blues ) Born 12-22-1919 in Clarksdale, MS, U.S. - Singer - (Recorded, "Knockin' Myself Out" and "Romance In The Dark").

Texas Alexander (Alger Alexander) - Died  4-16-1954 - Syphilis ( Blues ) Born 9-12-1900 in Jewett, Texas, U.S. (He did, "Awful Moaning Blues" and "Blue Devil Blues") - Cousin Of Lightnin' Hopkins.

Arthur Johnston - Died 5-1-1954 in Corona del Mar, CA, U.S. - Born 1-10-1898 in New York, NY, U.S. - Pianist and songwriter - (Co-wrote, "Cocktails For Two" and "Pennies From Heaven") -  Wrote music for the films, College Humor and Hello Everybody - Collaborated with Johnny Burke, Sam Coslow and Gus Kahn - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Henry Strong - Died 6-3-1954 in Chicago, IL, U.S. - Stabbed by his girlfriend ( Blues ) Born 9-1-1928 in West Memphis, AR, U.S. - Played harmonica - Worked with Muddy Waters

R.W. Blackwood - Died 6-24-1954 - Plane Crash ( Gospel ) Born 10-23-1921 in Ackerman, MS, U.S. - Was a member of The Blackwood Brothers.

Bill Lyles - Died 6-24-1954 - Plane Crash ( Gospel ) Was a member of The Blackwood Brothers.

Danny Cedrone (Donato Joseph Cedrone) - Died 7-17-1954 in Philadelphia, PA, U.S. - Fell down a flight of stairs ( Rock ) Born 6-20-1920 in Jamesville, NY, U.S. - (Played the guitar solo on Bill Haley And The Comet's, "Rock Around The Clock").

Hot Lips Page (Oran Thaddeus Page) - Died 11-5-1954 in New York, NY, U.S. ( Blues - Jazz ) Born 1-27-1908 in Dallas, TX, U.S. - Trumpeter and singer - Was a member of Walter Page's Blue Devils, Artie Shaw's Orchestra and Count Basie's Orchestra - Worked with Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith and Ida Cox.

Charlie Jordan - Died 11-15-1954 - Pneumonia ( Blues ) Born 1890 in Mabelvale, Arkansas, U.S. (He did,"Honeysucker Blues").

Oliver "Dink" Johnson - Died 11-29-1954 - Hemorrhage ( Blues ) Born 10-28-1892 in Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S. (He did,"Dink's (Final) Blues").

Fred Rose - Died 12-1-1954 in Nashville, TN, U.S. - Heart attack ( Country ) Born 8-24-1898 in Evansville, IN, U.S. - Singer, pianist and songwriter - (He wrote,"No One Will Ever Know" and "We Live In Two Different Worlds") - Was a member of The Tune Peddlers - Produced Hank Williams ("Take These Chains From My Heart") - Worked with Roy Acuff - Country Music Hall Of Fame Inductee and Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Oscar "Papa" Celestin - Died 12-15-1954 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 1-1-1884, Napoleonville, LA, U.S. - Trumpeter - Was a member of The Algiers Brass Band, The Olympia Band, The Tuxedo Brass Band and The Tuxedo Orchestra.

Lee Morse (Lena Corinne Taylor) - Died 12-16-1954 in Rochester, NY, U.S. ( Jazz - Blues ) Born 11-30-1897 in Portland, OR, U.S. - Played guitar, ukulele and kazoo and was a singer - (She did, "A Miss In Mississippi " and "Mail Man Blues") - Led Lee Morse And Her Bluegrass Boys.

Johnny Ace (John Marshall Alexander Jr.) - Died 12-25-1954 - Russian Roulette ( Rhythm & Blues ) Born 6-9-1929 in Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. - (He did, "Pledging My Love" and "My Song") - Was a member of The Beale Streeters .

1955

Bob Gordon - Died 1955 - Car accident ( Jazz ) Saxophonist - Worked with Jack Montrose.

Vernon Isley - Died 1955 - Bicycle accident ( Gospel - Soul - Rock ) Born 1942 in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. - Was one of The Isley Brothers - Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Gus Arnheim - Died 1-19-1955 ( Jazz - Orchestral Pop ) Worked with Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra and Bing Crosby.

Buck Washington - Died 1-31-1955 in New York, NY, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 10-16-1903 in Louisville, KY, U.S. - Singer and pianist - Was half of Buck & Bubbles - Worked with Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong and Coleman Hawkins.

Ulysses "Ronnie" Hicks - Died 2-1-1955 - A rheumatic heart condition ( Doo-Wop - R&B ) Born 1933 - Was a singer for The Five Keys (They did, "Story Of Love" and "Teardrops In Your Eyes").

