westcoastmusic

Roby Duke passed away (1956 - 2007). Roby Duke dies

Roby Duke passed away (1956 - 2007). Kristian Nordlund has just sent us an email message to inform us about a very very sad piece of news. Roby Duke passed away December 26, 2007 of a sudden heart attack. 2 days before, Roby Duke was on stage with his son Brantley for a concert at the Calvary Chapell of Thousand Oaks, California. His last song was "I Shall See God". Among the different recording projects of Roby, his Christmas Album due to be recorded with Bob Bennett next fall won't be a reality. Roby Duke had been an amazing artist in the Contemporary Christian music (CCM) mood as well as a classic Westcoast / AOR sound.

Born in 1956, Roby Duke was a singer-songwriter, great guitar player as well as a producer. He grew up near the Mississippi Delta and was influenced by Jazz and Blues sound and artistry.

His classic AOR / Westcoast Sound gem is his album "Not The Same" (back in 1980) with such great collaborators like Marty Walsh and John Patitucci followed by his LP "Come Let Us Reason" (1984). More recently, in 1989, Roby Duke has a great CD "Down To Business".

"Not The Same" is well considered like one of the jewels of the Westcoast Music / AOR sound with the beautiful song "Promised Land". This LP (9 tracks) has been reissued 10 years ago in a remastered CD version with a bonus track: "You Love Me" (duet with Kelly Willard). Roby Duke will definitely miss to fans of our music.

More information about Roby Duke's career at his MySpace site, on his official website (Mahali Music) and at the official Roby Duke's family website who indicate us this video on YouTube that reflects the big talent of this artist.

Roby Duke discography:

* "Not The Same" (1980, SongBird / MCA) available at Amazon.com
* "Come Let Us Reason" (1984, Word Records)
* "Blue Eyed Soul" (1986, Word Records) available at Amazon.com
* "Down To Business" (1989, Good News Records) available at Amazon.com
* "Bridge Divine" (1994, Word Records) available at Amazon.com
* "Ghost" (2004, Masali Music) available at CDBaby
* "Relaxed Fits - A Casual Collection" (2006, Masali Music) available at CDBaby

Roby Duke
(1956 - 2007)
Rest In Peace

Stephen Stills Undergoes Successful Surgery

Stephen Stills Undergoes Successful Surgery. Two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist and legendary guitarist Stephen Stills was successfully operated on today for prostate cancer in Los Angeles. "Stephen's procedure went remarkably well and he couldn't be better. Stephen Stills will be home by noon tomorrow and the pain will be minimal," his wife Kristen Stills said.

The legendary artist is scheduled to attend the Sundance Film Festival in Utah for the January 25th world premiere of "CSNY / Deja vu." The feature movie, directed by Bernard Shakey, was filmed during the 2006 Freedom of Speech tour by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. It is a moving tribute to the power of music to provoke and provide inspiration.

Stephen Stills is also scheduled for a North American solo tour this spring in support of his recently released "Just Roll Tape" album on Rhino Records.

Dan Fogelberg passed away. Dan Fogelberg died

Dan Fogelberg passed away. Dan Fogelberg died. Thanks to Linda who sent us a comment today on Westcoast Rendez-vous to mention us that Dan Fogelberg passed away. A very very sad piece of news by the way. Dan Fogelberg passed away at his home in the State of Maine, U.S.A. on December 16, 2007 at 6 am.

This is more than a sad information. We do remember all the magical songs Dan Fogelberg brought to his numerous fans during the seventies, eighties, nineties and since the beginning of the new century. An incredible voice for Dan Fogelberg and also a remarkable songwriter, guitar player, pianist, keyboard player, producer, arranger... From 1972 to 2007, Dan Fogelberg went from Folk Music to Pop Rock with a touch of Country Rock and a romanticism that is one of this finest music touch. Dan Fogelberg has been one of the major US artist in Pop Rock of these last 35 years. In AOR, Westcoast Music and Adult Contemporary, Dan Fogelberg has influenced a lot of artists.

