Tuesday, May 10, 2011

David Mason - Trumpeter

David Mason spent his career as a classical musician, but was best known for his piccolo trumpet solo on the Beatles recording of "Penny Lane". Mason died at the age of 85 on April 29, 2011 after a short bout with leukemia.

Paul McCartney of the Beatles was looking to enhance "Penny Lane" when he saw Mason on television playing a piece by Bach. The next day he was contacted by the George Martin, the Beatles producer.

He showed up at the 1967 recording session with seven trumpets before settling on the B-flat piccolo trumpet for the high-pitched solo.

McCartney did not write any of the music ahead of time. Instead, he sang the melody and Martin wrote the notes down. The result was the iconic trumpet solo that is a huge part of the song.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Jim Mandich - Played on 1972 Miami Dolphins

Jim Mandich played tight end on the Miami Dolphins from 1970- 1977. He was a member of the 1972 undefeated Super Bowl team and also won another championship with them. He later became the team's radio announcer who was known for being extremely biased for the home team.

He died on April 26, 2011 from bile-duct cancer at the age of 62. He had been diagnosed in early 2010, but continued to work on broadcasts last season.

He spend nine seasons in the NFL, wrapping up his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1978. He finished his career with 121 career receptions, including 23 for touchdowns.