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This Week In Music History Apr 20-26

Posted by Brandi Williams on

The week in music history brought to you by MusicGoldmine.com.

Just a couple of highlights from this week in music history!

APR 20: Sadly, late yesterday it was reported that Alan Osmond of The Osmonds passed away at age 76. He was best known as the leader of the family pop group The Osmonds, which rose to international fame in the late 1960s and 1970s. Born on June 22, 1949, in Ogden, Utah, he played guitar and helped guide the group’s clean-cut image and tight harmonies. Alan was also instrumental behind the scenes, contributing to songwriting and production. Despite success, he faced health challenges, including multiple sclerosis, which led him to retire from touring earlier than his brothers. Beyond music, he had been active in charity work and motivational speaking, maintaining a lasting legacy tied to both entertainment and advocacy.

APR 21: Sadly, today Dave Mason passed away at age 79. Mason was a versatile singer-songwriter and guitarist best known for his work with Traffic and a successful solo career. Born in 1946 in Worcester, England, Mason was a founding member of Traffic alongside Steve Winwood. He contributed significantly to their early sound, including writing the classic song "Feelin' Alright", later popularized by Joe Cocker.

Mason’s laid-back style blended rock, folk, and blues, highlighted in solo albums like Alone Together, which became a fan favorite. Beyond Traffic, he collaborated with major artists including Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, further cementing his reputation as a respected musician. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 with his Traffic bandmates.

Dave Mason continued to tour and perform up until his retirement in 2024, connecting generations of fans with his timeless sound and easygoing vibe.
Photo: Jim Summaria [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en]

APR 24: Happy birthday to Jack Blades! The powerhouse of melodic rock is best known as the bassist and vocalist for the band Night Ranger. Born on April 24, 1954, he helped define the band’s signature sound with hits like "(You Can Still) Rock in America" and "Sister Christian." His strong songwriting skills and distinctive voice made him a central force in their success throughout the 1980s and beyond.

Blades also found major success with the supergroup Damn Yankees alongside Ted Nugent, Tommy Shaw, and Michael Cartellone, scoring hits like High Enough. Beyond performing, he’s a respected songwriter and producer, collaborating with artists across rock and country.

With decades in the industry, Jack Blades remains a dynamic performer, still touring and recording, proving that classic rock spirit never fades.

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