Music deaths in 2025, part one

 Time for me to peruse the deaths in Music of people I knew (of) this year, and say an in memoriam with hopes (but not belief) it won't get added to...

Alphabetic by name:

Ace Frehley

Former member of Kiss and semi-frequent visitor lately of the M10. In October, after a fall-related brain bleed.

Bernie Toorish

Tenor for vocal group the Four Lads from founding to early 1970's.  They had 7 top tens from 1952-69 including one we had on 45- Moments To Remember.  He was the last surviving founder.

Billy Earhart

Keyboards for the Amazing Rhythm Aces (Third Rate Romance).

Bob Kuban

One hit wonder who scord with the 1966 #12 hit The Cheater.

Bob Rupe

Bassist for Cracker on their 1993 alt hit Low.

Bobby Hart

Last survivor of Boyce and Hart, who had the top ten I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight, as wellas essentially being the Monkees early on.

Bobby Sherman

Pop idol and actor who sang Little Woman and starred in Here Comes The Brides (the TV version).

Bobby Whitlock

Piano and keyboards for Delaney and Bonnie and Derek and the Dominos, co-writer on Bell Bottom Blues.

Brenton Wood

Had the big hit Gimme Little Sign.

Brian Wilson

Founder, heart and soul of the Beach Boys, last of the three Wilson brothers.

Cavin Yarbrough

Half of funk duo Yarbrough and Peoples, who hit big with Don't You Stop The Music.

Chris Dreja

Rhythm and bass for the Yardbirds (For Your Love).

Chris Jasper

Keyboards for the Isley Brothers, and Rudoph Isley's brother in law.

Chris Rea

Had the big M10 ( the original list) hit Fool If You Think It's Over.

Chubby Tavares

Third of the five brothers in the band Tavares, well known for hits like Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel, on which he sang lead.

Chuck Girard

Lead singer for the Hondells who hit with the Beach Boys comp Little Honda, later was a founder of "Jesus music" pioneer Love Song.

Chuck Mangione

Jazz brass man, hit big with instrumental Feels So Good.

Clem Burke

Drummer for Blondie.

Colin Earl

Piano man for Mungo Jerry (In The Summertime).

Connie Francis

15 top tens and 3 #1s (including Who's Sorry Now) across the 1960s.

Dave Burgess

Rythym for the the Champs (Wipeout).

Dave Cousins

Leader of the Strawbs (Part Of The Union).

David Ball

One half of the duo Soft Cell (Tainted Love).

Frank Maffei

Second tenor for Danny and the Juniors (At The Hop), last of the original line-up.

Garth Hudson

Piano for The Band on hits like Up On Cripple Creek and The Weight.

George Kooymans

Singer/guitarist for Golden Earring.

Gilson Lavis

Drummer for Squeeze (Tempted).

Gwen McRae

Hit with early pseudo-disco Rocking Chair; was married to George (The Hustle) McRae.

Harry Elston

Founding member of the Friends Of Distinction (Grazing In The Grass).

Jerry Butler

Leader of the Impressions early on, hit solo with Only The Strong Survive.

Jesse Colin Young

Lead singer for the Youngbloods (Get Together).

Joey Molland

Last member of Badfinger.

John Edwards

Lead vocal for the Spinners late in career, he sang the remakes of Working My Way Back To You and Cupid.

John Lodge

Singer and bassist for the Moody Blues; writer on songs like I'm Just A Singer In A Rock'n'Roll Band.

Johnny Tillotson

Early 60s star, hit with It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'.

Larry Lee

Drummer for the Ozark Mountain Daredevils; wrote the big hit Jackie Blue.

Larry Tamblyn

Organs for the Standells (Dirty Water).

Lenny Welch

Hit in 1960 with Since I Fell For You.

Lou Christie

1960s star known for Lighning Strikes and Two Faces Have I.

At this point I am going to split into 2 posts; see the conclusion tomorrow!