May 20, 2012 by Amy Gold
On May 17, 2012, superstar Donna Summer, the "Queen of Disco," died unexpectedly at 63. We also mourn the passing of Mort Lindsey, Donald "Duck" Dunn, Chuck Brown, and Doug Dillard this past week.
May 11, 2012: Mort Lindsey Passes Away
Composer and jazz pianist Mort Lindsey has passed away at 89. Lindsey was a music director for Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand and led Merv Griffin’s TV orchestra.
Source: Mort Lindsey, TV Bandleader and Accompanist to Stars, Dies at 89
May 13, 2012: Donald "Duck" Dunn Passes Away
Famed bass player and songwriter Donald "Duck" Dunn, who was a member of Booker T. and the MGs and the Blues Brothers band, died in Tokyo at 70 while on tour.
Source: Donald 'Duck' Dunn, 1941 - 2012 - News - Mojo
May 16, 2012: Chuck Brown Passes Away
Chuck Brown, who created "go-go" music from a mixture of funk, soul and Latin party sounds, has passed away at 75. He had a hit in 1978 with "Bustin' Loose."
Source: Chuck Brown dies: King of D.C. go-go music, influential sample source - latimes.com
May 16, 2012: Musical With Beach Boys Songs To Open In Las Vegas
Some of The Beach Boys' classic 1960s hits will be part of the soundtrack for the musical, "Surf The Musical," which will open this June at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.
Source: Beach Boys-inspired musical to open in Las Vegas - Yahoo! News
May 17, 2012: Queen Of Disco Donna Summer Passes Away
Famed disco diva Donna Summer died suddenly and unexpectedly at 63 following a long battle with lung cancer. (more)
May 17, 2012: Burt Bacharach And Hal David Awarded The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
Famed songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David are to be awarded the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The ceremony is to take place at the White House and will be televised on PBS on May 21.
Source: In Performance at the White House | PBS
May 17, 2012: Famed Banjo Player Doug Dillard Passes Away
Famed banjo player Doug Dillard passed away at 75 after a lengthy illness. With his brother Rodneym they formed the Dillards musical duo and occassionally performed on "The Andy Griffith Show" as part of "the Darlings" musical mountain family. He was also one half of Dillard & Clark.
Source: Doug Dillard, Banjo Great Who Crossed Genres, Dies at 75 | Billboard.com
May 18, 2012: Chaka Khan To Perform A Tribute To Whitney Houston At The Apollo
Grammy award-winning singer Chaka Khan will perform at the Apollo Theater's gala and awards ceremony a tribute to her friend, the late Whitney Houston. Lionel Richie and Etta James will be inducted at the ceremonies which will take place June 4.
Source: Apollo tribute to Whitney Houston will star Chaka Khan - NYPOST.com
May 18, 2012: Van Halen Postpones Summer Tour Dates
Van Halen decided to cancel the final 30 dates of their North American summer tour because they are pooped and need to recharge their batteries.
Source: Source: Van Halen's Scrapped Tour Dates Due To 'Fatigue,' Not In-Fighting | Billboard.com
