Musicians Who Died in 2006

2006 has been a year of death, really. International conflicts and natural disasters kept death in the news all year, and cast a very dark pall over New Year's celebrations.

Yet it was also a year to lose some significant musicians and artists, many of whom spent their careers trying to inspire and move people. Here's a short list of some artists that passed on in 2006.

The list could have been far more extensive, but I chose to only post about those people who moved me directly. Obviously, another writer could have a very different list.

Most notably, in 2006 we lost James Brown, the Godfather of Soul. Dutch Mason, the Canadian blues guitarist, died late in the year. Sid Barrett, the original singer of Pink Floyd and a notable solo artist in his own right also died this past year.

Ahmet Ertegun, while not a musician, was a force behind artists as diverse as Joni Mitchell, Miles Davis and Ray Charles. He died from injuries sustained backstage at a Rolling Stones concert. While sad, it could probably make some other list of "best ways to go".

Robert Lockwood, Jr, like all blues guitarists, died described as "a legend". Billy Preston, (see image above) was described by many, including himself, as the 5th Beatle.

Ali Farka Toure, guitarist and singer, achieved some commercial success in his later years, whereas J. Dilla, hip hop producer and DJ (and some would say genius) created an indelible mark despite his young age.

It is no exageration to say that scrolling through the seemingly endless lists of notable deaths in 2006 made for one of the hardest posts I've had to write (and took much longer than expected). Seeing all the "notable" people made me think of how we'll each be remembered. And obviously, addressing the death of others can often inspire thoughts on one's own mortality. Not fun when scanning hundreds of names of the deceased.

However, I can take some solace in listening to the works of the above artists, or the artists they were most associated with, as we move forward in 2007.

Ed Bradley's Music Writing

Ed Bradley (1941 - 2006) is being euologized in the press right now. All the tributes are glowing and I have not disagreed with a single one.

He worked in mainstream media and that carried a certain puffiness with it, but his ability to work inside the medium was skilled and subtle. He could get the tough questions asked without hardening his affable, cool demeanor. He unlocked doors, he offered some light.

The footage of his career, especially early reportage out of Vietnam, is impressive. His interviews with 60 Minutes were well regarded (18 Emmies) and well known. But less recognized is Bradley's musical knowledge.

His interview with Bob Dylan in December of 2004 offered insights much richer than Dylan's autobiography at times. His love for and knowledge of jazz was well known, hosting the Jazz from Lincoln Center performance series and generally supporting the music.

But I prefer his piece on U2, which just goes to show that if you want to hear Bono say something pretentious, just ask him a question. Or, possibly, stand near him for awhile.

Robert Allen - 1946 - 2006

Many Montreal writers have been reflecting on the recent passing of Rob Allen. I just wanted to take brief moment to recognize this loss, and give some space to the tributes that are being written for him.

Rob was the Publisher of Matrix Magazine, and will be fondly remembered by the many people who he touched, toasted and taught. My own experience with Rob was limited -- a few conversations at Matrix meetings or book launches -- but it seems that everyone I know has a story about Rob. I think, in the end, that's the most fitting tribute there is.