Barry White’s velvet voice could inspire romance in any couple. The crooner known for his lush baritone and sexy lyrics made several records during the early 1960s as “Barry Lee,” but he first topped the R&B charts with “I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby,” which also hit number three on the pop … Continue reading
Herbie Mann, a seminal jazz flutist who fused his music with Brazilian, Eastern European and African sounds and released more than 100 albums, died on July 1 of prostate cancer. He was 73. Although he studied the clarinet and saxophone as a child, Mann chose the flute as his preferred instrument. His musical career began … Continue reading
Joseph W. Lattanzi, a Grammy-nominated musician and radio personality, died on June 28 of cancer. He was 52. Lattanzi worked as a trumpet player and music arranger. He and his wife, singer/drummer Patti Nasuti, performed at nightclubs and hosted “The Joey & Patti Show” on Cruisin’ 92.1, WVLT FM in Vineland, N.J. They also worked … Continue reading
Despite her last name, Jeanne Hum was quite a whistler. She won seven international awards for her whistling and recorded two albums showcasing her talent. Hum died on May 15 in Youngstown, Ohio, from complications of leukemia. She was 73.
Revered jazz clarinetist Michael “Peanuts” Hucko died on Friday in Fort Worth. Cause of death was not released. He was 85. Hucko performed with some of America’s greatest musicians, including Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman and Jack Teagarden. He was a featured player on the Lawrence Welk TV show and played lead alto saxophone and clarinet … Continue reading
Harold Ashby, who died on June 13 at the age of 78, was one of the last surviving members of Duke Ellington’s orchestra. He played tenor saxophone in its ranks from 1968 until 1975. Ashby later played with Sy Oliver’s band at the Rainbow Room in New York and did a short tour with Benny … Continue reading