Fats Domino Remembered

On the latest episode of Music Worth Buying, TJR and Robert Kinsler celebrate the life and music of Fats Domino, who died at the age of 89 on Tuesday, October 24, 2017. In addition to discussing his greatest hits, they also champion a 2007 tribute to Fats Domino titled Goin' Home featuring a slew of music greats (John Lennon, Tom Petty, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Plant and more) as well as a terrific live album featuring a Fats Domino concert recorded in 1973 and released commercially in October of 2015 (the aptly-titled Thrillin' In Philly! Live 1973).




Here is a statement that appeared on the official Fats Domino Facebook page:

Statement from the children of Antoine “Fats” Domino, Jr.
Dated: October 25, 2017

We are all touched by the outpouring of love and tribute for our father. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by those he loved and those who loved him. His music reached across all boundaries and carried him to all corners of the world.

…Then I rock myself to sleep
Prayin’ that I am here to keep
Then I ride the rising sun
Gee ain’t I being a lucky one
“Rising Sun”(Domino) ©1960 EMI Unart Catalog, Inc.

We thank you for allowing us to grieve privately during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements are pending.

RECORDING ACADEMY™ Statement regarding Fats Domino issued October 25, 2017
 
Our Recording Academy™ family is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of rock and roll visionary Fats Domino. In a career spanning more than five decades, Domino charmed audiences with his smooth vocals, boogie-woogie piano style, and unwavering humility. He is widely recognized for influencing artists across all genres, having a number of his hits covered by music industry giants, including John Lennon, Cheap Trick, and Led Zeppelin. In 1987, Domino received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy, our formal salute to his remarkable contributions to rock history. He will be greatly missed, but remembered for paving the way for rock and roll. Our condolences go out to Domino’s family, friends, and collaborators during this difficult time.  
 
Neil Portnow
President/CEO
Recording Academy


"Rest in peace Fats Domino, the great rock ’n’ roll pianist and singer who thrilled us in our early days in Liverpool. His hit records like ‘Ain’t That A Shame’, ‘Blueberry Hill’, ‘I’m In Love Again’ and many others introduced us to the sounds of New Orleans rock ‘n’ roll. We were excited to meet Fats once in his home town of New Orleans. He was wearing a huge star spangled diamond encrusted watch which was our first encounter with bling! His voice, piano playing and musical style was a huge influence on us and his appearance in the film ‘The Girl Can’t Help It’ was truly magnificent. As one of my favourite rock ‘n’ roll singers, I will remember him fondly and always think of him with that twinkle in his eye. I read that he had eight children. He himself was named Antoine. His kids were named Antoine III, Anatole, Andre, Antonio, Antoinette, Andrea, Anola and Adonica. Now that is pure Fats!" - Paul 
Statement from Paul McCartney posted October 26, 2017

TWITTER REACTS

Fats Domino was one of the first 10 honorees named to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (and he was inducted into the Rock Hall in 1986) and his death at the age of 89 has been followed by countless tributes by music greats.

Photo © Curt Gunther

Fats Domino - an inspiration to the band and a music legend.
Rest In Peace.
@TheBeatles 

RIP Fats Domino legend and innovator of rock n' roll - His legacy remains forever in his music.
@TheJonathanCain

Before Elvis, Jerry Lee & Chuck (Berry) that was Fats. His sweet voice, rolling piano & charisma made him a star & first member of the Rock Hall.
@RockHall
(Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)



RIP Fats Domino
@BillyJoel

Words fail me in this moment of deep heartache and sadness. We have lost a legend. One of my heroes. New Orleans' Fats Domino is dead.
@WendellPierce

His groove will always be foremost in my body and soul. His was the "cool" of the New Orleans music that first lit my fire. Bon voyage Fats.
@MickeyHart

Godspeed, Fats Domino. RIP
@jackie_greene

So sad to hear the passing of Fats Domino. A true rock and roll legend. RIP
@YoungDubliners

