Americana Highways Musician Obituaries – Spring 2025 Pt 2
A lot of wonderful, talented artists have passed away in the last few months.
Obituaries
David Thomas – 71 – frontman/lead singer of Cleveland proto-punk band Pere Ubu, passed away at home after a long illness. Thomas had released up to 32 albums in his career, not counting live albums. B&W photo courtesy of Robert Allen/Fire Records
David Briggs – 82 – Musician/keyboardist & producer died of renal cancer April 22. He was a member of the studio musicians known as the Nashville Cats. He played for a variety of musicians, including Elvis (on “How Great Thou Art” album), Dean Martin, Joan Baez, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, George Harrison, Roy Orbison, J.J. Cale & many others. Color image courtesy of Andrew Nelles/Tennessean.
Lenny Welch – 86 – Singer who had several chart hits beginning in 1958 through the 60s with memorable songs like “Since I Fell For You.” Lenny was born in NYC & raised in Asbury Park, NJ. He died in Florida on April 8. Color photo courtesy of Brian Johnston/Asbury Park Press.
Jill Sobule – 66 – The singer/songwriter born in Denver was killed in a house fire on May 1 in Minnesota. Jill had some chart success in 1995 with songs like “I Kissed a Girl” & “Supermodel” & was recently on tour. Color image courtesy of Andy Kropa/Invision/AP File.
Mike Peters (MBE) – 66 – Welsh lead singer of the rock band The Alarm, born Michael Leslie Peters. Mike passed away from cancer in Wales on April 29. Peters also fronted the band Big Country after its lead singer, Stuart Adamson, had died. Color image courtesy of XLrator Media.
Joe Louis Walker – 75 – (1949-2025) was an electric blues guitar legend for 5 decades & was also a songwriter & singer. He had recorded for major labels. Born in San Francisco, CA, Walker died April 30 of a cardiac-related illness. His first album was released in 1986 as “Cold Is the Night,” & his final album, “Cold Is the Night Reimagined,” this year — 2025. B&W image courtesy of Joe Del Tufo.
Andy Bey – 85 – Born in 1939 Andy was an American jazz singer & pianist born in Newark, NJ & known for his vocal range (4-octave baritone). He was also a Grammy-nominated artist in 2005 & worked in the past with Stanley Clarke, Duke Pearson, Max Roach, & Horace Silver. He died in Englewood, NJ & was a long-time resident of Manhattan. 2014 image courtesy of James Gavin.
Roy Thomas Baker – 78 – Born in England, Roy was the producer of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” His career spanned 1970-2025 & was also an arranger & songwriter. Baker also worked with Hawkwind, Ian Hunter, Dusty Springfield, Journey, Yes, the Cars, the Stranglers, Alice Cooper & Cheap Trick, among many others. Mr. Baker passed away on April 12 at home in Arizona. No cause was issued. Color image courtesy of Wikipedia.
Anita Bryant – 84 – (March 1940-December 2024) – Born in Oklahoma, Anita was a former beauty queen turned pop singer who charted 20 hits in the early 60s. She became more renowned for her anti-gay rights crusade (1977-80). She also performed with Bob Hope at his overseas shows (1965). Anita died from cancer at her Oklahoma home (Dec 16, 2024) & her family announced the death January 9, 2025. B&W image courtesy of Kathy A. Willens/Associated Press.
Mac Gayden – 83 – (April 1941-April 2025) – Singer/songwriter, session guitarist & producer who wrote the hit song “Everlasting Love” that was recorded by both Robert Knight & Carl Carlton. The song was recorded by two dozen artists over 60 years & was a Top 40 hit worldwide. Gayden also played on Bob Dylan’s album “Blonde On Blonde” (but was not credited). Gayden died of Parkinson’s disease. Color image courtesy of Rick Diamond/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum.