Charlie Parker Jr. (aka Bird and Yardbird) - Died 3-12-1955 in New York, NY, U.S. - Lobar pneumonia and a bleeding ulcer ( Jazz - Be-bop ) Born 8-29-1920 in Kansas City, KS, U.S. - Saxophonist - (He did, "Bird Gets The Worm" and "Stupendous").

Henry Busse (Henry Busse Sr.) - Died 4-23-1955 in Memphis, TN, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 5-19-1894 in Magdeburg, Germany - Trumpeter - Led Henry Busse And The Shuffle Rhythm Band - Worked with The Frisco Jass Band, The Paul Whiteman Orchestra (They did, "Hot Lips" and "Wang Wang Blues"), Tommy Dorsey and Jimmie Dorsey.

Yogi Yorgesson (Harry Edward Stewart) - Died 5-20-1956 - Car accident - Born 10-21-1908 in Tacoma, Washington, U.S. - Singer and comedian - (He did, "I Yust Go Nuts At Christmas" and "Yingle Bells").

Sara Martin (aka Margaret Johnson and Sally Roberts) - The famous moanin' mama - Died 5-24-1955 in Louisville, KY, U.S. - Stroke ( Blues - Gospel ) Born 5-18-1884 in Louisville, KY, U.S. - Singer - Worked with Clarence Williams and King Oliver.

Wardell Gray - Died 5-25-1955 in Las Vegas, NV, U.S. ( Bop ) Born 2-13-1921 in Oklahoma City, OK, U.S. - Played saxophone - Worked with Earl Hines, Benny Goodman, Count Basie and Charlie Parker.

James Suggs - Died 6-19-1955 - Cancer ( Blues ) Born 3-9-1886 in Kosciusko, Mississippi, U.S.

Bob Miller - Died 8-26-1955 in New York, NY, U.S. - Born 9-20-1895 in Memphis, TN, U.S. - Pianist and songwriter - (He wrote, "Someday You'll Want Me to Want You" and "Rockin' Alone (In An Old Rocking Chair)") - Worked with The Idlewild Orchestra - Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Frank Stokes - Died 9-12-1955 - Uremia ( Blues ) Born 1-1-1888 in Whitehaven, Tennessee, U.S. -  Was 1/2 of The Beale Street Sheiks .

Iry LeJeune - Died 10-8-1955 - Hit by a car while changing a tire ( Cajun ) Born 10-28-1928 in Pointe Noir - Singer and accordion player - (He did, "Evangeline Special" and "I Made A Big Mistake") - Was the leader of Iry LeJune And His Lacassine Playboys - Worked with J. B. Fusilier and Virgil Bozman's Oklahoma Tornados (They did, "Love Bridge Waltz") - Father of accordion player Eddie LeJeune.

Bob King - Died 10-14-1955 ( Gospel ) Born 7-22-1906 - Singer and guitarist - Was a member of The Soul Stirrers (They did, "All Right Now") - The Vocal Group Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Harry Parr-Davies - Died 10-14-1955 in London, England - Perforated ulcer - Born 5-24-1915 in Briton Ferry, West Glamgorga, Wales - Songwriter and pianist - (He wrote, "Pedro The Fisherman" and "Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye") - Worked with Gracie Fields.

Dick Twardzik (Richard Twardzik) Died 10-21-1955 in Paris, France while on a European tour with Chet Baker - Heroin overdose ( Jazz ) Born 1931 in Danvers, MA, U.S. - Pianist - Worked with Serge Chaloff, Charlie Parker, Charlie Mariano and Lionel Hampton.

Jerry Ross (Jerold Rosenberg) - Died 11-11-1955 in New York, NY, U.S. - Born 3-9-1926 in The Bronx, New York, NY, U.S. - Singer, lyricist and composer - (He wrote, Eddie Fisher's, "The Newspaper Song") - Collaborated with Richard Adler (They wrote Tony Bennett's, "Rags To Riches" and Rosemary Clooney's, "Hey There") - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Smilin' Eddie Varnado - Died 11-15-1955 ( Country ) Born 4-17-1927 - Musician and singer - Was a member of The Rhythm Roundup Boys - New Orleans Country Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

James P. Johnson (James Price Johnson) - Died 11-17-1955 in New York, NY, U.S. - Stroke ( Jazz - Stride ) Born 2-1-1894 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S. (He did,"Charleston" and "Old Fashioned Love") - Was the leader of James P. Johnson's Harmony Eight, Jimmy Johnson's Jazz Boys and Johnson's Jazzers - Worked with Ida Cox, Ethel Waters,  Fats Waller and Bessie Smith - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Charlie Cow Cow Davenport (Charles Edwards Davenport) - Died 12-3-1955 in Cleveland, OH, U.S. - Heart problems ( Blues ) Born 4-23-1894 in Anniston, Alabama, U.S. - Singer and pianist - (He did, "Atlanta Rag" and "Goin' Home Blues") - Led Davenport And Company - Worked with Dora Carr, Sam Price and Ivy Smith.