RIP fats domino... you helped pave the way for New Orleans piano players... see you on top of that Blueberry Hill in the sky
@HarryConnickJr

RIP #FatsDomino, 1950s-60s singer/pianist/pop hitmaker. #BlueMonday #AintThatAShame #NewOrleans #BlueberryHill
@GeorgeAPaul

Walter Becker Remembered

Walter Becker performing at Coachella in Indio, CA on Friday, April 17, 2015.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Posted by Robert Kinsler

Since the news broke yesterday (Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017), musicians and Steely Dan fans have been mourning the death of Walter Becker. The famed guitarist died after an undisclosed at the age 67.

Although I never saw Steely Dan back during their initial run spanning 1972-1981 when they were first breaking ground with their fusion of rock, jazz and R&B, I made up for it since the turn of the century catching the duo at Irvine Meadows in June 2000, at Gibson Amphitheatre in 2009, and at the Greek Theatre in July 2011.Fast forward to 2015 when I was especially fortunate to have caught Fagen and Becker at the Santa Barbara Bowl on April 15 and then at Coachella later that week on April 17.

You can read my review of the band's full-length performance of their album Aja in 2011 here. I consider that concert to be among the best I have ever seen.

You can read my review of the group's performance at Coachella in 2015 here.

Here are some tributes to Becker, starting with Donald Fagen:

Here is Donald Fagen's remembrance of his friend and musical partner originally posted on Rolling Stone's website:

"Walter Becker was my friend, my writing partner and my bandmate since we met as students at Bard College in 1967. We started writing nutty little tunes on an upright piano in a small sitting room in the lobby of Ward Manor, a mouldering old mansion on the Hudson River that the college used as a dorm. 

We liked a lot of the same things: jazz (from the twenties through the mid-sixties), W.C. Fields, the Marx Brothers, science fiction, Nabokov, Kurt Vonnegut, Thomas Berger, and Robert Altman films come to mind. Also soul music and Chicago blues. 

Walter had a very rough childhood - I’ll spare you the details. Luckily, he was smart as a whip, an excellent guitarist and a great songwriter. He was cynical about human nature, including his own, and hysterically funny. Like a lot of kids from fractured families, he had the knack of creative mimicry, reading people’s hidden psychology and transforming what he saw into bubbly, incisive art. He used to write letters (never meant to be sent) in my wife Libby’s singular voice that made the three of us collapse with laughter.

His habits got the best of him by the end of the seventies, and we lost touch for a while. In the eighties, when I was putting together the NY Rock and Soul Review with Libby, we hooked up again, revived the Steely Dan concept and developed another terrific band.

I intend to keep the music we created together alive as long as I can with the Steely Dan band."

Recording Academy™ Statement 
September 3, 2017
"With Steely Dan partner Donald Fagen, Walter Becker created some of the smartest, most artful rock to ever hit the charts. Brimming with irony and filed in with brush strokes of jazz and R&B, three of the group's albums—1977's Aja, 1980's Gaucho, and 2000's Two Against Nature—were nominated for the Album Of The Year GRAMMY^®, with the latter winning the award. Walter and Steely Dan set the standard for sophisticated progressive pop, and he will be greatly missed. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues."
Neil Portnow
President/CEO
Recording Academy

Peter Frampton (via Twitter on Sept. 3, 2017)

"#RIPWalterBecker The incredible wealth of inspiring music you gave us will always push me to be a better musician/writer. Thank you Walter."

Steve Lukather of Toto (via Twitter on Sept. 3, 2017)

"Really sad to hear Walter Becker has passed... Steely Dan music touched me deep. My desert Island music. RIP Walter. Condolences Donald..."

