ROLL CALL!
Heavy D and Skip Dillard
Great Artists Who Left Us in 2011
ROLL CALL!
Moving into 2012 we won’t forget great artists who left us in 2011. My mind goes back to last year’s freak Northeast Snowstorm that closed out 2010 coupled with the loss of a Teena Marie, who was still making new music and performing her classics with a passion seldom seen by an artist so many years into the game.
The legends continued to leave us in 2011 faster than we’ve been able to find “new legends” to replace them. Thank God these great artists will live on through their music.
Heavy D-44 Years young and still in his prime, his passing from heart complications due to a blood clot is still hard to accept.
Phoebe Snow-Her song “Poetry Man” summed up a life filled with challenges and the ability to convey them to the World through her music.
Sylvia Robinson-Artist, CEO, Mentor and Pioneer who heard the sounds of the New York City Streets and made sure everyone else took a listen.
Nick Ashford-With his wife Valerie, this “perfect pair wrote and performed music that touched the heart.
Clarence Clemmons-The flamboyant sax virtuoso of Bruce Springsteen’s “E Street Band”
Gil Scott Heron-An Activist who spent his life in pursuit of peace and justice through music.
Amy Winehouse-Super-talented British R&B vocalist unable to escape her demons.
Glady’s Horton (Marvelettes)-Another Motown “voice” gone but not forgotten.
Vesta Williams-A true R&B Diva! Her 1989 Top-5 Hit Congratulations became a women’s anthem.
Nate Dogg-Proved that “Gangta Rap” could still have a “smooth side” as well.
Pine Top Perkins-Born in 1913, he was among the last of the great Blues artists who paved the way for Rock N’ Roll.