SCREAMIN' JAY HAWKINS 7.18.1929--2.12.2000
--"From the first time I heard 'I Put a Spell on You,' that song haunted me--I'd never heard anything like it. Later, after I'd used it in my movie Stranger Than Paradise, and cast Jay in Mystery Train, I got to know the man. He was in a category all by himself. He was an American original, utterly unique, and a national treasure." --Jim Jarmusch ESSENTIAL WORK Voodoo Jive: The Best of Screamin' Jay Hawkins (1990); Mystery Train (film)
BIG PUN (CHRISTOPHER RIOS) 11.9.1971--2.7.2000
--"He broke boundaries and opened the door for Latino artists in urban music. He made Latino fans proud. No one took their music as serious as Pun, and there haven't been many who were more lyrical. His destiny was to create great music. Pun was definitely one of the top three [rappers]--including Biggie and Tupac." --rapper Fat Joe ESSENTIAL WORK Capital Punishment (1998); Yeeeah Baby (2000); Endangered Species (2001)
JACK NITZSCHE 4.22.1937--8.25.2000
--"Before anyone else, he was into world music and ancient instruments. I remember him using krummhorns and the like very early. He was important to the Rolling Stones in the making of a number of their records. Working on Performance was the most fun I ever had on a project. He was a great guy." --Randy Newman ESSENTIAL WORK "The Lonely Surfer," Performance soundtrack (1970); The Hot Spot score (1990)
IAN DURY 5.12.1942--3.27.2000
--"Bush is president and Ian Dury's dead. It would seem there are no reasons to be cheerful. But Ian would have found one--or, more likely, several. He was a right clever bastard with an indomitable spirit, a great zest for life, true songwriting talent, and a killer cockney accent."--Jay Blumenfield (guitarist, Too Much Joy) ESSENTIAL WORK New Boots and Panties!! (1977); Do It Yourself (1979); Lord Upminster (1981)
JEAN-PIERRE RAMPAL 1.7.1922--5.20.2000
--"Jean-Pierre was the man who brought the flute into prominence as a solo instrument as no other has done. Rampal was absolutely head over heels in love with music. He could not sit still listening to a recording. His body would dance or move or react to a phrase in the most poignant way. He wore his heart on his sleeve, and it was always music." --violinist Isaac Stern ESSENTIAL WORK Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano (1975); The Art of the Flute
JOE C 11.9.1974--11.16.2000
--"I think he'll be remembered as someone who overcame tremendous adversity to live out his dreams. He was one of the highlights of Kid Rock's shows. He carved out his own niche in the two worlds that he loved, music and wrestling, and he occupied a unique place in pop culture." --Jason Flom, President, Lava Records ESSENTIAL WORK His hilarious guest raps on Kid Rock's Devil Without a Cause (1998)
HANK SNOW 5.9.1914--12.20.1999
--"I always called him 'Mr. Ranger, Sir.' He had me over and gave me a rhinestone suit. He was a true folk hero. You take his story, from being an orphan and abused child, to where his star exploded. He helped define American music. Hollywood had its golden days, but he was one of the pioneers of Nashville's golden days." --country singer Marty Stuart ESSENTIAL WORK "I'm Movin' On"; "Rhumba Boogie"; "I Don't Hurt Anymore"