Homer Rodeheaver (Homer Alvan Rodeheaver) (aka Rody) - Died 12-18-1955 in Winona Lake, IN, U.S. - Heart failure ( Gospel ) Born 10-4-1880 in Cinco Hollow, OH, U.S. - Music director, publisher, singer and composer - Played cornet and trombone - (He did, "The Unclouded Day" and "The Great Judgement Morning") - Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1956

Bill Brown - Died 1956 ( R&B ) Born 1936 in New York - Was a singer for The Dominos.

Edward Ware - Died 1956 ( Pop - Spiritual ) Was a member of The Deep River Boys (They did, "Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered" and "The Mumbles Song").

Viola McCoy - Died 1956 ( Blues ) Born 1900 in Memphis, TN  (She did, "Laughin' Cryin' Blues" and "If You Want To Keep Your Daddy Home").

Louis Frazier - Died 1956 ( Doo-Wop ) Was a member of The Ravens.

Blind Alfred Reed - Died 1-17-1956 in Raleigh County, WV, U.S. ( Country ) Born 6-15-1880 in Floyd City, VA, U.S. - Snger, songwriter and fiddler - (He did, "How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?" and "Why Do You Bob Your Hair, Girls?").

Will Batts - Died 2-18-1956 in Memphis, TN, U.S. - Stroke ( Blues ) Born 1-24-1904 in Michigan, Mississippi, U.S. - Fiddler - Worked with Jack Kelly's South Memphis Jug Band, Frank Stokes and Big Walter Horton.

Mort Dixon - Died 3-23-1956 in Bronxville, NY, U.S. - Born 3-20-1892 in New York, NY, U.S. - (Co-wrote, "Bye, Bye Blackbird" and "I’m Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover") - Collaborated with Allie Wrubel, Billy Rose, Harry Warren, Harry M. Woods and Ray Henderson - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Adrian Rollini - Died 5-15-1956 in Homestead, FL, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 6-28-1904 in New York, NY, U.S. - Played vibraphone and sax - Led Adrian And His Tap Room Gang (They did, "Nagasaki" and "Bouncin' In Rhythm ") and Adrian's Ramblers (They did, "I Wish I Were Twins" and "The Better To Love You, My Dear") - Worked with The California Ramblers, Red Nichols, Frankie Trumbauer and Bix Beiderbecke - Brother of saxophone player Arthur Rollini.

Valaida Snow - Died 5-30-1956 - Cerebral hemorrhage backstage after a final curtain call ( Swing ) Born 6-2-1903 in Chattanooga, TN, U.S. - Singer and trumpet player - (She did, "I Want A Lot Of Love" and "High Hat, Trumpet And Rhythm") - Worked with Earl Hines and The Jimmy Mundy Orchestra ("Tell Me How Long The Train's Been Gone" and "When A Woman Loves A Man").

Walter Brown - Died 6-?-1956 in Lawton, AR, U.S. - Drug addiction ( Blues ) Born 8-17-1917 in Dallas, Texas, U.S. - Singer - (He did, "Confessin' The Blues" and "Inform Me Baby").

Frankie Trumbauer (aka Tram) - Died 6-11-1956 in Kansas City, MO, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 5-30-1901 in Carbondale, IL, U.S. - Played saxophone - Worked with The Benson Orchestra, The Three T's, Bix Beiderbecke ("Singin' The Blues") and Manny Klein.

Clifford Brown - Died 6-26-1956 in Bedford, PA, U.S. - Died in a car crash which also killed Richie Powell ( Be-Bop ) Born 11-30-1930 in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S. - Trumpeter - (He did, "Joyspring") - Worked with Chris Powell's Blue Flames, Lionel Hampton, Art Blakey and Max Roach.

Richie Powell - Died 6-26-1956 in Bedford, PA, U.S. - Died in a car crash which also killed Clifford Brown ( Jazz ) Born 9-5-1931 in New York, NY, U.S. -  Pianist - Worked with Paul Williams and Johnny Hodges.

Albert Von Tilzer - Died 10-1-1956 ( Composer ) Born 3-29-1878, Indianapolis, Indiana , U.S. - (He co-wrote, "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" and "Oh How She Could Yacki, Hacki, Wicki, Wacki, Woo") - Brother of composer, Harry Von Tilzer.

Isham Jones - Died 10-19-1956 ( Jazz - Dance ) Born 1-31-1894 in Coalton, IA (He composed,"It Had To Be You" and "I'll See You In My Dreams") Worked with Louis Panico.

David Day (David L. Day ) - Died 10-27-1956 in Melrose, MA, U.S. - He was 92 years old - With Fred Bacon, he designed The Bacon & Day Silver Bell Banjo - National Four-String Banjo Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Tommy Johnson - Died 11-1-1956 - Heart attack ( Blues ) Born 1896 in Terry, Mississippi, U.S. - (He did, "Big Fat Mama Blues" and "Canned Heat Blues") - Blues Foundation's Hall of Fame Inductee.

