January 28

 

Jim Capaldi

August 2, 1944 -- January 28, 2005 - Jim Capaldi began the decade by reuniting with Traffic for the acclaimed 1970 album John Barleycorn Must Die. He plays the drums, piano, and guitar. Throughout the early seventies, he served as the band’s primary lyricist and drummer while also stepping into the spotlight as a lead vocalist on select tracks. He also plays the synthesizers and harmonica. 

Alongside his work with the group, he launched a successful solo career with his 1972 debut and subsequent releases that yielded several hit singles. Following Traffic’s final tour in 1974, he focused on his solo endeavors and high profile collaborations. After moving to Brazil in 1977, he spent the remainder of the decade incorporating diverse international sounds into his recording projects and touring extensively through 1980.

🎸 🎸 🎸

Billy Powell

June 3, 1952 -- January 28, 2009 - Billy Powell survived the tragic 1977 Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash, which claimed the lives of several bandmates. Despite suffering severe facial injuries, he was the first member released from the hospital. He eventually died at age 56 of natural causes on this date in 2009.

Originally a roadie, Powell became the band's keyboardist in 1972 after Ronnie Van Zant heard him play an original piano introduction to Free Bird. His classical training added a unique elegance to southern rock hits like Sweet Home Alabama and Tuesday's Gone. Following a hiatus, he rejoined the band for their 1987 reunion and remained their primary keyboardist until his passing.

🎸 🎸 🎸

Paul Kantner

March 17, 1941 -- January 28, 2016 - Paul Kantner was a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter who co-founded Jefferson Airplane. He served as the creative architect for the band's psychedelic sound, contributing to hits like Volunteers and Wooden Ships. Later, he formed Jefferson Starship, steering the group toward science fiction themes on the album Blows Against the Empire.

In a remarkable coincidence, Kantner died on January 28, 2016, at age 74. On that same day, Signe Toly Anderson, the original female vocalist of Jefferson Airplane who sang on their debut album, also passed away at age 74.

🎸 🎸 🎸

Robert Wyatt

January 28, 1945 - Robert Wyatt began the decade as a member of Soft Machine before forming his own group, Matching Mole, in 1971. He plays the drums and piano. After a fall in 1973 left him paralyzed, he transitioned into a solo career focused on his unique vocal style. He also plays the synthesizers and trumpet. His 1974 album Rock Bottom received critical acclaim and he continued recording influential work through 1980.

🎸 🎸 🎸

< Yesterday

Tomorrow >