It’s Memorial Day. Thanks to all that serve in our armed forces, and all those that gave their lives in Wars and conflicts in the past.
You will always deserve our gratitude.
This year, I want to send a Thanks out to those musicians I’ve played with, that are no longer with us.
Kozmos. I played a lot of years with Koz, in Willie Phoenix’s bands. The big man with the beard and the top hat, he was a great bass player. The way he passed was a true tragedy, but it epitomized his big heart. He was a beacon of Peace & Love, and I miss him.
Frank Donda. Frank was the soundman for the band Pegasus, that I played with in the late 70’s. Frank always made us sound great, and recorded us on a 2-track reel to reel, and made it sound like a record. Frank passed away riding his motorcycle. He was a man’s man, and hated it if someone tried to hug him, especially guys. Ride free Frank, you will be missed.
Randy Atkins. Randy was around since the Sugar Shack days, and knew everybody I knew, in Zanesville when I was in Pegasus. He recommended me for Frank Harrison’s band when he was playing bass with him, then recommended I be replaced. He was hard on drummers, there are a few that will attest to that. That was Randy. I still thought he was a good guy. RIP Randy.
Tom Howard. Tom was in a band called Caterpillar when I first met him. Yeah, “The earth-moving sounds of Caterpillar.” I went to the audition, Tom heard me play one song and said “He’ll do.” Tom and I played in several bands after that, and he was the best harmonica player I ever heard, before or since, and a great singer. We called him “Mr. Fabulous”. I miss him a lot, as we never reconciled our differences before he left us. Godspeed Tom.
Ernie Oskey. I played with Ernie in Frank Harrison & The Straights. Ernie was a good guy, and a great bass player. Ernie moved to Florida, and continued playing until he passed. RIP.
Pete Linzell. I didn’t really play much with Pete, but he used to come and play with Willie & The Soul Underground. He was great, and a joy when he played with us. There’s a great video on YouTube of Willie & The Soul Underground with Pete doing “Buddha.” Rest in Peace, Pete.
Tom Courtney. When one of Willie’s later bands was looking for a bass player, i mentioned Tom’s name. I knew him from the Sugar Shack days, but never really talked to him. He was working at Waterbeds & Stuff when I approached him. He had been playing with Terry Davidson, so he fit in great with the blues direction Willie was going in at the time. Tom eventually moved to Indiana, to a town he described as “Mayberry.” He was quite happy just living a small town life, away from Rock & Roll and city life. He passed away a few years ago, and I trust it was peaceful. God Bless, Tom.
Woody Hamilton. Woody was in Willie’s band, when I joined after taking some time off. Woody was a great player, he was a joy to play with. Dependable, with more technique than anyone I had played with. Woody passed from a debilitating disease that left him unable to play guitar, but even at that point, he would come and see us play. I miss Woody. We shared the same birthday. He was truly a gentleman and a great musician.
Rob Brumfiel. I first met Rob when he playing in Willie’s A&M-era band. A first rate guitarist, many said he could have stayed in L.A. and become a session player. I played on Rob’s song that made one of the QFM Hometown albums. A good guy, I wish I could have played more, in one of his bands.
Mike Parks. I can’t say anything more that what I already said about Mike. I knew him since the 70’s. We played in The Retreads, Willie’s True Soul Rockers, and The League Bowlers together. He was the best slide guitarist I EVER heard, he was a brother to me, and I miss him every day.
Kim Crawford. Kim & I met in Willie’s band (a recurring theme). Kim was like a Chrissie Hynde on steroids. She rocked harder than the guys, wrote some great songs, and looked the part. We had finally found the right combination with Aaron Pauley and Billy Zenn, to really bring Kim’s songs to life. We only got to play one gig before she passed away peacefully in her sleep. I loved Kim, and I miss her still.
Rob Stokes. Rob and I played together briefly in one of Frank’s bands. He was a great player, great singer, and had my utmost respect as a musician. Rest in Peace, Rob.
Jack Burgess. I only played briefly with Jack, when he helped us with the Kim Crawford Tribute Band and CD. He was a great musician, with a heart of gold. He will be missed.
Thirteen musicians I’ve known and played with, that have passed away. They deserve a Memorial Day too. I send my love and respect, and I’m grateful to have shared a stage with all of you.