Those We Lost in 2015

With the passing of David Bowie this week, I’m reminded that we’ve long since entered the time in which heroes from the rock era start passing away from natural causes (as opposed to the premature-by-far ODs and such). Of the musician deaths of which I’m aware in 2015, Chris Squire is the only one I can claim to have met and interviewed. But I’ve written about and/or seen several others in concert. All are missed.

Chris Squire – I interviewed the Yes bassist in 2011.
Ornette Coleman – I had the privilege of seeing the jazz legend onstage in 2007, and reviewed a reissue of his 1958 LP Something Else!!!! in 2011.
BB King – I’ve reviewed one of his last releases, One Kind Favor, in 2008, reviewed the BB King Live in Africa concert DVD in 2009, reviewed a live album reissue that same year, and covered The Life of Riley biopic in 2015.
Edgar Froese – I saw him onstage with Tangerine Dream at 2011’s Moogfest.
Daevid Allen – I See You, Gong‘s last album with Daevid Allen is a really good one.
Michael Brown – The Left Banke never got the recognition they deserved. Neither did Stories, another group with Brown’s involvement.
Preston Ritter – A key member of The Electric Prunes in their heyday, Ritter passed away this year. He was briefly involved in the recording of their latest album.
Cynthia Robinson – I was fortunate enough to see the trumpet player a couple of years ago with The Family Stone. Of course Sly wasn’t there, but they were still great.

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.