September 10, 2012 by Amy Gold
During the week of September 2, 2012, oldies fans mourned the passing of famed singer-songwriter Joe South who penned many hit songs for other bands and artists and, as a performer, became famous for his 1969 hit, "Games People Play."
Also this week, fans mourned the passing of John Stockfish, Gordon Lightfoot's bassist famous for his baseline in the 1974 hit, "Sundown." Also, Paul McCartney was nominated for France's Legion of Honor award, and early Ringo Starr recordings from his days with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes have recently resurfaced.
September 3, 2012: Gordon Lightfoot's Bassist John Stockfish Passes Away
John Stockfish, the original bassist for famed folk singer Gordon Lightfoot, died on August 20, 2012 at age 69 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Stockfish is famous for his signature baseline in Lightfoot's 1974 hit, "Sundown." Over the years, Stockfish also worked with Jim Croce, Tommy Hunter, Dan Hill, Mel Torme, Cab Calloway, and others. He is survived by two sons, two daughters, and four grandchildren.
Source: Original Gordon Lightfoot Bassist John Stockfish Dies At 69
September 3, 2012: Burt Bacharach Remembers Hal David
This article by Burt Bacharach pays homage to his former songwriting partner, lyricist Hal David who died on September 1, 2012. Bacharach recalls their collaborations over the years which started in the 1950s when they first worked together in New York's Brill Building. He is currently working on his soon-to-be released memoir, "Anyone Who Had A Heart."
Source: An Appreciation: Burt Bacharach remembers Hal David - latimes.com
September 4, 2012: Paul McCartney Is Nominated For Legion Of Honor
Paul McCartney has been nominated for the legion of honor for services to music and will be decorated by French President Francois Hollande in Paris. Past legion of honor honorees have included Barbra Streisand and Liza Minnelli.
Source: Ex-Beatle McCartney nominated for legion of honor - News - Boston.com
September 4, 2012: Rolling Stones Add Two New Songs To Their Upcoming Hits Collection
The Rolling Stones will be releasing a new collection of hits album this November entitled "GRRR!". This collection will included two new songs, "Gloom and Doom" and "One Last Shot," which the Stones recorded in Paris this summer.
Source: Rolling Stones Add Two New Songs to Upcoming Hits Collection | Music News | Rolling Stone
September 4, 2012: Early Ringo Starr Recordings Resurface After 50 Years
Before joining the Beatles, Ringo Starr had played in the Liverpool-based band, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. More than 50 years later, some tapes recorded in March 1960 from his days with that band were recently found in the basement of Storm's sister, Iris Caldwell. One of a number of emerging Merseybeat acts, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes released a few singles in the early 1960s but never made it big. Born Alan Caldwell, this band's leader, Rory Storm, was a highly charismatic performer who died in 1972 at 34.
Source: Early Ringo Starr Recordings Surface After 50 Years | Music News | Rolling Stone
September 7, 2012: Singer-Songwriter Joe South Passes Away
Famed singer-songwriter Joe South died September 5, 2012 at age 72 at his home in Buford, GA following a heart attack. Born Joseph Souter, South began his music career at 17 when he joined Pete Drake's band in 1957. South became a studio musician and wrote hit songs for Billy Joe Royal, Elvis Presley, Deep Purple, Lynn Anderson, and other artists. As a performer, South became famous for "Games People Play" which became a Top 40 hit in 1969.
Source: Singer-Songwriter Joe South Dead at 72 | Music News | Rolling Stone
