July 31
Hugh McDowell
July 31, 1953 – November 6, 2018
The distinctive textures of orchestral rock arrangements became a cornerstone for Hugh Alexander McDowell, a classically trained prodigy who achieved stardom playing the cello. He performed at the very first live concert by Electric Light Orchestra in early 1972 before quickly leaving the lineup to form the companion band Wizzard. He returned to Electric Light Orchestra in late 1973, immediately locking in as an official band member just as the group began to dominate global music charts.
His energetic performance style and wild stage presence turned him into a fan favorite on massive world tours. He laid down memorable classical lines on classic albums like Eldorado, Face the Music, and the landmark 1977 double record Out of the Blue. He remained a central fixture of the group until 1980 when the lineup was streamlined for a new synth-driven musical direction.
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