Monday, May 28, 2012

George Blackburn - Led Zeppelin II

George Blackburn,64, died of a heart attack on May 18, 2012. Last fall, he changed his name to Led Zeppelin II in a tribute to his favorite rock band. He did it following his divorce, although his daughter said he had spoken about it for years.

He appeared to live a very ordinary life. He was born in Milwaukee in 1947, but was raised in Chicago. He spent 32 years with TWA before he retired in 1997.

His passing went viral on the Internet. His name change to Led Zeppelin II became an interesting story and was picked up by the media.  

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Charles Pitts - Guitarist in "Shaft"

Charles Pitts was a longtime Memphis guitar player who recorded with some of the biggest soul and blues artists including Al Green, Wilson Pickett, Same & Dave and Albert King.

His biggest musical moment came when he played the distinctive wah-wah pedal guitar on the soundtrack for the movie "Shaft". The theme song, recorded by Isaac Hayes was a huge hit and has maintained its place in pop culture over the last four decades.

Pitts,65, died on May 2, 2012 in Memphis after a long battle with cancer. He first recorded when he was 15 after being taught by neighbor Bo Diddley while growing up in Washington D.C. He would later play in Hayes' band over the next four decades after their huge 1971 hit.