respect...
2012
february 2012
david peaston
b. David Peaston, 1957, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.
d. 1st February 2012, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.
David Peaston, a winner at 'Showtime at the Apollo', has passed away at the age of 54.
David died from complications from diabetes on Wednesday the 1st of February.
His passing was confirmed by his niece, Neuka Mitchell, on Thursday.
David been battling diabetes for years, having both of his legs amputated below the knees.
His voice was well received at the 'Showtime at the Apollo' showcase.
David is the brother of 'Rescue Me' singer Fontella Bass.
His mother, Martha Bass, was a member of The Clara Ward Singers gospel group.
David is survived by wife of 24 years, Marilyn, and two sons.
don cornelius
b. Donald Cortez Cornelius, 27th September 1936, Chicago Illinois, U.S.A.
d. 1st February 2012, Sherman Oaks, California, U.S.A.
The creator of the show 'Soul Train', Don Cornelius, has died. He was 75.
Don was found dead at his Sherman Oaks residence on the 1st of February 2012.
The police arrived at his home around 4 a.m., finding him suffering from a a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
There were no signs of foul play, however, the Los Angeles Police Department are investigating.
In recent years, Don was working on a movie based around his famous musical programme.
As the writer, producer, and host of Soul Train, Don was instrumental in offering greater exposure to Black musicians including James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Michael Jackson.
'Soul Train' became the longest-running, nationally syndicated show in television history, bringing African American music and fashion into peoples homes for over 35 years.
Don ceased hosting the show in 1993, and 'Soul Train' halted production in 2006.
He recently appeared at the 2009 BET Awards to present The O'Jays with the 2009 BET Lifetime Achievement Award.
january 2012
walter gaines (the originals)
walter (left)
b. 1936, U.S.A.
d. 17th January 2012, Glendale, California, U.S.A.
Walter Gaines, of the group the Originals, has died. He was 75.
Walter passed away with his wife Barbara Gaines by his side.
He had been suffering from a long lasting illness, although he still managed to perform with his group when his health allowed.
Walter along with founding members Freddie Gorman, C.P. Spencer and Hank Dixon were best remembered for their number 1 R&B, 1969 hit 'Baby I'm For Real', which by the way also won them their
first gold record.His passing leaves the only surving member of the group being Hank Dixon.
Walters funeral was held at the Morning Star Baptist Church, 980 Rio Grande, Pasadena, California 91104, on the 24th of January.
Check out the Originals page at the site below.
the originals page at soulwalking
etta james
b. Jamesetta Hawkins, 25th January 1938, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
d. 20th January 2012, Riverside, California, U.S.A.
The singer Etta James has died in hospital in Riverside, California. She was 73.
Etta recorded many evergreen Soul songs, including 'The Wallflower', 'I Just Want to Make Love to You', 'Something's Got a Hold on Me' and 'At Last'.
The news was broken by her friend and manager, Lupe De Leon.
Etta passed away from complications from leukemia.
She was diagnosed with leukemia in 2010, and also suffered from dementia and hepatitis C.
She would have been 74 on Wednesday, and passed away 3 days after the artist Johnny Otis, who in turn was instrumental in the launching of her early career.
Etta is survived by her husband, Artis Mills, and her sons, Donto and Sametto.
Below is a link with a fuller resume of Etta James career.
etta james page at soulwalking
johnny otis
johnny otis with a young shuggie otis
b. Ioannis Alexandres Veliotes, 28th December 1921, Vallejo, California, U.S.A.
d. 17th January 2012, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
Johnny Otis, the rhythm-and-blues singer, songwriter, drummer, bandleader and disc jockey has died. He was 90.
He was instrumental in the careers of the artists Etta James, Little Richard, Jackie Wilson, Hank Ballard and Little Esther Phillips.
Johnny was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
Although of Greek origin, Johnny stated in 1979, 'I chose, because despite all the hardships, there's a wonderful richness in black culture that I prefer'.
Johnny was born John Veliotes on the 28th of December 1921, in Vallejo, northeast of San Francisco, and was raised in Berkeley.
In later life he served as the deputy chief of staff for the Democrat, Mervyn M. Dymally in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Johnny and his wife of 60 years, Phyllis, had several children and grandchildren.
Check his page at the site here:
johnny otis page at soulwalking
jimmy castor
b. Jimmy Castor, 23rd June 1941, New York City, New York, U.S.A.
d. 16th January 2012, Henderson, Nevada, U.S.A.
The singer and saxophonist, Jimmy Castor, has died. He was 71.
There are no reports as to the cause of his passing at this point.
News reports stated that Jimmy's grandson P.J. Romain understood his grandfather had become 'unresponsive at the hospital'.
He later posted that 'My grandfather Jimmy Castor died today at 2:30 on MLK day'.
In November, Jimmy suffered a heart attack and underwent quadruple heart bypass surgery.
In addition to his son Jimmy Jr., Mr. Castor is survived by his wife, Sandi, another son, Jason; two daughters, April Vargas and Sheli Castor; and eight grandchildren.
Jimmy Castor had a career spanning over 50 years. Check his page at the site:
jimmy castor page at soulwalking
