We've lost one of the greatest writers and singers of all time. His heart was as tender as his love ballads. I loved him like a brother. Rest easy, Merle. -- Dolly Parton

Paul Kantner, co-founding member of Jefferson Airplane died today after suffering a massive heart attack just days earlier.  Kantner had been with the Airplane and its later spin-off, Jefferson Starship for half a century. Kantner suffered his first heart attack back in March of 2015. After taking time off to recover, Paul returned to the stage later in the year to honor the 50th Anniversary on the Airplane.  Kantner is survived by his two sons and one daughter, Paul was 74.

The world lost one of the most flamboyant and talented singer-songwriter’s on Sunday, when David Robert Jones, known as David Bowie died after a long battle with cancer.  David Bowie made music over four decades, with the 70's and 80's being his heyday. In 1972 Bowie emerged as alter-ego, Ziggy Stardust, and released The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.

The Werks long time keyboardist, Norman Dimitrouleas, died over the weekend, he was 33.

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.