I have tried to track the loss of musicians and those who influenced the modern arts of television and movies this past year, as we did in 2022. Here is a month-by-month obituary of some famous and infamous in modern music and entertainment that went on to that great rock festival in the sky. This is not intended to be all-inclusive and any omissions are not deliberate. If I missed someone who should be listed amongst these artists, I would love to hear from you.

JANUARY~

Jeff Beck- January 12 at the age of 78. One of the most innovative masters of the electric guitar. Known for his guitar prowess

Robbie Bachman-January 12 at 69, weeks before he would have turned 70. Drummer for Bachmann-Turner Overdrive

David Crosby- January 19 at the age of 81. A wonderful singer, songwriter and performer for more than 50 years. A self-proclaimed asshole who broke up more relations with bandmates and lovers than he was credited for.

MARCH~

Wayne Shorter- March 2 at 89 years- A groundbreaker saxophonist and composer who had a huge influence on jazz and rock artists. A central force in the Jazz Messengers with Art Blakey, Miles Davis quintet and Weather report.

David Linley- March 3 at 78. Best known for his guitarwork with many great Rock musicians including Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, Ry Cooder, Bonnie Raitt, Warren Zevon, Curtis Mayfield and Dolly Parton.

Gary Rossington- March 5 at age 71. Last surviving member of the original Lynard Skynard, a great guitarist.

Michael Rhodes-March 7 at 69. Remember most as the bassist for Joe Bonamassa and JJ Cale.

Jim Gordon-March 17 at 77. Session drummer on the recordings of Clapton, Harrison, the Beach Boys, Byrds, Steely Dan, Joan Baez, Jackson Browne, Tom Petty and Merle Haggard.

Keith Reid- March 29 at age 76. Co-founder and lyricist for Procul Harem

APRIL~

Harry Belafonte- April 25 at age 96. Although his greatest contributions preceded most of modern rock, his voice made a great impact as one of the great crooners of his time.

Jerry Springer-April 28 at 79. Although not a musician, this former mayor of Cincinnati had a huge impact on modern daytime TV with the Jerry Springer show, a showcase for the seedier side of America.

MAY~

Gordon Lightfoot- May 1 at 84. Legendary singer & songwriter whose voice faded in his later years.

Tina Turner- May 24 at 83. One of the most powerful female singers and entertainers. Had two separate careers as part of the Ike and Tina Turner Revue and as a solo artist and member of the RnR Hall of Fame

JUNE~

Astrid Gilberto- June 6 at 83. The girl from Ipanema

George Winston- June 8 at 73. A masterful piano player who recorded many solo piano albums

JULY~

Sam Cutler- July 11 at 80. Englishman who was tour manager for the Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead

Tony Bennett-July 21 at 96. The second greatest crooner of the 20^th century, in the shadows of Frank Sinatra.

Sinaid O’Connor- July 26 at 56. Controversial singer and solo artist who likely was ahead of her time

Randy Meisner- July 26 at 77. Founding member and bassist for the Eagles, left the band in 1977

Brad Houser-July 24 at 62. Bass player for the New Bohemians (w/Edie Brickell)

Paul Reubens aka PeeWee Herman- July 30 at 70. Comedian and actor

AUGUST~

Robbie Robertson-August 9 at 80. Lead guitar, vocals and controversial songwriter for the Band. Alleged to have not shared the songwriting credits for songs made famous by the Band. Did some acting and had little musical contributions after leaving the Band.

Jerry Moss-August 17 at 88. Co-founder of A&M records with Herb Alpert. Member of the RnR H of Fame

Bob Barker-August 25 at 99. Made a career as a Game show host.

James Casey- August 28 at 40. Sax player in the trey Anastasio band

SEPTEMBER~

Jimmy Buffet- September 1 at 76. Singer, songwriter, Businessman and creator of a lifestyle embraced by millions. Sorely missed.

Steve Harwell-September 4 at 56. Lead singer for Smashmouth

OCTOBER~

Russell Batiste, Jr.- October 1 at 57. New Orleans drummer and member of a legendary music family

NOVEMBER~

Shane MacGowan- November 30 at 65. Lead singer for the Pogues

DECEMBER~

Norman Lear- December 5 at 101. TV producer whose many contributions shaped our TV watching when we were not catching live music.

Denny Laine- December 5^th at79. Founding member, guitarist and songwriter of the Moody Blues and Wings

John Cutler- December 24 at 73. Grateful Dead record producer for their most commercially successful albums

Tommy Smothers- December 27 at 86. Half of the famous Smothers Brothers musical comedy duo with brother Dicky. Played the “dense” brother. Hugely successful TV show in the late 60’s, cancelled due to their political stance. Played in the Plastic Ono band on “Give Peace a chance”