Those We Lost in 2013
Every year, we lose treasured members of music’s history. This year, three of those who passed away were important figures I had the pleasure and honor of interviewing. Click on a name for the full feature.
Alvin Lee
Though he came to fame with his band Ten Years After via a bravura performance at Woodstock, he remained musically active right up until the very end. I spoke with him about what would become his final album, Still On the Road to Freedom.
Richie Havens
Quite possibly the nicest public figure I have ever met, Havens too remained very active recording and performing right up until his death this year at age 72. An autographed copy of his Mixed Bag LP is among my most treasured mementos. I spoke with him ahead of an Asheville concert date, and then met him in person at the show.
Ray Manzarek
I took the opportunity to interview the former Doors keyboardist in connection with his involvement in the (somewhat dubious) Sly Stone “comeback” album. But after reminding me that he was in a well-known band back in the day, Ray was generous with his time, telling me a few stories from the old days.
Merry Christmas!
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About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.