Art Tatum (Arthur Tatum Jr.) - Died 11-5-1956 - Uremia ( Jazz - Swing ) Born 10-13-1909 in Toledo, Ohio, U.S. - Pianist - (He recorded remakes of, "Tiger Rag" and "Humoresque").

Una Mae Carlisle - Died 11-7-1956 in New York, NY, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 12-25-1915 in Xenia, OH, U.S. - Singer and pianist - (She did, "Tain't Yours" and "Teasin' Me") - Worked with Lester Young and Fats Waller.

Victor Young - Died 11-11-1956 in Palm Springs, California, U.S. - Cerebral hemorrhage and stroke ( Pop - Light Music ) Born 8-8-1900 in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. - Composer, arranger, violinist and conductor - (Composed, "When I Fall In Love" and "Love Letters") - Worked with Ted Fiorito and Bing Crosby - Scored music for the films, For Whom The Bell Tollsand Samson And Delilah -  Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Tommy Dorsey (Thomas Dorsey) - The Sentimental Gentlemen of Swing - Died 11-26-1956 in Greenwich, CT, U.S. - Choked to death ( Swing ) Born 11-19-1905 in Shenandoah, PA, U.S. - Leader of The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (They did, "Opus One") and Tom Dorsey And His Novelty Orchestra (They did, "You Can't Cheat A Cheater " and "Daddy Change Your Mind ") - Was a  member of  The Scranton Sirens and The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra - Worked with Jean Goldkette,  Glenn Miller, The Boswell Sisters, Bing Crosby and Paul Whiteman.

Lou Handman - Died 12-9-1956 in Flushing New York, U.S. - Born 9-10-1894 in New York, New York, U.S. - Composer and pianist - (He co-work, "Are You Lonesome Tonight" and "Two Ton Tessie") - Collaborated with lyricists Roy Turk, Archie Gottler and Harry Harris -  Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

1957

Lonnie Baron - Died 1957 - Murdered ( Country - Rockabilly ) Born 1931 in Louisiana, LA, U.S. - (He did, "You're Not The First Girl" and "Teenage Queen").

Tommy Braden - Died 1957 ( R&B - Jazz ) Was the lead vocalist for The Four Blazes (They did, "Mary Joe" and "Perfect Woman").

Clarence "Cripple" Lofton - Died 1-9-1957 - Blood clot ( Blues ) Born 3-28-1887 in Kingsport, Tennessee, U.S. - (He did, "You've Done Tore Your Playhouse Down" and "Mercy Blues").

George Girard - Died 1-18-1957 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Cancer ( Jazz ) Born 10-7-1930 in Jefferson Parish, LA, U.S. - Played trumpet and sang - Was a member of The Basin Street Six - Worked with Phil Zito.

Sonny Parker - Died 2-7-1957 in Pittsburgh, PA, U.S. - Stroke ( Blues - Jazz ) Born 5-5-1925 in Youngstown, OH, U.S. - Singer, dancer and drummer - Worked with King Kolax and Lionel Hampton.

Alfred "Baby" Laine (aka Pantsy Laine) Died 3-1-1957 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 7-12-1895 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Played cornet - Was the leader of Pantsy Laine And His Wampus Cats and a member of The Reliance Brass Band - Son of Papa Jack Laine.

James "Bat" Robinson - (aka Bat "The Hummingbird" Robinson) - Died 3-2-1957 in St. Louis, MO, U.S. - Tuberculosis ( Blues ) Born 12-25-1903 in Algiers, Louisiana, U.S. - Sang and played piano, guitar and harmonica - (He did, "Bat's Own Blues" and "A Humming Blues").

Carson Robison (Carson Jay Robison) (aka Charles Robison) - Died 3-24-1957 in Poughkeepsie, NY, U.S. ( Country ) Born 8-4-1890 in Oswego, KS, U.S. - Singer, songwriter and guitarist - (He did, "The Little Green Valley") - (He co-wrote, "Barnacle Bill The Sailor") - First to popularize the song, "Home On The Range" - Led Carson Robison's Pioneers, Carson Robison And His Buckaroos and The Pleasant Valley Boys -  Was half of the duo, Bud And Joe Billings - Worked with Frank Luther and Vernon Dalhart - Western Music Association Hall Of Fame Inductee and Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Fud Livingston - Died 3-25-1957 ( Jazz ) Born 4-10-1906 - Played Clarinet and saxophone and also was an Arranger - Worked with Paul Whiteman, Louis Armstrong, Ben Pollack, Jimmy Dorsey and The California Ramblers.