Geoffrey Downes of ASIA and YES (via Twitter on Sept. 3, 2017)

"The Royal Scam & Aja were particularly inspirational albums for me. Thank you for the music, Steely Dan. #RIP #WalterBecker"

Mark Ronson (via Twitter on Sept. 3, 2017)

"Rest in peace WALTER BECKER, one half of the team i aspire to everytime I sit down at a piano. thank you for your unparalleled contribution."

Nile Rogers (via Twitter on Sept. 3, 2017)

"#RIPWalterBecker Very sad news. They're one of my favorite bands."


Beck Pays Tribute to Walter Becker at Detroit Concert
Billboard reported that while opening for U2 on that band's Joshua Tree Tour 2017 at Detroit's Ford Field on Sept. 3, 2017, Beck and his band paid tribute to Becker during a performance of "Where It's At." You can read that full report here.

TJR (Music Worth Buying host)
Finally, watch my Music Worth Buying co-host TJR's tribute to Becker via the link below:

Gregg Allman Remembered

Gregg Allman performing at
Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point
on May 17, 2014.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

I am very sad to learn that musical great Gregg Allman has died. He was only 69.

“Gregg struggled with many health issues over the past several years. During that time, Gregg considered being on the road playing music with his brothers and solo band for his beloved fans, essential medicine for his soul. Playing music lifted him up and kept him going during the toughest of times,” according to a statement posted on Allman's official website.

The Allman Brothers Band also confirmed the sad news via Twitter: “It is with deep sadness we announce that Gregg Allman … passed away peacefully at his home.”

The Recording Academy™ issued the following statement regarding Gregg Allman on

May 27, 2017:

"As a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, Gregg Allman helped give birth to Southern rock, blazing a trail for a generation of musicians who were equally influenced by the blues, Southern soul, and rock. His earthy vocals graced songs that have become rock standards, including "Midnight Rider" and "Whipping Post”, in addition to his own solo records. The band won a GRAMMY^® Award in 1995 for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for "Jessica," a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012, and their groundbreaking album At Fillmore East was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame^® in 1999. We have lost a pioneering force in American music, and our condolences go out to Gregg's family, friends, colleagues, and music fans everywhere." 

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
Recording Academy

Gregg Allman, left, with Billy F Gibbons.

ZZ Top singer-guitarist Billy F Gibbons was among Allman's many friends from the music community who issued statements about Allman's passing:

“The sudden passing of Gregg Allman leaves us at a loss yet, at the same time, we stand alongside the millions thankful that Gregg was in our lives.  Gregg was, of course, a brilliant and intuitive player with a depth of soul reflected in his works in a truly moving manner.  Brother Gregg was generous with his talent, his spirit and, of course, his great voice.  We were fortunate enough to have been touched by him and those moments remain treasured encounters.  Some truly positive, uplifting experiences.  Gregg will be remembered as someone who made a big difference in the lives of many and whose sonic legacy continues that memorable course.”

You can learn more about Allman's long legacy and death via a story on CNN here:

I most recently got to see Allman when he performed a memorable set at the Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point in May 2014.

See my album review of a tribute collection titled All My Friends: Celebrating the Songs & Voice of Gregg Allman released in 2014 here.

Robert Kinsler

Chuck Berry Remembered

Chuck Berry performing at Hootenanny Festival in July 2010.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Chuck Berry performing at Hootenanny Festival in July 2010.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Sadly, rock 'n' roll has lost one of its truly great founding fathers. Chuck Berry died at his home outside of St. Louis, Missouri on Saturday, March 18, 2017. He was 90.

I saw Berry perform a number of times between 1980 and 2010. His influence as a singer, songwriter and guitar player was profound. Here are a number of photos I took when Berry, then 83, performed at the Hootenanny festival in Orange County, CA over the 4th of July weekend in 2010.

Here is a link to my review of his appearance at that festival posted on The Orange County Register website. Although I was disappointed with Berry's performance that day, I did praise his large and significant legacy in the review. I still recall the first time I saw him in 1980; that show was a wonder with Berry unleashing rapid fire guitar work while doing his famous "duck walk" across the stage!