Great producers have worked with Dan Fogelberg along his career (Joe Walsh, Marty Lewis, Russ Kunkel...), but also the finest musicians (Russ Kunkel, Michael Botts de Bread, Gerry Beckley from America, Mike Finnigan, Don Alias, Joe Vitale, Jeff Porcaro and Mike Porcaro from Toto, Charlie McCoy, Michael Landau, Bill Payne, Carlos Vega...) with incredible vocalists (Vince Gill, Jim Photoglo, Graham Nash, Randy Meisner, Glenn Frey, Emmylou Harris, Don Henley from The Eagles, Joni Mitchell, Chris Hillman, Timothy B. Schmit, the Waters family, David Crosby, Arnold McCuller...).

Death of Dan Fogelberg has been announced at first in the News section of his official website feat. a great pic by photographer Henry Diltz, a non-signed message:

"Sunday, December 16

Dear friends,

Dan left us this morning at 6:00am. He fought a brave battle with cancer and died peacefully at home in Maine with his wife Jean at his side. His strength, dignity and grace in the face of the daunting challenges of this disease were an inspiration to all who knew him."

In May of 2004, Dan Fogelberg was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. From this period, there was no news from Dan Fogelberg except his own message posted at his website in 2005 where he sincerely thanked his fans for their support messages and giving a health prevention message to men: "I encourage you strongly enough to get a DRE (Digital Rectal Exam) and a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test EVERY YEAR".

At this hour, except USA Today, no US big media has informed about the death of Dan Fogelberg but we are sure that his death is going to have a big echo because of the number of the fans worldwide that love his music and not only his big hits "Longer," "The Power of Gold," "The Language of Love," "Lonely in Love," "Leader of the Band," "Hard To Say," and "Same Old Lang Syne" but his entire music career... Also due to the fact, Dan Fogelberg was an incredible artist on stage, that he participated to a lot of charities events.

We are sure that friends, fans and a lot of US, Canadian artists who have worked with Dan Fogelberg are going to give him a tribute or memory by words and music in the next following weeks. From 1972 to 2007, with 22 solo albums (including Best Of and live LPs) and 2 albums with Tim Weisberg, Dan Fogelberg has brought joy and smiles in this world from fans worlwide. It's magic and this is music... The show must go on.

Dan Fogelberg
Rest In Peace RIP
August 13, 1951 – December 16, 2007
13 août 1951 - 16 décembre 2007

Some links about Dan Fogelberg:

Dan Fogelberg discography on Amazon.com

Wikipedia article: biography of Dan Fogelberg

Dan Fogelberg official website

USA Today first article in The USA about the death of Dan Fogelberg: Singer/songwriter Dan Fogelberg dies.

You can also put a message/comment at this end of this message in the memory of Dan Fogelberg.

If you are an artist who has played or worked with Dan Fogelberg, please contact us at:
westcoastrendezvous@gmail.com

We would like to feature a special article with memories/messages from artists as a tribute to Dan Fogelberg.

Rosanne Cash brain surgery and cancellation of her current tour

Rosanne Cash is planning very soon a brain surgery and so, four remaining dates on "Black Cadillac: In Concert" tour were cancelled and her recording sessions are postponed. Currently touring in support of her critically-acclaimed and Grammy-nominated "Black Cadillac" album (on Capitol Records), singer/songwriter/author Rosanne Cash has announced that she will cancel her four remaining concerts this year in order to undergo brain surgery at New York Presbyterian Hospital for a rare but benign condition.

Rosanne Cash is expected to make a full recovery and will return to the studio to complete the recording of her debut album for Manhattan Records. Rosanne Cash will also resume her live performance schedule in the spring and will complete a new book to be published by Viking in early 2009.

Bread drummer Mike Botts Passed Away

Mike Botts, 61, best-known as the drummer for the 1970s rock band Bread, died of cancer Dec. 9 at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank.

Botts, who also recorded and toured with Linda Ronstadt, Dan Fogelberg, Eddie Money, Tina Turner, Andrew Gold, Karla Bonoff, Rita Coolidge, Albert Hammond, Seals & Crofts, Peter Cetera, Eric Carmen, Wendy Waldman, J.D. Souther, Brock Walsh, Dan Peek, Sharon O'Neill, Peter McCann, Kerry Chater, Rosemary Butler, and others, grew up in Sacramento and began playing the drums in high school. He joined Bread in time to make the group's second album, "On the Waters."

With the dissolution of Bread in 1973, Botts became a session drummer and recorded and toured with Ronstadt. He rejoined Bread in 1977 for a one-album reunion and tour before resuming session playing.