Pedro Infante (Jose Pedro Infante Cruz) - Died 4-15-1957 in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico - The plane he was piloting crashed ( Bolero Ranchero ) Born 11-18-1917 in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico - Actor, musician and singer - (He did. "Te Quiero Así" and "Dicen Que Soy Mujeriego").

Jimmy Dorsey (James Francis Dorsey) - Died 6-12-1957 in New York, NY, U.S. - Throat cancer ( Swing ) Born 2-29-1904 in Shenandoah, PA, U.S. - Bandleader, saxphonist and clarinetist - (He had hits with, "So Rare" which was #2 at the time of his death and "Ampola") - He made the charts 56 times - Worked with Jean Goldkette's band, Paul Whiteman, Red Nichols, Bix Beiderbecke and Frankie Trumbauer - He and his brother Tommy hosted a live TV series, "Stage Show" where Elvis Presley made his first national TV appearence.

Joe Hill Louis (Leslie Hill) (aka The Pepticon Boy and The Be-Bop Boy) (Lester Hill) - Died 8-5-1957 in Memphis, TN, U.S. - Tetanus infection from a cut on his thumb ( Blues - Boogie ) Born 9-23-1921 in Raines, Tennessee, U.S - (He did, "Hydramatic Woman" and "House of Sound") - He was the only member of The Be-Bop Boy And His One-Man Band.

John Latouche - Died 8-7-1957 ( Lyricist ) Born 11-13-1917 in Richmond, VA, U.S. -  (He wrote the lyrics for, "Ballad For Uncle Sam" and "Taking A Chance On Love").

Zhou Xuan (Su Pu) (aka Golden Voice) - Died 9-22-1957 in Shanghai, China - Possible encephalitis - Born 8-1-1918 in Changzhou, Jiangsu, China - Singer and actress - (She did, "The Wandering Songstress" and "Four Seasons Song").

Abe Lyman (Abraham Simon) - Died 10-23-1957 in Beverly Hills, CA, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 8-4-1897 - Band leader and drummer - Led Abe Lyman's California Ambassador Hotel Orchestra and Abe Lyman And His Californians (They did, "Danger! Men Blasting" and "I'm Falling In Love With Someone").

Gus Miller (aka Gus Mueller) - Died 10-23-1957 ( Jazz ) Born 4-17-1890 - Clarinetist - (He co-wrote, "Wang Wang Blues") - Worked with Papa Laine's Reliance Band, Tom Brown's Band and Paul Whiteman.

Dick McPartland - Died 11-30-1957 ( Jazz ) Born 5-18-1905 - Guitarist - Was a member of The Austin High School Gang - Worked with Red McKenzie, Irving Mills and Jack Teagarden - Brother of Jimmy McPartland.

Walter Page - Died 12-20-1957 in New York, NY, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 2-9-1900 in Gallatin, MS, U.S. - Played bass - Worked with Bennie Moten and led The Blue Devils.

Jimmie Osborne - Died 12-26-1957 - Suicide ( Country ) Born 4-8-1923 in Winchester, KY, U.S. - Singer and guitarist - (He did, "My Heart Echoes" and "The Death of Kathy Fiscus").

1958

Becky Barfield Hill (Mary Ruth Barfield) (aka Little Becky) - Died 1958 in California, U.S. ( Country ) Born 1927 in Macon, Georgia, U.S. - Singer and yodleler - Was a member of The Texas Sundowners with her husband Cameron Hill - Worked with Pee Wee King and Spade Cooley.

"Big" John Dolphin - Died 2-1-1958 - Shot by a songwriter - Producer - He worked with Don Julian & The Meadowlarks.

Lew Brown (Louis Brownstein) - Died 2-5-1958 in New York, NY, U.S. ( Songwriter ) Born 12-10-1893 in Odessa, Russia - (He co-wrote, "Dapper Dan" and "Sonny Boy") - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Tom Brown (aka Red Brown) - Died 3-25-1958 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 6-3-1888 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. -  Was a trombonist and bassist - Led Tom Brown's Band From Dixieland - Worked with Johnny Wiggs, Harry Shields, Papa Jack Laine's Reliance Band, Johnny Bayersdorffer, Norman Brownlee and Ray Miller.

W.C. Handy (William Christopher Handy) Father of the Blues - Died 3-28-1958 - Bronchial pneumonia( Blues ) Born 11-16-1873 in Florence, Alabama, U.S. - (He did, "St. Louis Blues" and "Beale Street Blues").

Alfred Bryan - Died 4-1-1958 in Gladstone, NJ - Born 9-15-1871 in Brantford, Ontario, Canada - (He co-wrote, "Come Josephine in My Flying Machine" and "Peg O' My Heart") - Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee and Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Chuck Willis (Harold Willis) - Died 4-10-1958 in Chicago, IL, U.S. - Peritonitis, he died during surgery ( Blues - R&B ) Born 1-31-1928 in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. - (He did, "C.C. Rider" and "What Am I Living For").