Nino Tempo – 90 – (Antonino Lo Tempio) – Canadian native singer/songwriter/clarinet & sax player who had hits in the 1960s with his sister April Stevens on the White Whale label. Among them are chart hits “All Strung Out” & “Deep Purple” as Phil Spector-inspired records (Nino worked with Spector). Their career ended in 1980 & Nino released some singles of his own. As a musician, Nino was a member of the Wrecking Crew session players & played with Maynard Ferguson & the Modern Jazz Quartet. He recorded with John Lennon on his 1975 album “Rock n’ Roll” & with Kenny Rankin on his 1976 album. Nino died at home in West Hollywood, CA, on April 10. No cause was issued. B&W image courtesy of Nino’s Find a Grave site.
Max Romeo – 80 – Born Maxwell Livingston Smith in Jamaica (1944). Max became a pioneering reggae/roots reggae singer & musician (1965-2025). He had several hits with the vocal group The Emotions. His first album dropped in 1969 & his final album was released in 2021. Max died of heart complications in a Jamaican hospital on April 11. 2022 color image courtesy of Franck Blanquin.
Bob Bryar – 44 – (Robert Cory Bryar) – was the drummer in My Chemical Romance. Born in Chicago (1979), he was also an engineer. After departing the band in 2013, Bryar went behind the scenes for tours of other bands before retiring from music in 2014. He became a real estate agent & active supporter of dog rescue charities & sanctuaries. He died in Tennessee but was found a few days later in November 2024. Though an autopsy was performed, a cause of death was not determined due to significant decomposition. Color image courtesy of Richard Ecclestone/Redferns.
Zakir Hussein – 73 – born in India as Zakir Hussain Allarakha Qureshi (March 1951- December 2024) was a tabla player, composer, arranger, percussionist, music producer & actor. He was nominated 7 times for a Grammy Award & won 4, including 3 in 2024. He died in San Francisco in December from complications of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He had been playing music since 1963 in bands like John McLaughlin’s Shakti, with the Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart, John Handy, Diga Rhythm Band & Bela Fleck. Color image courtesy of Jim McGuire.
Terry Manning – 77 – Oklahoma-born producer/engineer/musician & photographer who started his career in 1963. His work spanned 50 years working with the likes of Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Bryan Adams, ZZ Top, Booker T. & the MG’s, Shakira, Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, Johnny Winter, Johnny Taylor, Jason & the Scorchers, the Staple Singers, Molly Hatchet, George Thorogood, Al Green, Widespread Panic, Shania Twain, Joe Cocker, Joe Walsh & Lenny Kravitz among many others. Terry died tragically after a fall at his home in El Paso, TX. Color image courtesy of Joe Vitale (Wikipedia).
Alfa Anderson – 78 – (Sept. 7, 1946-December 17, 2024), the Georgia-born singer, was one of the lead singers with Chic (1977-1983). She also had two master’s degrees in education & pursued work in that area as well. She performed with Luther Vandross & worked with artists like Bryan Adams, Gregory Hines, Mick Jagger, Teddy Pendergrass, Jennifer Holliday & Bryan Ferry, among others. No cause of death was issued. Color image courtesy of Legacy.com.
Sugar Pie DeSanto – 89 – New York City born soul/R&B singer/dancer born Peylia Marsema Balinton (Oct 16, 1935-December 20, 2024). Her mother was an African-American concert pianist & her father a Filipino. She grew up in San Francisco, CA. Johnny Otis a Greek American singer, musician, composer, bandleader, record producer, talent scout & preacher, discovered her in 1955. She was signed to Chess & Checker Records & was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2024. Davis died while trying to extinguish a fire that destroyed her Oakland, California, apartment. Color image courtesy of Pete Rosos.
Stanley Booth – 82 – Georgia-born music journalist/author (Jan 1942-Dec. 2024) based in Memphis, TN, who wrote prolifically about roots musicians. He covered widely artists such as Keith Richards, Otis Redding, Janis Joplin, James Brown, Elvis Presley, Gram Parsons, B.B. King & Al Green. Stanley also chronicled travels with the Rolling Stones in many of his stories. Booth died at the ACH Harbor View Nursing Home in Memphis. Stanley had been in poor health for years. B&W image courtesy of Stax Museum.
