Obituaries

Scott “Top Ten” Kempner, the Bronx-born guitarist, songwriter and band leader, passed away today at a nursing home in Connecticut at the age of 69. The cause of death was complications related to early onset dementia.

For the Grateful Web and legions of Parrotheads worldwide, September 1st, 2023 marks the day we lost a beloved musical troubadour - the inimitable Jimmy Buffett. Though the world of music has known countless songsmiths, very few have ever embodied the spirit of their songs the way Jimmy did. His passing is a poignant reminder of the free-spirited, sun-soaked moments his music immortalized.

It is with profound sorrow that we at Grateful Web mourn the loss of James Casey, a saxophonist whose artistry touched the lives of countless music lovers and whose kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him. James passed away on August 28, 2023, after a courageous battle with colon cancer. He was surrounded by love, enveloped by the warm embrace of his wife and family.

Robbie Robertson, the legendary guitarist, songwriter, and founding member of The Band, passed away on August 9, 2023. His death marks the end of an era that witnessed profound influence on rock and roll, folk, and the popular music landscape. He was 80.

Born on July 5, 1943, in Toronto, Canada, Robertson's unique upbringing fostered his passion for music. With his mother's Mohawk and Cayuga heritage and his passion for rhythm and blues, Robertson's style was as diverse as his roots.

It is with profound sorrow that we mark the passing of a true legend in the realm of rock and roll, Randy Meisner, former bassist and founding member of The Eagles. Meisner passed away peacefully on July 27, 2023. He was 77.

Born on March 8, 1946, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Randy found his calling in music at an early age. By the time he was a teenager, he was immersed in the local music scene, playing in a variety of bands and honing the skills that would eventually propel him to the global stage.

With profound sadness, we report the passing of Irish singer-songwriter Sinead O'Connor. This fiercely talented artist, known for her unique voice and uncompromising spirit, died on July 26, 2023. She was 56.

Anthony Dominick Benedetto, internationally revered as Tony Bennett, passed away at the age of 96 on July 21, 2023. His extraordinary life's journey, which began in the humble environs of Astoria, Queens, and catapulted him to international acclaim as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th and 21st centuries, remains an inspiring testament to his enduring impact on the fabric of American music.

It is with profound sorrow that we report the passing of Bobby Osborne, a towering figure in the bluegrass world. Bobby, who formed one half of the famed Osborne Brothers duo, passed away today, June 27, 2023.

In a heavy-hearted announcement on June 23, 2023, we mourn the passing of a mandolin legend and celebrated musician, Jesse McReynolds, aged 93. His soulful melodies and intricate picking have made a lasting impression on the bluegrass scene, reaching into the heart of the Grateful Dead's extensive repertoire. His profound influence extended beyond the confines of genre, and his unique approach to the mandolin left an indelible mark on music history.

On June 4, 2023, the music world lost a luminary, the extraordinary George Winston, at the age of 74. An iconic figure in the solo piano realm, Winston was celebrated for his genre-defying compositions that transcended musical boundaries.

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