Baby Face Leroy Foster - Died 5-26-1958 - Heart attack ( Blues ) Born 2-1-1923 in Algoma, Mississippi, U.S. - Guitarist - (He did, "The Devil Is Going To Get You" and "Call My Job") - Worked with Sunnyland Slim and Sonny Boy Williamson.

Albert Glenny - Died 6-11-1958 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 1870 - Bassist, accordianist and drummer - Worked with Kid Rena and Buddy Bolden

Martha Boswell - Died 7-2-1958 in Peekskill, NY, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 6-9-1905 in Kansas City, MO, U.S. - Was a singer for The Boswell Sisters (They did, "Nights When I'm Lonely") - The Boswell Sisters also did a song in the 1930's called "Rock and Roll", though having nothing to do with its current  meaning, shows that the term predated Alan Freed by over twenty years - Vocal Group Hall Of Fame Inductee and Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Big Bill Broonzy (William Lee Conley Broonzy)- Died 8-15-1958 - Throat cancer ( Folk - Hokum Blues - Ragtime - Country Blues ) Born 6-26-1893 in Scott, Mississippi, U.S. - (He did, "Spreadin' Snakes Blues") - Blues Foundation's Hall of Fame Inductee.

Walter Schumann - Died 8-21-1958 - Born 10-8-1913 - (He did, "The Ballad Of Davy Crockett" and "Theme From Dragnet")

Rod Brasfield (Rodney Leon Brasfield) - Died 9-12-1958 in Nashville, TN, U.S. - Born 8-22-1910 in Smithville, MS, U.S. - Country Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Kid Wilson (Wesley Wilson) - Died 10-10-1958 in Cape May Court House, NJ, U.S. - Stroke ( Blues ) Born 10-1-1893 in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. - Singer, pianist and guitarist - (He did, "Blue Monday Up On Sugar Hill" and "Rasslin' Till The Wagon Comes") - Was half of the duo, Catjuice Charlie And Pigmeat Pete  - Worked with his wife, Coot Grant (Leola Pettigrew) (They did, "I Don't Want That Stale Stuff" and "Gimme A Pigfoot").

George Bennard (or George Bernard) - Died 10-10-1958 in Reed City, Michigan, U.S. ( Hymns ) Born 2-4-1873 in Youngstown, Ohio, U.S. - Composer - (He wrote, "The Old Rugged Cross") - Wrote over 300 songs - Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Jay Perkins (James Buck Perkings) - Died 10-21-1958 - Brain tumour, complication from a car accident ( Rock ) Born 1930 - (Played guitar on, "Blue Suede Shoes") - Brother of the late Carl Perkins.

Artie Matthews - Died 10-25-1958 ( Ragtime ) Born 11-15-1888 in Braidwood, IL, U.S. - Songwriter and pianist - (He wrote, "Pastime Rags" and "Weary Blues").

Van Norman - Died 11-?-1958 - Car crash ( Rock ) Bass player - Was a member of The Champs.

Joe Morris - Died 11-?-1958 ( Jazz - Blues ) Born 1922 - Trumpet player - Worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, Dinah Washington and Big Joe Turner.

Tiny Bradshaw (Myron C. Bradshaw)- Died 11-26-1958 in Cincinnati, OH, U.S. - Stroke ( Swing - R&B - Blues ) Born 9-23-1905 in Youngstown, OH, U.S. - Singer, songwriter, pianist, and drummer - (He did, "Gravy Train" and "I'm A Hi-Ballin' Daddy") - Was a member of The Horace Henderson's Orchestra, Marion Hardy's Alabamians, The Savoy Bearcats and The Mills Blue Rhythm Band

Julia Lee - Died 12-8-1958 in San Diego, CA, U.S. - Heart attack ( Blues ) Born 10-31-1903 in Boonville, Missouri, U.S. - Singer and pianist - (Recorded, "Gotta Gimme Whatcha Got" and "That's What I Like") - Worked with Jay McShann, Red Nichols, Vic Dickenson, Benny Carter and her brother, George E. Lee.

Son Sims (Henry Sims) - Died 12-23-1958 in Memphis, TN, U.S. ( Blues ) Born 7- 22-1890 in Anguilla, MS, U.S. - Played fiddle, mandolin, guitar and piano - Led The Mississippi Corn Shuckers  - Worked with Charley Patton and Muddy Waters.