Wayne Osmond – 73 – Utah-born founding member of The Osmonds as Melvin Wayne Osmond (August 28, 1951-January 1, 2025). Wayne was a musician & the second oldest of the Osmond Brothers singers, but the fourth oldest of the siblings. Wayne suffered a stroke in 2012, which made him unable to play guitar. Osmond suffered a second, more severe stroke & passed away at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. Color image courtesy of Legacy.com
Ed Askew – 84 – born in Connecticut as Edward Crane Askew, he was a painter & singer-songwriter. He was a cult folk musician for years who first recorded his music in 1968 & lived in NYC. Ed had released approximately 11 albums during his career. It was reported that Ed died of natural causes. Color image courtesy of Ed’s Bandcamp page.
Josh White Jr. – 84 – New York City born Joshua Donald White Jr (November 30, 1940-December 28, 2024) was a Grammy Award-nominated artist (for 1987’s “Jazz, Ballads & Blues”) who followed the folk music tradition of his late bluesman father Josh White. His first solo recording for Decca Records was “See Saw,” co-written with the late Marvin Hamlisch. His career spanned 1945-2024. Josh died at home in Rochester, Michigan, the day after he announced his retirement. No cause of death was issued. Color image courtesy of Hudson River Sloop Clearwater.
Peter Forrest – 64 – (aka P. Fluid) – was the front man of the hardcore rock band 24-7 Spyz (founded in 1986). He was found beaten to death with a blunt instrument impact to his torso & head in the back of his private ambulette (he was a driver for the company) in the Bronx, NY. He died at the scene & his death is being treated as a homicide. According to the Daily News (May 6) an arrest was made in the death of Mr. Forrest. Color image courtesy of Redferns.
John Sykes – 65 – Born in England (July 1959-December 2024) Sykes was a guitarist with Thin Lizzy (album “Thunder and Lightning”), Whitesnake, Tygers of Pan Tang & Blue Murder. John had a distinctive style of playing. Sykes issued 5 solo albums beginning in 1995. It was reported that the cause of death was cancer. Color image courtesy of John’s website photo gallery.
Gene Barge – 98 – Born in Virginia as James Gene Barge, Jr., he played tenor & alto sax in several bands, was a composer & studio session player famous for playing on the Gary US Bonds hit “Quarter To Three.” He’s mentioned in the 1961 hit song by The Dovells (“Bristol Stomp”) that has the line “We ponied and twisted, and we rocked with Daddy G.” It may or may not have been Gene Barge because there was also an evangelist named Bishop ‘Daddy’ Grace. Gene also worked at Chess Records during the 1960s. He worked with artists such as Fats Domino, Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters, Big Joe Turner, LaVern Baker, Ray Charles, Chuck Willis, the Rolling Stones, Gary U.S. Bonds & Natalie Cole. Gene had roles in films with Gene Hackman, Chuck Norris, Harrison Ford & Steven Seagal. No cause of death was issued. He died at home in Chicago after living a long life. Color image courtesy of Legacy.com
Mike Ratledge – 81 – Born in England, his career began in 1963. Mike was a keyboard player & founding member of the band known as The Soft Machine. Mike worked with Syd Barrett (Pink Floyd), Daevid Allen, Kevin Ayers, Mike Oldfield & Pye Hastings (Caravan). He also had degrees in psychology & philosophy. He died from a short illness. B&W image courtesy of Gijsbert Hanekroot/Redferns.
Rick Buckler – 69 – British-born drummer who played for The Jam (1977-1982). The group had 18 consecutive British top 40 hits. Born Paul Richard Buckler (Dec 6, 1955-Feb 17, 2025). After leaving music in the mid-1990s, he went into business as an ad hoc carpenter creating cabinets & furniture. He returned to music with Bruce Foxton (bass) & formed a band called From the Jam & left music again in September 2009. He died after a brief illness. Color image courtesy of Steve Morley/Redferns.
