July 23, 2012 by Amy Gold
During the week of July 15, 2012, The Who announced that they will begin a Quadrophenia tour this fall. Also this week, fans mourned the passing of famed country singer Kitty Wells, Funk Brothers bassist Bob Babbitt, and Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord.
A lot of other events in the world of oldies music also took place this week, some good, and others not so good. Bob Dylan announced a new album and up-and-coming tour, a tribute was held in honor of the late Curtis Mayfield, and the real-life inspiration for "The Girl From Ipanema" is remembered 50 years later. Sadly, Andy Williams is battling bladder cancer and has just returned home from the hospital.
July 15, 2012: Andy Williams Battles Cancer
Since last year, Andy Williams has been battling bladder cancer, and his recent efforts have not been successful. The famed singer was just released from a hospital in Los Angeles and he has returned home to Branson, MO.
Source: W.E.N.N. >> Andy Williams Leaves Hospital As Cancer Battle Worsens
July 16, 2012: Country's First Female Superstar Kitty Wells Passes Away
Famed country singer Kitty Wells died on July 16 at 92 in her home after complications from a stroke. A musical pioneer, she was the first woman to top the Billboard Country Charts, which was in 1952 with "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels." Dubbed "The Queen of Country Music," Wells has received numerous honors and accolades, including being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1976.
Source: 1st female country superstar Kitty Wells dies - SFGate
July 16, 2012: Famed Bassist Bob Babbitt Passes Away
Famed bassist Bob Babbitt died on July 15 at 74 in Nashville after complications from brain cancer. He was a member of Motown’s house band, the Funk Brothers, who provided the background music to hits by such illuminaries as the Jackson Five, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye. In his long career, Babbitt scored 25 gold and platinum records and played on more than 200 Top 40 hits.
Source: Funk Brothers Bassist Bob Babbitt Dead at 74 | Music News | Rolling Stone
July 16, 2012: Deep Purple Keyboardist Jon Lord Passes Away
Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord died on July 16 at 71 in London from a pulmonary embolism after battling pancreatic cancer. He co-founded Deep Purple in 1968 and co-wrote many of this group's biggest hits that included "Smoke on the Water." Besides Deep Purple, Lord also played with Whitesnake, George Harrison, David Gilmour, and other top rock and roll acts until his retirement in 2002.
Source: Deep Purple Keyboardist Jon Lord Dead at 71 | Music News | Rolling Stone
July 17, 2012: New Bob Dylan Album 'Tempest' To Be Released This September
Bob Dylan will be releasing a new album, "Tempest," this September 11 to mark the 50th anniversary of his first album, "Bob Dylan," which was released in March, 1962.
Source: New Bob Dylan album Tempest set for September release | Reuters
July 17, 2012: Curtis Mayfield Tribute Held At New York's Lincoln Center
A tribute was held on June 20 in honor of the late Curtis Mayfield, famed R&B-soul singer-songwriter. This event took place at the Lincoln Center in New York City to commemorate what would have been Mayfield's 70th birthday. He was inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, both as a solo artist and as a member of the Impressions. Mayfield is well known for his politically- and socially-conscious themes and he was the composer of the soundtrack for the movie, "Super Fly."
July 18, 2012: Bob Dylan Announces Tour For This Fall
For the first time since 2006, Bob Dylan will be embarking on a tour in North America. The tour will begin in Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 5th and is in support of Dylan's new album, "Tempest," which is slated to be released this September.
Source: Bob Dylan Announces Extensive Fall Arena Tour with Mark Knopfler | Music News | Rolling Stone
July 18 2012: The Who Announce Up-And-Coming Quadrophenia Tour
The Who will be starting a 36-date tour this fall in which they will be performing in its entirely their 1973 rock opera, "Quadrophenia." The tour will begin in Sunrise, FL on November 11, 2012.
Source: The Who Announce 36-Date 'Quadrophenia' Tour | Music News | Rolling Stone
July 19, 2012: The Who Will Honor Unused 1979 Tickets At 2013 Show In Rhode Island
In 1979, The Who were supposed to give a concert in Providence, Rhode Island at the Providence Civic Center (now the Dunkin Donuts Center), but it was cancelled by the Mayor of Providence in the aftermath of a fatal stampede in Cincinnati where The Who had performed the previous year. For all those who saved their concert tickets, The Who has agreed to honor them when the band returns to Rhode Island on February 26th, 2013, during the Quadrophenia tour.
Source: The Who to Honor Unused 1979 Tickets at 2013 Show in Rhode Island | Music News | Rolling Stone
July 21, 2012: 'The Girl From Ipanema' Turns 50
In 1964, "The Girl From Ipanema" by Stan Getz And Astrid Gilberto first debuted on the Billboard charts, eventually becoming a Top 10 hit. This classic bossa nova oldie was composed in 1962 and was inspired by Heloisa "Helo" Pinheiro, then 17, the original "girl from Ipanema" who used to pass by the songwriters in a beachside bar on her way to the sea.
Source: 'The Girl from Ipanema' turns 50 - CBS News