1959

W.B. Walbert (William Burton Walbert) - Died 1959 - ( Gospel ) Born 5-18-1886 in Barren County, KY, U.S. - (Wrote, "Oh, What A Blessing His Is To Me" and "Tell It Everywhere You Go") - Managed The Vaughan Radio Quartet - Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee and Southern Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Adger M. Pace (Adger McDavid Pace) - Died 1959 ( Gospel ) Born 8-13-1882 in Pelzer, SC, U.S. - Singer and composer - (He wrote, "That Glad Reunion Day" and "The Home-Coming Week") - Worked with The Vaughan Radio Quartet - Wrote over a thousand songs - Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee and Southern Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Shelton Hemphill - Died 1959 ( Jazz ) Born 1906 - Played trumpet - Worked with Fred Longshaw, Horace Henderson, Benny Carter, Duke Ellington, Benny Carter and Louis Armstrong.

William Stewart - Died 1959 - Drug overdose ( Doo-Wop - R&B ) Was a member of Johnny Bragg And The Prisonaires.

Shadow Wilson - Died 1959 ( Jazz ) Born 1919 - Drummer - Worked with Thelonious Monk, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Carter, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Tiny Bradshaw and Earl Hines.

Larry Palumbo - Died 1959 - Parachute failed to open on a paratrooper training exercise ( Rock ) Born 1941 - Was a member of The Earls.

George Nelson - Died 1959 - Asthma ( R&B ) Born in 1926 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. - Was a baritone vocalist for The Orioles (They recorded, "Crying In The Chapel"and "Baby Please Don't Go") Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Austin Allen  - Died 1-5-1959 in Williamstown, SC, U.S. ( Country ) Born 2-7-1901 in Sewanee, TN, U.S. - Was one of The Allen Brothers (They did, "Bow Wow Blues" and "Laughin' And Cryin' Blues").

Goebel Reeves (Goebel Leon Reeves) (aka George Riley, The Yodeling Rustler) - The Texas Drifter - Died 1-26-1959 in Long Beach, CA, U.S. - Heart attack ( Country ) Born 12-21-1899 in Sherman, TX, U.S. - Singer, guitarist, pianist, trumpeter and songwriter - (He did, "The Kidnapped Baby" and "Hobo's Lullaby").

Buddy Holly ( Charles Hardin Holley ) - Died 2-3-1959 near Clear Lake, IA, U.S. - Plane crash ( Rock and Roll ) Born 9-7-1936 in Lubbock, Texas, U.S. - Was the singer, songwriter and guitarist for Buddy Holly & The Crickets (Recorded, "That'll Be The Day" and "Peggy Sue") - Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee, Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee and Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Ritchie Valens ( Ricardo Steven Valenzuela ) - Died 2-3-1959 - Plane crash ( Rock & Roll ) Born 5-13-1941 in  Los Angeles, California, U.S. - Singer and guitarist - (He recorded, "Donna" and "La Bamba") - Rock N Rock Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Big Bopper (Jiles Perry Richardson Jr.) - Died 2-3-1959 - Plane Crash ( Rock & Roll ) Born 10-24-1930 in Sabine Pass, Texas, U.S. - (He recorded, "Chantilly Lace" and "Little Red Riding Hood").

Guitar Slim ( Eddie Jones ) - Died 2-7-1959 in New York, NY, U.S. - Pneumonia ( R&B ) Born 12-10-1926 in Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S. - Guitar player - (Recorded, "The Things I Used To Do" and "Along About Midnight").

George Antheil (George Carl Johann Antheil) - Bad Boy of Music - Died 2-12-1959 in New York, NY, U.S. ( Avant-garde ) Born 6-8-1900 in Trenton, NJ, U.S. - Composer, pianist and inventor - (He wrote the theme for TV's, The 20th Century and wrote music for the films, Dementia and The Buccaneer).

Baby Dodds (Warren Dodds) - Died 2-14-1959 in Chicago, Ill., U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 12-24-1898 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Drummer - (He did, "Spooky Drums " and "Tom-Tom Workout ") - Led Baby Dodds Jazz Four ("Feelin' At Ease") and Baby Dodds Trio ("Drum Improvisation Number 1") - Worked with his brother Johhny Dodds and with Jelly Roll Morton,  Willie Hightower, Bunk Johnson, Oscar Celestin and The Creole Jazz Band.

Lester Young (Lester Willis Young) (aka Prez) - Died 3-15-1959 - (Jazz ) Born 9-27-1909 in Woodville, Mississippi, U.S.- Saxophonist - Was a member of The Original Blue Devils - Worked with Count Basie , Fletcher Henderson Andy Kirk and his brother drummer Lee Young.

Vaclav Blaha - Died 3-22-1959 in Pribram, Czechoslovakia ( Pop ) Born 5-4-1901 in Krecov u Plzne, Czechoslovakia (at the time Austro-Hungary) - Trumpeter and composer (He wrote, "Jetelicek U Vody", "Cocovicka", "Tulacek" and "Tancovala Zizala").

