June 10, 2012 by Amy Gold
During the week of June 3, 2012, the world mourned the end of an era with the passing of Herb Reed, the last original member of the Platters. Music fans also mourned the passing of former Fleetwood Mac member Bob Welch and blues-jazz guitarist Pete Cosey, and funeral services were held for Robin Gibb who passed away on May 20, 2012.
Also this week, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Elton John, and other musical greats performed at the festive Diamond Jubilee held in honor of Queen Elizabeth II, and Neil Young has penned an autobiography and announced that he will be going on tour later this year.
June 5, 2012: Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Elton John, And Other Musical Greats Honor Queen Elizabeth II At The Diamond Jubilee
As part of the Diamond Jubilee in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's 60 year reign, a gala concert was held at Buckingham Palace on June 4 featuring music from each of the Queen's six decades on the throne. The performers included such musical greats as Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Tom Jones, Cliff Richard, Kylie Minogue, and Shirley Bassey who sang her signature tune, the very a propos "Diamonds Are Forever."
Source: Paul McCartney, Elton John Honor Queen at Diamond Jubilee Concert | Music News | Rolling Stone
June 5, 2012: Neil Young And Crazy Horse Will Be Going On Tour
Neil Young has reunited with his band, Crazy Horse, and they will be embarking on a tour in North America this fall to promote their recently released album, "Americana." They are also slated to give two concerts this August in San Francisco and Morrison, CO.
Source: Neil Young & Crazy Horse Announce Tour | Billboard.com
June 5, 2012: Herb Reed, The Last Original Member Of The Platters, Passes Away At 83
Bass singer Herb Reed, who co-founded the Platters in 1953 and was the last of the original members of this famed vocal group, passed away at 83 on June 4, 2012. His signature vocals can be heard on such hits as "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," "My Prayer," "The Great Pretender," "Twilight Time," and "Only You."
Source: An appreciation: Herb Reed helped R&B, pop soar with the Platters - latimes.com
June 6, 2012: Blues-jazz guitarist Pete Cosey Passes Away At 68
Famed blues-jazz guitarist Pete Cosey passed away at 68 on May 30, 2012 due to complications from surgery. Cosey had worked with such musical greats as Muddy Waters, Miles Davis, Howlin' Wolf, Etta James, Fontella Bass, and the Four Tops.
Source: Pete Cosey, Guitarist With Miles Davis, Dies at 68 - NYTimes.com
June 7, 2012: Bob Welch, Former Member Of Fleetwood Mac, Found Dead
Former Fleetwood Mac member Bob Welch died at age 66 on June 7, 2012 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He had reportedly had some health issues and he left behind a suicide note. In the early 1970s, Welch was a guitarist and vocalist for Fleetwood Mac, and he later went solo with such songs as the 1977 hit, "Ebony Eyes."
Source: Bob Welch dies: Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist, 'Ebony Eyes' singer - latimes.com
June 8, 2012: Family Members And Friends Bid Robin Gibb Farewell
Brother Barry Gibb, mother Barbara Gibb, wife Dwina, sons Spencer and R.J., and other family members and friends bid Robin Gibb farewell at his funeral. Services were held St. Mary's Church near his home in Thame, Oxfordshire, England.