Those wanting to catch Berry in his prime should seek out the Shout! Factory release of the T.A.M.I. Show, a 1964 concert film that was captured at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in October of that year; it features Berry performing a number of his original classics including "Johnny B. Goode," "Maybellene,"  "Sweet Little Sixteen" and "Nadine (Is It You?)."

The good news for fans of the artist is that they can look forward to new music from Berry, who used his 90th birthday celebration in October 2016 to announce the release of a new album (titled Chuck), which will mark his first new studio album release since 1979's Rock It. Read all the details here. Additionally, Billboard has an article with thoughts from someone who has heard tracks off the highly-anticipated forthcoming album.

Here is the statement from The Recording Academy regarding Berry:

Chuck Berry was arguably the founding father of rock 'n' roll. Not just because he was one of its greatest songwriters and established some of the electric guitar's earliest and most memorable riffs, but also because he was one of music's most palpably exciting entertainers and biggest personalities. His influence on the giants that followed him, such as the Beatles,  Beach Boys and many others, is well documented. Chuck received a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Recording Academy in 1984, our formal acknowledgment of his immeasurable contributions to American culture. He will be greatly missed, but the gift of his music will live on forever.
Neil Portnow
President/CEO

Chuck Berry shared the joy of music making with fans of all ages at his performances, including
at the Hootenanny Festival in July 2010.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Post and photos by Robert Kinsler

Prince Remembered: Gifted genius the 'Purple One' artist dead at 57

Prince performing at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles in
April 1997.  Photo credit: Kelly A. Swift

What is it about 2016? David Bowie, Maurice White, Glenn Frey, Sir George Martin, Keith Emerson, Merle Haggard, Paul Kantner...and today Prince. Only 57, he was found dead inside his recording studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota. Ironic, that Prince's death followed the recent death of Vanity (a Prince protege), who died at the age of 57 on Feb. 15, 2016.

A gifted singer, songwriter, guitarist and actor, the Minneapolis native (born Prince Rogers Nelson) loomed far larger than his 5 foot, 2 inch high frame. He blended funk, Hendrix-infused psychedelic rock, soul and other styles into his dozens of album releases (including 1999, Purple Rain, Sign O’ the Times, Graffiti Bridge and The Black Album). I also wanted to share the statement on Prince from Neil Portnow, President and CEO of The Recording Academy.

The Recording Academy^® Statement Re: Prince
April 21, 2016

Our GRAMMY^® family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of seven-time GRAMMY Award winner Prince. Today, we remember and celebrate him as one of the most uniquely gifted artists of all time. Never one to conform, he redefined and forever changed our musical landscape. Prince was an original who influenced so many, and his legacy will live on forever. We have lost a true innovator and our sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends, collaborators, and all who have been impacted by his incredible work.

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy

Here are a number of links where you can read more about Prince:

Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-prince-20160421-story.html

The Orange County Register
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/prince-713023-age-kamerud.html

CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/21/entertainment/prince-estate-death/index.html

Robert Kinsler

The Recording Academy® to honor legends as part of 'GRAMMY Salute to Music Legends'

With the recent passing of Earth, Wind & Fire's Maurice White (on Feb. 3, 2016) and Jefferson Airplane's Paul Kantner (on Jan. 28, 2016), it's nice to see both of those seminal artists among those being honored at the upcoming "GRAMMY Salute to Music Legends." Here is the media release...

THE RECORDING ACADEMY^® TO HONOR 2016 SPECIAL MERIT AWARDS RECIPIENTS WITH NEW TELEVISION SPECIAL
"GRAMMY SALUTE TO MUSIC LEGENDS^®" AS PART OF LANDMARK "GREAT PERFORMANCES" SERIES ON PBS
 
AWARDS CEREMONY AND TRIBUTE CONCERT TO 
TAKE PLACE SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2016 AT 
THE DOLBY THEATER IN LOS ANGELES

Paul Kantner, of Jefferson Airplane and
Jefferson Starship fame, will be among
those honored at the upcoming event.