RIP

Luther Vandross is dead, Luther Vandross dies, Luther Vandross passed away

Luther Vandross is dead, Luther Vandross dies, Luther Vandross passed away.

Luther Vandross died at the age of 54 on July 1, 2005 at 1:47pm EDT (1747 UTC), at John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey, from complications due to a stroke he had suffered in his Manhattan home on April 16, 2003. Luther Vandross was surrounded by his family and friends at the time of his death, and they said his passing was a peaceful one.

Luther Vandross (born Luther Ronzoni Vandross Jr.) (April 20, 1951 – July 1, 2005) was an African American R&B singer. Born in New York City, Luther Vandross started his singing career in the 1970s as a back-up vocalist for artists such as David Bowie (who discovered him and put him on his Young Americans album), Roberta Flack, Carly Simon, Donna Summer, Bette Midler, Chic, and Barbra Streisand. During the beginning of his career, Luther Vandross was content to remain mostly in the background, as a producer and backup singer for other artists. Eventually, Roberta Flack decided to push Luther Vandross into starting his own career because she believed that he was an incredible talent who deserved to be heard for his singing in addition to his songwriting and production.

Luther Vandross eventually made his breakthrough as a guest singer with the group Change. Their 1980 hit, "The Glow of Love" and "Searching" led to a recording contract with Epic Records, and in 1981, he made his solo recording debut with the disc "Never Too Much." The album, which contained his aching rendition of "A House is Not a Home," became an instant classic.

It was only in the 1980s that Luther Vandross' career skyrocketed, with albums such as "Forever, for Always, for Love" and "Give Me The Reason," and a string of successful R&B hits such as "Never Too Much". When Luther Vandross produced his 1989 greatest hits album, "The Best Of Luther Vandross...The Best Of Love," he ended up hitting the top ten for the first time with the ballad "Here And Now".

More albums followed in the 1990s, beginning with 1991's "Power Of Love". Luther Vandross hit the top ten again in 1994 with "Endless Love", a duet with Mariah Carey and a cover of Lionel Richie and Diana Ross's hit song from the film "Endless Love". A second greatest hits album, released in 1997, compiled most of his '90s hits.

Diabetes runs in his family, according to his mother Mary Vandross. His father, Luther Sr., died of complications from diabetes when Luther Jr. was five years old. Luther Jr.'s two sisters and a brother died before him also. In 2003, Luther Vandross released the album "Dance With My Father" in memory of his father. The title track, which was dedicated to the memory of the younger Vandross' childhood dances with his father, won Luther and his co-writer, singer Richard Marx, the 2004 Grammy Award for Song Of The Year. The song also won Luther Vandross his fourth and final award in the Best Male R&B Vocal Performance category, which he had also won in 1997 for "Your Secret Love", 1991 for "Here And Now", and 1992 for "The Power Of Love/Love Power". To date, "Here And Now" and "The Power Of Love/Love Power" remain arguably Vandross' best known solo hits.

Luther Vandross was inspired by Aretha Franklin, for whom he eventually produced many albums. Vandross did many remakes of old songs, such as "Since I Lost My Baby" (originally recorded by The Temptations), "Superstar (Until You Come Back To Me)" (originally recorded by The Carpenters and most recently covered by Ruben Studdard), "Love Won't Let Me Wait" (originally recorded by Major Harris), "Always and Forever" (originally recorded by Heatwave), "Knocks Me Off My Feet" (originally recorded by Stevie Wonder), and "Lovely Day" (originally recorded by Bill Withers). Vandross also inspired his J Records labelmate, Ruben Studdard, the American Idol of 2003, who later updated Vandross' song "Superstar".

Besides Studdard, Luther Vandross also inspired countless other artists (both male and female), such as Boyz II Men, Usher, Beyoncé, Alicia Keys and Brandy. It was with Beyoncé that he recorded yet another cover of a well-known song, "The Closer I Get To You" (originally recorded by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway). Another American Idol contestant, Scott Savol of the 2005 season, had an affinity for Vandross' music, and he sang three of Vandross' famous songs during that season of the show (including "Superstar" in the show's Cleveland auditions).

