Ray Dolby, inventor of the Dolby noise-reduction system, has died at 80. Being way more of a music buff than a film aficionado, I didn’t know Dolby was regarded as an important innovation in the movie industry. As far as Dolby sound went regarding music in the 1970s, I thought it was a dud. How many older heads around here regularly hit that Dolby button that used to be on stereos?
I was not aware that Elvis died 36 years ago today…until a few minutes ago. He did. He’s still dead. Someone in USA Today, of all places, wrote a fairly humorous piece on what might have become of Elvis had he only nearly died that August day in 1977. We could do better, I’m sure, but this is not a laughing matter.
What’s the closest you got to Elvis? My Mom saw him in concert a couple of years before he died and caught a sweaty Elvis scarf. I’m sure she still has that packed away somewhere.
What do you think Elvis’ high and low points (post-1977) might have been had he lived into the 21st century, or even still been alive?
Our culture is always on the lookout for the “Next” whomever or whatever: The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jordan… Have we given up on identifying the Next Elvis Presley?
I look forward to your answers, including your answer to the question, “What’s your favorite Elvis Presley song?” I think mine is “Suspicious Minds.” Or maybe “Don’t Be Cruel.”
Mick Farren‘s one of those legendary rock ‘n roll underground characters I’ve read much about dating back to a youth pouring over Trouser Press, yet still know little of. Every few years I tried to grab a hold of him, but he’d slip away. I’ve heard music of his bands, The Pink Fairies, Motorhead, and The Deviants, and I know he crossed paths with many musicians I love from the hippie and punk scenes, but I never got a grip on the man himself. I hope you did.
Now he’s dead, having died onstage at a recent show. Feel free to help me understand more about the scene-stirrer whose life and works I, mostly, missed. (Oh, how I know our old friend Happiness Stan would have some choice experiences, likely involving a lady friend and an outdoor festival, with the music of Farren ringing in his ears.)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2013/jul/29/charles-shaar-murray-tribute-mick-farren
[Sorry I did not see this post waiting to be launched until now. – Mr. Moderator.]
Let’s Active was a fun power pop band that I’ve always enjoyed, so I was sorry to hear about the death of their first bassist, Faye Hunter. The local paper says it’s an apparent suicide.
I think Faye had left the band by then, but one of the first shows I went to with my wife in DC was Let’s Active at the old 9:30 Club in 1989. We started the night out at a nearby performance art restaurant/bar place called D.C. Space. Our waiteress at D.C. Space said Let’s Active would cap off “a perfect evening” — which it was. R.I.P.
Steve Forrest, front left. James Coleman, back right.
It is with regret to inform you that S.W.A.T. opening theme song co-star Steve Forrest has died at 87. Any friend of Friend of the Hall James Coleman (née Lawrence), the actual S.W.A.T. cast member who shared his experiences with us, is a friend of ours! In honor of Hondo, “Let’s roll!”
RayMan
Bummer, man. No joke. Ray Manzarek, Doors keyboardist and Tonto to Jim Morrison’s Stoned Ranger, has died after a battle with bile duct cancer.
RayMan, as he was known to at least a few of us, brought much joy and laughter to the Halls of Rock—not to mention some actually cool musical contributions, both with the Doors and as producer of the essential albums by X!
The guy’s insufferable proselytizing of his allegedly late partner in crime and their band’s works began to charm me as the years passed. It’s rare that an artist is willing to talk in detail about the process of making music—and do so with an enthusiasm and belief in the greatness of his or her mates’ achievements that is usually only expressed among fellow bandmates. Let’s face it, whether it’s the Beatles, the Stones, the Doors, X, Jedward, or Nixon’s Head hunkered in their rehearsal space or studio, hammering out their latest creations, musicians experience a sense of godliness during the creative act. Most gods have the good sense to keep details of their creative process mysterious; Manzarek practically ran down Mount Olympus to tell us how the magic was made…man. We’ve got to learn how it’s done somehow.
Over time, the loyalty and love shown toward friends count for a lot, too. You know what I’m talking about, E. Pluribus Gergely!
No more show for the Possum. This morning came word of the passing of George Jones at 81. Not unlike Keef and Ozzy Osbourne, his death has been looming for many years but he managed to keep hanging in there. Peering through the haze of insobriety and violence was a passionate guy with a huge soul. His charm and quick wit endeared him to millions outside of the country world. His influence is staggering not solely in music but also his credibility in Nashville if he chose to make or break someones career. His era of duets with Tammy Wynette are his peak. Please sign in the comment section with your recollections of the man.