Maurice White in 1982.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (March 29, 2016) —The Recording Academy^®  will honor its 2016 Special Merit Awards recipients with an awards ceremony and live tribute concert onSaturday, April 23, 2016 at The Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. Dubbed "GRAMMY Salute to Music Legends," the event will be produced in partnership with THIRTEEN as part of the"Great Performances" series on PBS, set to air later this year. Led by music industry icon Don Was as musical director, the tribute concert will feature rare performances by honorees and never-seen renditions by those they've inspired. Tickets for the event will be on sale via Ticketmaster beginning Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at 10:00 am PST.
 
This year's Lifetime Achievement Award honorees include Ruth Brown, Celia Cruz, Earth, Wind & Fire, Herbie Hancock, Jefferson Airplane, Linda Ronstadt, and RUN DMC.John Cage, Fred Foster, and Chris Strachwitz are Trustees Award honorees; and EMT andDr. Harvey Fletcher are Technical GRAMMY^® Award recipients. Also being honored is Phillip Riggs, this year's recipient of the GRAMMY Foundation Music Educator Award. Performers will be announced shortly.
 
Previously held during GRAMMY Week, this is the first time that The Recording Academy has celebrated the Special Merit Awards with a stand-alone event and musical tribute. In addition to the tribute concert, special celebrity guests will present recipients their award statues and guests will enjoy never-before-seen video packages celebrating each of the honorees' contributions to the music industry and our cultural heritage.
 
"For many years now, we've wanted to honor Special Merit Awards recipients on a larger scale with an event like 'GRAMMY Salute to Music Legends,' so I'm delighted to partner with THIRTEEN Productions and PBS to bring this worthy celebration to a bigger stage," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "The contributions of our honorees are innumerable, and we look forward to an unforgettable evening as we pay tribute to their exceptional accomplishments."
 
A production of THIRTEEN Productions LLC for WNET, "GRAMMY Salute to Music Legends" will be written by David Wild and directed for television by David Horn, with Mitch Owgang as producer, and David Horn and Neil Portnow as executive producers.
 
The Lifetime Achievement Award honors performers who have made contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording, while the Trustees Award recognizes such contributions in areas other than performance. Both awards are determined by vote of The Recording Academy's National Board of Trustees. Technical GRAMMY Award recipients are determined by vote of The Academy's Producers & Engineers Wing^® Advisory Council and Chapter Committees, and are ratified by The Academy's Trustees. The award is presented to individuals and companies who have made contributions of outstanding technical significance to the recording field.
 
About the Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees:
 
Ruth Brown* began her musical career in the church choir at the tender age of 4. A singer/songwriter, record producer, composer, and actress noted for bringing a pop music style to R&B music, Brown became one of the undisputed architects of the genre. She recorded a number of hit songs, including "I'll Wait For You," "I Know," "5-10-15 Hours," and "Mambo Baby." She later went on to have a successful theater career.
 
Celia Cruz* was one of the most popular salsa singers and performers in history. Known internationally as the "Queen of Salsa," the Cuban-American Cruz was a larger-than life-personality. She recorded 23 gold albums and was a recipient of the United States National Medal of Arts. Cruz received three GRAMMY Awards and four Latin GRAMMY Awards.

Six-time GRAMMY winners Earth, Wind & Fire were one of the most important and innovative contemporary pop/R&B musical forces of the 20th century. Members Philip Bailey, Larry Dunn, Johnny Graham, Ralph Johnson, Al McKay, Fred White, Maurice White*, Verdine White, and Andrew Woolfolk built the group's distinctive signature sound, which has remained profoundly influential. Successfully breaking down all musical genre boundaries since forming in 1969, they recorded seven #1 R&B singles and eight Top 10 pop albums. Earth Wind & Fire earned more than 50 gold and platinum album certifications and more than 90 million albums worldwide, placing them on the list of best-selling musical artists of all time. 
 
