Did we lose more artists in 2022 than in a normal year? It certainly seemed so, especially after playing selections from 45 who died last year. We led with some giants: Jerry Lee Lewis, Loretta Lynn and Ronnie Spector. There were also those who died so late in the year, some may have yet heard the news about Anita Pointer of the Pointer Sisters or Jeremiah Green, the Modest Mouse drummer, just 45, who each died New Year’s Eve.
Green was the youngest of the group; the oldest, at 104, was swing era survivor Louise Tobin. Others on the list included Anton Fier of Golden Palominos; Gary Brooker of Procol Harum, Dino Danelli of the Rascals, Keith Levene of The Clash.
Some cuts reflected studio stalwarts, such as Hargus “Pig” Robbins, whose piano helped make Charlie Rich go to No. 1. Other songs reflected the loss of more than one participant — The Delfonics lost both its lead singer, William “Boogie” Hart in 2022 and its producer and frequent songwriter, Thom Bell. And reggae’s Mighty Diamonds lost two of its trio, Donald “Tabby” Shaw and Fitzroy “Bunny” Simpson, within a few days last spring.
Still, I tried to make it a celebration all the music they all made that will live on. Here’s the link to the archived show. The playlist follows.