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A few recent passings of some large talents in music. Some big names, others not, all deserving of a mention for all that they gave to us.

Walter Parazaider

Walter Parazaider was a saxophonist, clarinetist and flautist for Chicago. An original band member, Parazaider had to step aside from touring in 2017 for health reasons, though was still listed as band member. “”It Better End Soon” 2nd Movement co-wrote, “Travel Suite” “Free Country” co-wrote, “Aire” co-wrote, “Devil’s Sweet” co-wrote, “Window Dreamin’” co-wrote. His last appearance on record was Chicago XXXVI: Now (2014).

Clive Davis

The music mogul, Clive Davis is remembered for the great success of the record labels he led, but also by the many artists that helped get started and supported in their careers. His greatest success came with Columbia and Arista Records, where he championed such artists as Santana, Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, The Kinks, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Janis Joplin, Patti Smith, Simon & Garfunkel, Barry Manilow and many others.

David Clayton Thomas

Clayton-Thomas is remembered for his soulful voice and the jazzy/blues nature of the music he sang. A member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Clayton-Thomas joined Blood, Sweat & Tears following their first album. His first album with the band, Blood, Sweat & Tears (1968), sold ten million copies worldwide, won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Performance by a Male Vocalist. It featured three hit singles, “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy”, “Spinning Wheel”, and “And When I Die”. The band never achieved comparable success, and Clayton-Thomas would leave and rejoin the band, but mainly focused on his solo career.

Sonny Rollins

A jazz tenor saxophonist, one of the most important and influential of jazz musicians. He recorded over 60 albums. Awarded a lifetime Grammy Award and was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors in 2011. Rollins was honored with many honorary degrees in music from Julliard, Berkley, Bard and many other colleges.

Dee Palmer

Previously known as David Palmer, arranger and pianist for Jethro Tull in the 1970s. Palmer studied at the Royal Academy of Music in the 1960’s. Palmer worked with many bands and was hired for orchestral arrangements on many film and television projects, theater and concert hall. Palmer recorded The Symphonic Rock Series with The London Symphony Orchestra, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Royal Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra, The London Philharmonic Orchestra and The English Chamber Orchestra. Tull albums included Aqualung, Thick As A Brick, Living In The Past, A Passion Play, War Child, Minstrel in The Gallery, Too Old to Rock and Roll. Songs From The Wood, Heavy Horses, Bursting Out and Stormwatch.

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Also in memory: Neil Sedaka, Dick Parry, Jack Douglas, Dave Mason, Terry Sullivan, Wayne Perkins, Christopher North, Country Joe McDonald, Alex Ligertwood, “Mingo” Lewis, Sly Dunbar, David Alan Coe, Dash Crofts, Peabo Bryson