Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of October 18, 2020

October 25, 2020 by Amy Gold

During the week of October 18, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to famed veteran rocker Spencer Davis (July 17, 1939 - October 19, 2020) and "Mr. Bojangles" songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker (March 16, 1942 - October 23, 2020).

Spencer Davis became famous beginning in the early 1960s as the leader of the Spencer Davis Group, a British beat band best known in the U.S. for "Gimme Some Lovin'" (1966) and "I'm A Man" (1967). After they split in 1969, the Welsh-born singer, songwriter, and guitarist went on to pursue a solo career and later re-formed the band which has continued to tour on and off to the present day. Davis died in a hospital while being treated for pneumonia.

Jerry Jeff Walker was a highly acclaimed singer, songwriter, and outlaw country pioneer best known for writing "Mr. Bojangles" as made famous by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. He first had his own hit rendition of this song in 1968 on the Pop/Rock charts and later resurfaced on the Country charts in 1977 with a new version. Other hits included "L.A. Freeway" (1973), "Jaded Lover" (1975), and "The Pickup Truck Song" (1989). Walker passed away after a three-year battle with throat cancer.

Also that week, Fleetwood Mac's classic 1977 album, "Rumours," made a return to the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 after over four decades. "Dreams," a song from that landmark recording, also made a return to the Billboard 100 at #12, and in addition, Stevie Nicks topped the Billboard Hot 100 Songwriters Chart due to that song's resurgence in popularity.

Smokey Robinson appears in a new music video performing "All Of My Love" with veteran R&B singer Charlie Wilson, formerly of The Gap Band. This smooth soul duet can be viewed on Wilson's official YouTube channel.

Also that week, Netflix released the trailer for its upcoming "Dolly Parton's Christmas On The Square" featuring performances by the country legend who stars opposite Christine Baranksi, Jenifer Lewis, and Treat Williams. This holiday special will debut November 22, 2020.

Finally, Arlo Guthrie, best known for the satirical Thanksgiving Day saga, "Alice's Restaurant Massacree," announced his retirement from touring due to health issues. As the veteran 73-year-old folk singer-songwriter so eloquently put it, it's time to hang up the gone fishing sign.

New & Upcoming Releases:
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(For more information about the above news items, please see below for a list of sources with links.)