Joey Molland – 77 – Born in England as Joseph Charles Molland II (June 1947-March 2025), Joey was a Badfinger guitarist/songwriter whose career lasted 5 decades. He was the last surviving member of the band’s original lineup. His career began in 1967 when he joined Gary Walker (former Walker Brothers) to create Gary Walker & The Rain, which lasted until 1969. At that time, Molland joined Badfinger & Apple Records, which allowed him to play on 2 George Harrison albums (All Things Must Pass & The Concert for Bangla Desh). Then, later in 1971, he played on John Lennon’s Imagine album & much later “Jealous Guy.” Joey left Badfinger in 1974, a few months before the suicide of Pete Ham (1975). He then joined the group Natural Gas. Joey died from complications of diabetes in a Minnesota hospital. Color image courtesy of Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat/USA Today Network.
Jamie Muir – 79 – Born William James Graham Muir (July 1945-Feb 2025) he also painted. The Scottish-born percussionist with King Crimson on their 5th album “Larks Tongues In Aspic” album he played with King Crimson only between 1972-3. In 2012, Robert Fripp, the founder of King Crimson, released a 15-disc box set for the 40th Anniversary of that album & included every recording that line-up with Jamie performed on. Muir influenced later Crimson drummer Bill Bruford. He returned to music in 1980, providing percussion for artists such as the former drummer of King Crimson, Mike Giles. By 1990, Muir had retired from playing & painting. No cause of death was revealed. Sepia image of a young Jamie courtesy of Mike Healy.
Carl Dean – 82 – Business husband of Dolly Parton since 1966 — had been married 60 years quietly to the superstar. He avoided publicity & the spotlight. Carl had owned & operated a pavement-asphalt paving company. He also inspired the song “Jolene,” which Dolly wrote & recorded. He was more of a rocker than country fan, so Dolly recorded some of his favorite tunes, which were “My Blue Tears,” Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Freebird,” & Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven.” He also inspired Dolly’s recent rock album, 2023’s “Rockstar.” Carl died in Nashville, TN, after a long illness. No cause of death was announced. Color shot courtesy of Dolly’s Instagram.
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Brian James – 70 – British born guitarist & songwriter with The Damned & Lords of the New Church. Born Brian Robertson (Feb 18, 1951-March 6, 2025). No cause of death was revealed. B&W image courtesy of Legacy.com
David Mallett – 73 – Born in Maine, David was a folk singer whose songs were covered by many artists including Pete Seeger, Alison Krauss, John Denver, Arlo Guthrie, Emmylou Harris, Peter, Paul & Mary & The Muppets. David’s recording career began in 1961 & his recordings began in 1973 up to 2016, releasing 17 albums. He died from cancer on December 17, 2024. Photo courtesy of Legacy.com
Gwen McRae – 81 – Born in Florida as Gwendolyn Patricia McCrae (nee Mosley), she was a disco singer known for a hit in 1975, “Rockin’ Chair.” Gwen mixed her disco grooves with gospel, soul & funk vocals & had hits both in the USA & Europe. She was the youngest of 5 children & met a young sailor named George McCrae, whom she married & became a singing duo recording for TK Records. Once that label was folded, she was picked up by Atlantic Records. Her career ended in 2012 when she suffered a stroke while on tour in England. She recorded 14 albums between 1974 & 2006. She died at a care home in Miami on February 21, 2025. Color image courtesy of GAB Archive/Redferns.
D’Wayne Wiggins – 64 – born in Oakland, CA (Feb 14, 1961-March 7, 2025), he was an American singer-songwriter/guitarist & producer best known as a founding member of the soul/T&B band Tony! Toni! Tone! in 1986. They managed to achieve 3 platinum albums. He released his only solo album, “Eyes Never Lie,” for Motown in 2000. He also worked on Alicia Keys’ 2003 album “The Diary of Alicia Keys” & won a Grammy as producer. He had 3 children. He died from bladder cancer at home in CA. Color image courtesy of HIPINC.