One of the most revered and idiosyncratic figures in jazz, Herbie Hancock has been at the forefront almost every development in electronic and acoustic jazz and R&B. A stylistically diverse and ever-intriguing canon of songs, including "Maiden Voyage" and "Rockit," has helped earn him 14 GRAMMY Awards during his impressive five-decade-plus professional solo career.
 
Marty Balin, Jack Casady, Spencer Dryden*, Paul Kantner*, Jorma Kaukonen, and Grace Slick comprised Jefferson Airplane, pioneers of counterculture-era psychedelic rock. Emerging from the San Francisco scene to achieve international mainstream success, performing at the three most famous American rock festivals of the 1960s — Monterey (1967), Woodstock (1969), and Altamont (1969). Their 1967 album Surrealistic Pillow is regarded as one of the key recordings of the "Summer of Love." Two hits from that album, "Somebody To Love" and "White Rabbit," are among Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time."
 
With roots in the Los Angeles country and folk-rock scenes, Linda Ronstadt is one of the most popular interpretive singers of all time, earning a string of platinum-selling albums and Top 40 singles. Throughout the 1970s, her laid-back pop never lost sight of her folky roots, yet as Ronstadt moved into the 1980s, she began to change her sound with the times, adding new wave influences. Her later years saw the 10-time GRAMMY winner exploring traditional pop, Latin, and musical theater.
 
RUN DMC, comprising of Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell*, and Joseph "Reverend Run" Simmons, were one of the most influential and best-known acts in the history of rap. They were the first group in the genre to have a gold album (RUN DMC., 1984) and to be nominated for a GRAMMY Award. They were also the first hip-hop group to earn a platinum record (King Of Rock, 1985), and the first to earn multiplatinum certification (Raising Hell, 1986).
 
 
About the Trustees Award Honorees:
 
John Cage* was an avant-garde composer whose inventive works and unorthodox ideas profoundly influenced the entire music industry. His innovative ideas on composition and performance influenced a broad spectrum of artists including fellow musicians, dancers, choreographers, painters and more. Cage remained on the leading edge of both playful and profound experimentalism for the greater part of his career. One of Cage's best-known and most sonically intriguing innovations, the prepared piano, has become an almost commonplace compositional resource.


Music entrepreneur Fred Foster contributed a great deal to the Nashville music scene of the 1960s and 1970s as a producer and as the head of one of the city's strongest independent labels, Monument Records. He is best known for producing many classic hits by Roy Orbison. He also played a vital role in the career of Kris Kristofferson, and worked with Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Ray Stevens, among others. From 1960 to 1964, Foster produced the overwhelming bulk of hit songs with which Orbison is associated: "Only The Lonely," "In Dreams," "Running Scared," "Blue Bayou," "Blue Angel," "Dream Baby," "Crying," "Candy Man," "Mean Woman Blues," "It's Over," and "Oh, Pretty Woman." 
 
Chris Strachwitz has made his living celebrating the music he loves – music that forms the fabric of both American and international culture.  He is the founder of Arhoolie Records and produces much of the content he releases. To blues fans he is a legend, releasing seminal works by Mississippi Fred McDowell, Mance Lipscomb, Charlie Musselwhite, Rebirth Brass Band, Big Joe Williams, Big Mama Thornton, Lightnin' Hopkins, Earl Hooker, and Elizabeth Cotten, and many others. Strachwitz also produces Cajun music, highlighted by his releases by Clifton Chenier, and also focused on Mexican recordings, especially Norteño music.
 
