This Day In Music History: January 1st
1953 American singer-songwriter and musician singer
Hank Williams died of a heart attack brought on by a lethal cocktail of pills and alcohol aged 29. Williams is regarded as one of the most important country music artists of all time. 35 of his singles (five released posthumously) were placed in the Top 10 of the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart, 11 of which ranked at No.1, including 'Cold, Cold Heart,' 'Hey, Good Lookin', 'I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive,' and 'Your Cheatin' Heart.'
1984 Alexis Korner died of lung cancer aged 55. Know as "the Founding Father of British Blues", he was a major force behind the UK early 60s R&B scene. Formed Blues Incorporated; members at various times included
Jack Bruce,
Ginger Baker, Long John Baldry, Graham Bond and Charlie Watts. Had hits with CCS, including a version of
Led Zeppelin's 'Whole Lotta Love' which was used as the theme for BBC's
Top Of The Pops for several years. He became a radio presenter in the Seventies.
2019 American singer, songwriter Pegi Young died of cancer age 66. She first met future husband
Neil Young in 1974 when she was working as a waitress at a diner near his ranch, a story he tells in the 1992 song ‘Unknown Legend’. They married in August 1978 and had two children. Her debut as a singer came in 1983 when she was a member of The Pinkettes, the backing vocalists on her husband's rockabilly Shocking Pinks tour. She released her debut solo album in 2007.
2021 Mick Bolton, the keyboardist best known for playing with
Mott the Hoople and Dexys Midnight Runners died age 72. During the 80’s Bolton found a notable gig offstage; giving keyboard lessons to
Paul McCartney's wife and collaborator, Linda McCartney.
source: thisdayinmusic