Johnny Powers RIP - updated

Johnny Powers, the only man to record for both Sun and Motown, has died at the age of 84. Originally from Detroit, he recorded some rockabilly numbers for the local Fox and Fortune labels, including his best known record 'Long Blond Hair' before joining Sun, which released one single, 'With Your Love, With Your Kiss'. He became the first white male musician to joing Motown when he was signed by Berry Gordy in 1960 but focused on writing and producing. In recent years he was a regular on the rockabilly circuit and I saw him at Viva Las Vegas in 2018 (pictured above), when he sang 'Mean Mistreater' and 'With Your Kiss'.

There have been quite a few other deaths over recent weeks. These include Keith Beaton, who was a member of seventies soul group Blue Magic. Also Jeff Beck, widely regarded as one of the best British guitarists of the rock era, but who will sadly be remembered for 'Hi Ho Silver Lining', which is on a par with 'Sweet Caroline' as one of the most annoying sports anthems ever. Also Lisa-Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis, who also recorded (although nothing to compare with her dad). And Fred White, drummer with one of the most successful disco and funk bands of the seventies and eighties Earth, Wind and Fire.

Update March 20. Sorry to hear of the death, aged 81, of David Crosby, a key member of the Byrds in their earlier years and, of course, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Amazing to think that he lived as long as he did, given his history of drug taking. But he had a superb voice and was a political activist as well. Here are some of the Byrds albums that featured David.