About the Technical GRAMMY Award Recipients:
 
Known as the father of stereophonic sound, Dr. Harvey Fletcher* was a prominent physicist, credited with inventing the hearing aid and the first audiometer. Through his research, he was able to document and demonstrate the spatial effects of sound, which he called auditory perspective, or stereo. However, it was his profound interest in music that led Fletcher to partner with Leopold Stokowski and the Philadelphia Orchestra, and this collaboration produced more than 100 stereo recordings. In his tests, listeners were often unable to distinguish the difference between the live orchestra and the recordings.
 
EMT (Elektro-Mess-Technik) was founded in Berlin in 1940, originally manufacturing high-end pro measuring devices and turntables for broadcast, television, and recording studios. In 1957, the company made a huge breakthrough with the release of the EMT 140 Reverberation Unit — the first plate reverb. Upon its introduction, the EMT 140 Reverberation Unit quickly garnered popularity, providing a smoother substitute to spring reverb systems, simplifying the process of affecting recorded sound while providing the engineer with a more versatile and customizable interface than acoustic chambers. With the plates' introduction, the sound of popular music changed dramatically as evident in English recordings made at Abbey Road by the Beatles and Pink Floyd, as well as RCA Victor recordings by Nashville’s Chet Atkins and many others.
 
*Denotes posthumous award
 
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers, and recording professionals dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education, and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, "like" The GRAMMYs on Facebook  and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on Google+, Instagram, Tumblr, and YouTube.

R.I.P. Glenn Frey

Glenn Frey performing at the Forum in Los Angeles in 2014.
Photo credit: Kelly A. Swift

January 2016 is proving to be a difficult one for music fans. While the world continues to mourn the death of David Bowie last week, we are now just as suddenly and sadly impacted with the tragic news that Eagles guitarist-singer Glenn Frey has died. He was only 67.

Frey was an original and founding member of the band, and co-wrote beloved hits including "Take It Easy" and "Hotel California."

"Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Ulcerative Colitis and Pneumonia," according to a statement on the band's official Web site.

"Glenn was the one who started it all," wrote Eagles bandmate Don Henley. The two met in 1970 and went on to form one of rock's most popular and enduring groups. "He was the spark plug, the man with the plan. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of popular music and a work ethic that wouldn't quit. He was funny, bullheaded, mercurial, generous, deeply talented and driven."


I first caught the musical troupe in concert in 1994 during the band's highly-anticipated "Hell Freezes Over" reunion tour that included a stop in Irvine, CA, and then caught the Eagles again when they performed at the Stagecoach Festival in Indio, CA in May 2008. I will continue to update this post as more news and reaction comes in from the musical community:

Ringo Starr (via his Twitter feed): "God bless Glenn Frey peace and love to all his family and friends"  

 – Travis Tritt has released a statement regarding the passing of his longtime friend, founding member and guitarist of the Eagles, Glenn Frey.

Tritt commented, "Glenn Frey and the music he created alone and with The Eagles have been such an inspiration to me. We first met at the video shoot for my version of ‘Take It Easy’ in 1993. He always went out of his way to acknowledge and encourage me ever since. I'm a better person, better musician and a better songwriter having met him. I still can't believe he is gone!"

Tritt’s 1993 release of Eagles’ “Take It Easy” led to a reunion of the famously acrimonious band as they came together to appear in the music video.  The meeting led to reconciliation and the band put aside their differences, eventually reuniting for their 1994 Hell Freezes Over tour.

The Recording Academy^® re: Glenn Frey
Jan. 18, 2016
As a founding member of the Eagles, Glenn Frey was an integral part of one of the most storied bands in pop history. His songwriting, especially with bandmate Don Henley, resulted in some of the biggest hits and standards of the ’70s, including songs like "Desperado," "One Of These Nights," "Lyin’ Eyes," and "Hotel California." The latter two earned the Eagles two of their six GRAMMY Awards. Desperado and the milestone album Hotel California, along with its title track, have been inducted into the GRAMMY Hall OF Fame. The band’s Their Greatest Hits: 1971-1975 remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, a testament to the enduring music that Glenn played a significant role in creating. Glenn’s untimely passing is a huge loss for the music community, and we offer our condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and fans.