Eddie Adcock – 86 – was an American 5-string banjo legend & guitarist out of Virginia. His career started in 1953 & 1958; bluegrass founder Bill Monroe hired him & he played for the Blue Grass Boys. He then joined the Country Gentlemen (the first group inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Hall of Fame) in 1996. He also performed with country outlaw David Allan Coe. He played at night many times. To pay the rent, he worked at some blue-collar jobs during the day. Worked at making his dream come true. Edward died in Tennessee, with the exact cause not released. He had been suffering from multiple health issues over the years. Photos courtesy of Bluegrass Today.
Larry Tamblyn – 82 – keyboardist for the ‘60s California-based garage rock band The Standells (“Dirty Water” in 1966). The song is now an anthem played at Boston ballgames because it mentions Boston in the lyrics as their home. The band inspired groups like The Sex Pistols & The Ramones. Larry also named the band, but it was drummer Dick Dodd (a former Mouseketeer) who sang lead on the Standells songs (he had no relation to the Mickey Mouse Club host Jimmy Dodd). He was also the younger brother of actor Russ (West Side Story/The Haunting/Twin Peaks). The band issued 5 studio albums. Larry died in Georgia on March 21, with no cause of death issued. Color image courtesy of Mark Sullivan/WireImage.
Michael Hurley – 83 – (December 20, 1941-April 1, 2025) was an underground American folk singer born in Jersey City, NJ & raised in Bucks County, PA. He was a singer-songwriter who was part of the Greenwich Village scene beginning in the ‘60s. In addition to being a musician, he was also a painter & cartoonist. His 1963 debut album came on Folkways Records – “First Songs.” He also recorded for The Youngbloods’ Warner Brothers imprint Racoon Records & was a boyhood friend of the late Jesse Colin Young. Hurley recorded 3 albums for Rounder in the ‘70s, “Wolfways” in 1996 for Koch Records. His song “Hog of the Forsaken” was used in the closing credits for the pilot episode of the HBO series “Deadwood: The Movie.” He lived in Oregon & died there on April 1 after returning home from a brief concert tour. He was a cancer survivor. No exact cause of death was revealed. B&W image courtesy of Sara Taft.
Troy Seals – 86 – (November 16, 1938-March 6, 2025) was an American singer/songwriter & guitarist & member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He was also related to Jim Seals (Seals & Crofts), Dan Seals (England Dan & John Ford Coley) & Brady Seals (Little Texas & Hot Apple Pie). Troy recorded with Lonnie Mack & fiddler Doug Kershaw. He only issued 2 albums of his own with a few singles between 1973-80. His main career was as a songwriter. His tunes were recorded by artists like Joe Cocker, Eric Clapton, Nancy Sinatra, Randy Travis, Conway Twitty, Hank Williams Jr., Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Charlie Rich, Levon Helm, Jerry Lee Lewis & George Jones & many others. Troy died March 6 at his home in Hendersonville, TN. Photo courtesy of ASCAP.
Tracy Schwartz – 86 – Born in New York City & a former member of the New Lost City Ramblers (1962) Tracy was regarded as one of the great American roots musicians. He was nominated for 3 Grammy Awards & was a multi-instrumentalist. After the New Lost City Ramblers, he joined the Strange Creek Singers, which included West Virginia native Hazel Dickens. Tracy had been struggling with dementia prior to his death on March 29th. Color image courtesy of Mary Jo Childers via the Schwartz Family.
Find part one here: Americana Highways Obituaries: Spring 2025 Pt 1
RIP – Our thanks for allowing us to hear your musical contributions & traveling on our Americana Highways. You made listening better.
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Americana Highways Musician Obituaries – Spring 2025 pt 2