Hal McIntyre (Harold W. McIntyre) - Died 5-5-1959 - In a house fire ( Jazz ) Born 11-29-1914 in Cromwell, CT, U.S. - Played Saxophone, and Clarinet - He was a founding member of the Glenn Miller Orchestra - Worked with Benny Goodman - Was the leader of  The McIntyre Orchestra, billed as "The Band that America Loves".

Sidney Bechet (Sidney Joseph Bechet) - Died 5-14-1959 in Paris, France ( Jazz - Blues ) Born 5-14-1897 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Saxophonist and clarinetist - Was the leader of Sidney Bechet & His Hot Six and Sidney Bechet & His Orchestra - Worked with Clarence Williams, King Oliver, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong.

Lawrence Marrero - Died 6-6-1959 ( Jazz ) Born 10-24-1900 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Banjo and guitar player - Was a member of The Carmelia Dance Orchestra - Worked with Wooden Joe Nicholas, The Young Tuxedo Orchestra, John Robichaux's Orchestra, Chris Kelly, Kid Rena, Frankie Dusen and Lee Collins.

Boris Vian - Died 6-23-1959 in Paris, France - Cardiac arrest ( Jazz ) Born 3-10-1920 in Ville-d'Avray, Hauts-de-Seine, France - Trumpeter, singer and critic - (He did, "Le Deserteur") - Led Le petite chorale de Saint-Germain-des-Pieds - Worked with Claude Abbadie and Henri Salvador - Wrote for Le Jazz Hot and Paris Jazz.

Billie Holiday (Eleanora Fagan Gough) (aka Lady Day) - Died 7-17-1959 in New York, NY, U.S. - Cirrhosis of the liver ( Jazz - Blues ) Born 4-7-1915 in Baltimore, MD, U.S. - Singer - (She sang, "God Bless The Child" and "Loverman (Oh, Where Can You Be?)") - Worked with Teddy Wilson, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong and Artie Shaw - She had been married to trombonist Jimmy Monroe - Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Haldor Lillenas - Died 8-18-1959 in Aspen, CO. U.S. ( Gospel ) Born 11-19-1885 on an island south of Bergen, Norway - Songwriter - (He wrote, "Wonderful Grace Of Jesus" and "How Can I Be Lonely?") - Founded Lillenas Publishing - Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Blind Willie McTell (William Samuel McTell) (aka Blind Willie, Blind Sammie, Hot Shot Willie, and Georgia Bill) - Died 8-19-1959 - Cerebral hemorrhage ( Blues ) Born 5-5-1901 In Thompson, Georgia, U.S. - ( He recorded, "Statesboro Blues" and "Mama,'Tain't Long For Day") "Blues Foundation's Hall Of Fame Inductee".

Jack Norworth - Died 9-1-1959 ( Pop ) Singer and song writer - (He wrote, "Shine On Harvest Moon" and co-wrote, "Take Me Out To The Ball Game").

Omer Simeon (Omer Victor Simeon) - Died 9-17-1959 in New York, NY, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 7-21-1902 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Played clarinet - Worked with Charlie Elgar's Creole Orchestra, Jelly Roll Morton ("Doctor Jazz" and "Black Bottom Stomp"), King Oliver, Earl Hines, Luis Russell, Wilbur DeParis, Coleman Hawkins and his brother, violinist Al Simeon.

Mario Lanza (Alfredo Arnold Cocozza) (aka The Service Caruso) - Dubbed, the greatest voice of the 20th century - Died 10-7-1959 -  Officially recorded as a heart attack but rumored to be a mob hit ( Pop - Opera ) Born 1-31-1921 in Philadelphia, PA, U.S. - Singer - (He had hits with, "Earthbound", "The Drinking Song" and "Arrivederci Roma").

Rex Griffin (Alsie Griffin) - Died 10-11-1959 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Tuberculosis ( Country ) Born 8-12-1912 in Gasden, AL, U.S. - Singer and songwriter - (He did, "The Last Letter" and the original, "Everybody's Tryin' To Be My Baby") - He was a member of The Smokey Mountaineers - Worked with Billie Walker And Her Texas Cowboys and The Melody Boys - Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee.

Alphonso Trent - Died 10-14-1959 in Fort Smith, AR, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 10-24-1905 in Fort Smith, AR, U.S. - Pianist - Led The Alphonso Trent Orchestra - Worked with The Syncho Six.

Ram "Minor" Hall - Died 10-16-1959 in Sawtelle, CA, U.S. ( Jazz ) Born 3-2-1897 in Sellies, Louisiana, U.S. - Drummer - Worked with Kid Ory, Mutt Carey's Jeffersonians, Louis Armstrong and The Winslow Allen Band - Brother of drummer, Tubby Hall.

Avery Parrish - Died 12-1-1959 in New York, NY, U.S. ( Blues ) Born 1-24-1917 in Birmingham, AL, U.S. - Pianist - Worked with The Eskine Hawkins' Orchestra ("After Hours").

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