Clarence Fountain
Clarence Fountain was a Gospel legend. He was a founding member of the Blind boys of Alabama, a five-time Grammy Award-winning gospel group who first sang together in 1939.
Dennis Edwards
Dennis Edwards was an American soul and R&B singer who was best known as the front man in The Temptations, on Motown Records. Edwards sang with the group from 1968 to 1976, 1980 to 1984 and 1987 to 1989.
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin was an American singer, songwriter, civil rights activist, actress, and pianist. She began her career as a child singing gospel. At the age of 18, she embarked on a secular career, first recording for Columbia Records, and later with Atlantic Records.
Hugh Masekela
Hugh Masekela was a South African trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, composer and singer. He has been described as “the father of South African jazz.” Masekela is known for his jazz compositions and for writing well-known anti-apartheid songs.
Matt “Guitar” Murphy
Matthew Murphy, known as Matt “Guitar” Murphy, was an influential American blues guitarist. He was associated with Memphis Slim, James Cotton and Howlin’ Wolf. He is also known as the touring guitarist for The Blues Brothers band.
Randy Scruggs
Randy Scruggs was a music producer, songwriter and guitarist. He won four Grammy Awards and was twice named Musician of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards. He was the middle son of Earl Scruggs.
Patrick Williams
Patrick Williams was an Oscar-nominated American composer, arranger, and conductor who worked in many genres of music, and in film and television. He won two Grammys for his jazz arrangements and four Emmys for his television music.
Ed King
Ed King was an American musician. He was a guitarist for the psychedelic rock band Strawberry Alarm Clock and guitarist and bassist for the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1972 to 1975 and again from 1987 to 1996.
In Memoriam 2017
So we can remember them fondly, here is a compiled list of some of the many musicians and industry veterans who passed away in 2017. May they all Rest In Eternal Peace.
Butch Trucks
Butch Trucks was an American drummer. He is best known as a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band. Though the band broke up and reformed various times, Trucks remained a constant in their 45-year career.