B.B. King (birth name Riley B. King), was born in Itta Bena, Mississippi in 1925.  HIs career began in 1949 when he signed with Los Angeles-based RPM Records.  B.B. King's influence over modern day blues and rock-n-roll cannot be understated, with nearly every Bluesman and rock-n-roller paying their respects to the 'King of the Blues.'  B.B. King died on May 14th at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Carline Ray, one of the great jazz pioneers, an activist in women's rights, a performer and educator, and an active member of Saint Peter's Church, died at Isabella House in Manhattan on July 18, 2013. She was 88 years old.Carline is survived by her daughter, Catherine Russell, also a great musician, her sister Irma Sloan, and nieces, nephews, and cousins.Carline Ray was born 21 April 1925, New York City, New York, USA.Although her father, Elisha Ray, was a gifted musician, he had been unable to find steady employment in music.

Beloved folk icon Richie Havens died this morning in his home from a sudden heart attack. He was 72.Havens first became part of musical history during his impromptu opening performance at the 1969 Woodstock Festival. Best known for his distinctive intense, rhythmic guitar style and soulful covers of pop and folk songs, Havens toured and recorded music for over 40 years before retiring from the road 3 years ago.

Legendary Southern Rock guitarist Dan Toler died this morning, February 25th 2013, at his home in Sarasota Florida. Dan passed away after a long battle against (ALS) Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.Dan Toler was celebrated in the late 1970s for his astonishing guitar work as a member of the Dickey Betts & Great Southern band. He was featured on the two albums with Dickey Betts & Great Southern and later become a member of The Allman Brothers Band in 1979 and remained until 1982.

Magic Slim, a revered and towering figure in the field of traditional Chicago blues, died today in a Philadelphia hospital at the age of 75. Born Morris Holt in Torrance, Mississippi in 1937, the guitarist performer, bandleader, and recording artist went on to enjoy a career that launched him to national and international recognition and acclaim.Slim was one of the foremost practitioners of the raw, gut-bucket, back alley blues associated with the postwar Chicago blues sound.

Today we lost jazz legend Dave Brubeck, age 91, to heart failure at a Norwalk, Connecticut hospital.   Brubeck, whose tricky time signatures and extended improvisation jams transcended the swing rhythm of the 50's and 60's had an extensive career spanning six decades and he continued to pursue his musical career until this day.  Brubeck would have been 92 on Thursday.  Our thoughts and wishes go out to Brubeck's family, friends and fans.

Frances Harding (9/12/1981 – 8/15/2012) She had the same birthday as Barry White and she thought she was Marvin Gaye, Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison reincarnated all at once.  She defied any Atmosphere lyric, she sang any Ani, and she wrote with the fervor of Vonnegut.  May she find the peace and light that will carry her on to her next journey.  Some RatDog was something Frances enjoyed...-  7/06/06 Milwaukee, WI | RatDog ReviewBy Frances HardingSo I don't know if anyone else caught the Keller Williams, RatDog and String Cheese show at Summer Fest Thursday

Flatpicking legend, Doc Watson, died today at age 89.  Watson, a 7 time Grammy winner, was an influence to countless acoustic musicians, including Jerry Garcia, Peter Rowan, Tony Rice, Bela Fleck and many more. Born in Deep Gap, North Carolina, originally as Arthel Lane Watson, but later known as 'Doc' Watson (Doc was told he needed an easier name to remember - a fan yelled out 'Doc' at a show and it stuck), would become a pioneer in flatpicking guitar, and with a rich baritone voice, his sound would epitomize the Appalachian sound.  Doc co

Today the music world suffered a bittersweet loss. Levon Helm’s battle with cancer ended this afternoon after a long tough fight. A message was posted on his website written by his wife Sandy and his daughter Amy requesting everyone’s “love and prayers” earlier in the week. Levon has been battling with throat cancer since 1998. Levon Helm was the beloved  drummer and vocalist for The Band.