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This will mark my 7th year of my making these "Great Gig in the Sky" memoriams. It aches every year, we lose so much talent that was a part of our lives and links to our memories.
Michael Nesmith: age 78. Michael Nesmith had an extensive career in the entertainment industry, however, his role as a musician for the Monkees is best remembered. Beside him, the band sold countless records and singles, so much so that, in 1967, they outsold the Beatles and Rolling Stones combined. The musician passed away at the age of 78, on the 26th day of the farewell concert of his bandmate, Mickey Dolenz.
Stephen Sondheim: age 91. He started out as the protégé of the composer Oscar Hammerstein II, who advised him to write the lyrics for the musicals: ‘West Side Story’ and ‘Gypsy’. After that the name Stephen Sondheim resonated everywhere because he transformed American musicals in a more ingenious, unsentimental and inventive way. The composer died at the age of 91 after having received nine Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize, an Oscar and eight Grammy Awards throughout his career.
Charlie Watts: age 80. Despite having problems with his spine, he remained on the drums for the Rolling Stones. Charlie Watts was a lover of jazz, and earned enormous respect from his peers for his skill and subtlety. His first performance with the Stones was in 1963, before the band became one of the most popular in the world. The musician died at the age of 80 and will be remembered for his work at the Stones, as well as for his elegant style when it comes to dressing.
Don Everly: age 84. Don Everly’s voice, along with that of his brother, Phil, influenced generations of rock ‘n’ roll musicians. It was part of the Everly Brothers hit series of the 1950s and 1960s, featuring singles such as “Bye Bye Love,” “Wake Up Little Suzie” and “All I Have to Do Is Dream.” While his songs belonged to rock, they often had country influences. Along with her brother, Everly was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.
Dusty Hill: age 72. Hill, whose name was Joseph Michael, made history in music with his band ZZ Top. They even returned shares of the group, the 20-inch beards, sunglasses and guitars that they spun in circles. His bass playing led to hits like “Gimme All Your Lovin ‘” and “Sharp Dressed Man”, as well as the sale of 50 million albums. We also can’t fail to mention their collective work to garner three Grammy nominations, including a Best Musical Film nomination this 2021 for ‘That Little Ol’ Band From Texas.
Chick Corea: age 79. Armando Anthony ‘Chick’ Corea was a renowned jazz musician who learned piano at age 4 and became a professional in the Cab Calloway band. He invented the fusion of jazz and rock on Miles Davis’ most successful album, Bitches Brew, and on his own influential band, Return to Forever. A master of many styles and exponent of all from Mozart to Thelonious Monk to Stevie Wonder, he garnered 23 Grammy Awards, a considerable amount for any jazz artist in history.
Mary Wilson: age 76. The founder of the 1960s band The Supremes crossed racial lines in a time of cultural upheaval. As a teenager she began her career joining Diana Ross and Florence Ballard with the hits of “Baby Love”, “Come See About Me”, “Stop! In the Name of Love ”. She also had a successful solo career and planned to release more music.
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