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy
Robert Kinsler

The world has lost David Bowie

Singer-songwriter David Bowie performs on stage at the Pond 
in Anaheim, California in 2004. Photo credit: Kelly A. Swift

Posted by Robert Kinsler

The world lost David Bowie last night (Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016) after an 18-month battle fighting cancer. He was only 69.

I was fortunate to see David Bowie in concert three times over the years and loved every appearance. I will never forget catching him for the first time at his event-ending appearance at the US Festival at Glen Helen Regional Park (in San Bernardino, California) in late May 1983. His set played out on an especially cold and windy night (daytime temps had been sweltering), but I stayed for the full set and it was amazing to see him perform classics such as "Heroes," "Fashion" and "Rebel Rebel" as well as then-new songs like "Let's Dance." He was so great that when he circled around and performed at Anaheim Stadium later that year (with Madness and the Go-Go's as openers), I went to that concert too! His songs have always pushed the creative envelope and one thing you can truly say isn't no matter the era ('60s through earlier this week with the release of his latest album Blackstar on his 69th birthday (Friday, Jan. 8, 2016), Bowie's songs and recordings sound timeless...

Of course, remembrances are coming in from everywhere:

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of David Bowie. It was an honor and a privilege to release his music to the world."
Columbia Records

"Shocked 2 hear about David. A dear friend & mentor to me. Gave me help when I most needed it. My thoughts r with his family this very sad day."
Peter Frampton

"A huge loss - we're absolutely devastated. #RIPDavidBowie"
The Zombies

"God bless David Bowie - peace and love to all his family."
Ringo Starr


"I grew up listening to and watching the pop genius David Bowie. He was a master of re-invention, who kept getting it right. A huge loss."
British Prime Minister David Cameron

"I feel like the wind has been knocked out of me - I was not ready for this. RIP Bowie."
Al Yankovic

David Bowie performing at Area 2 
Festival in Irvine in 2002.
Photo credit: Kelly A. Swift

“With the passing of David Bowie the world has lost a true artist in every respect; uniquely original, ever expanding and exploring...Daryl and I played with him in 1973 on his first U.S. tour. Off stage he always struck me as warm and engaging. His creativity and musical legacy will live forever.” 
John Oates

“I was saddened to hear the news of David's passing. I've known him for many years and have great respect for his contribution to music and style. John and I first met him when we toured together back in 1973 and I was blown away by his stage persona. I ran into him many times over the years and was also impressed by his intelligence. He was one of a kind and will be missed.” 
Daryl Hall

"David Bowie was truly a Renaissance man and visionary artist with extraordinary talent as a singer, songwriter, performer, actor and producer, and was a musical hero to millions. A GRAMMY^® Award Winner and a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, he is remembered and celebrated today for his audacious approach to pushing creative boundaries and ability to reinvent himself time and time again, changing the course of pop music in the process. David was a true original who influenced so many and his art will live on forever. We offer our sincere condolences to his family, friends, creative collaborators and to all of David’s fans across the globe."
Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy

" 'I wanted to prove the sustaining power of #music.' RIP to the great David Bowie."
NAMM

"Like everyone today we're mourning the passing of a true musical giant and cultural icon. RIP David Bowie."
The Jayhawks

Here is a nice overview and video story on ABC News:
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/david-bowie-memorable-music-moments/story?id=36212744


Here is coverage on KTLA News:
http://ktla.com/2016/01/10/david-bowie-dies-at-69-after-battle-with-cancer/



Here is coverage in the Sacramento Bee:
http://www.sacbee.com/entertainment/celebrities/article54073790.html

Here is an article that details the events/process that led to the creation of his final album:
http://931jackfm.cbslocal.com/2016/01/11/davie-bowies-producer-confirms-album-was-parting-gift/