There have been many questions regarding Vandross' sexuality, mainly due to his working relationship with producer Marcus Miller. Rumors have flown since the 1980s that Luther Vandross was gay. The rumors never proved to be true during Vandross' lifetime. The lifelong bachelor never had any children, but doted on his nieces and nephews. The entertainer said his busy lifestyle made marriage difficult; besides, it wasn't what he wanted. Another musician with a strong connection to Luther Vandross, saxophonist Dave Koz, did come out of the closet in 2004. Vandross was a featured vocalist on Koz's 1999 album, "The Dance". Luther Vandross is also credited with inventing the Luther Burger.

R.I.P.

Luther Vandross "Live at Wembley (1989)" DVD: ORDER IT NOW.

Luther Vandross: Greatest Hits (Original Recording Remastered) CD (14 tracks): ORDER IT NOW.

luther vandross, music.

John Mayer Trio: Pino Palladino (bass), John Mayer (guitar, vocals), Steve Jordan (drums), John Mayer trio formed, John Mayer Trio tour

John Mayer Trio: Pino Palladino (bass), John Mayer (guitar, vocals), Steve Jordan (drums), John Mayer trio formed, John Mayer Trio tour.

Never one to rest on his laurels, three- time Grammy-winning, multi-platinum-selling writer/singer/guitarist John Mayer announces the formation of John Mayer Trio. This new venture marks the next phase in the remarkable evolution of a gifted, adventurous and prolific young artist who, in just the last few months, has performed and/or recorded with Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, John Scofield and Herbie Hancock, among others.

Joining John Mayer in this new undertaking are drummer Steve Jordan (Bruce Springsteen, Rolling Stones) and bassist Pino Palladino (the Who, Jeff Beck), a pair of in-demand veterans who are readily acknowledged by their peers as the very best at their respective instruments. John Mayer is thrilled that these two greats have chosen to join him in his latest musical adventure.

"Steve and I had been doing sessions together, and we were scheduled to do the Tsunami Aid benefit," John Mayer recalls. "So Steve said, 'I know who we can get -- Pino Palladino.' I said, 'I'd love to play with Pino.' Pino came and we rehearsed Jimi Hendrix's 'Bold as Love' for the benefit. And something happened that I had hoped my entire life would happen, which is that thing about how a band got together for the first time, and everyone in the room just knew there was something special. When it became me, Steve and Pino, it became this whole different thing. That set me off on a writing streak; the challenge was, 'Here's this great band -- now what are you gonna do with it?' So I went and wrote from a whole new place. So it became a band."

The trio -- who subsequently appeared at the 2005 Grammy Awards ceremony performing a captivating rendition of John Mayer's "Daughters" (which took home that evening's awards for Song of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance) -- will unveil their electrified sound on a fall tour of North America , including three dates with the Rolling Stones (dates below). Ray LaMontagne and Joss Stone have been confirmed as special guests on selected shows, while other support acts are still to be announced.

John Mayer's fans are already familiar with his guitar skills and willingness to push the envelope of his music from having attended his concerts, but expect this stripped-down configuration to take these elements to another level altogether, as he answers the musical challenges provided by his gifted bandmates.

"This trio tour isn't just an excuse to blow on the guitar," says John Mayer. "It's an opportunity to present my fans with something live, in the sense of living now -- that classic palate. I want people to show up at the gig and see the amp lights glowing and hear that idling buzz. I just want to bring people that power."

This new venture is a testament to the tremendous respect John Mayer has for his fans, as he continues to provide them with new musical permutations in the knowledge that they'll willingly go wherever he chooses to take them. These fans understand that Mayer is a restless spirit with an ongoing need to test the limits; indeed, that restlessness is the essence of his appeal -- it defines who he is and the path he's traveling. "I have a whole new appetite for something different," Mayer enthuses. "I want people to feel, and share, this excitement that I have."

John Mayer Trio Fall Tour
9/6 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
9/7 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
9/10 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
9/11 San Diego, CA House of Blues
9/13 Anaheim, CA House of Blues
9/14 Los Angeles, CA House of Blues
9/15 Los Angeles, CA House of Blues
9/17 Denver, CO Fillmore
9/19 Kansas City, MO Uptown
9/21 Chicago, IL House of Blues
9/22 Chicago, IL House of Blues
9/23 Minneapolis, MN Quest
9/24 Milwaukee, WI Eagles Ballroom
9/26 Nashville, TN Ryman
9/27 New Orleans, LA House of Blues
9/28 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle
9/30 Orlando, FL House of Blues
10/1 Myrtle Beach, SC House of Blues
10/3 Washington DC MCI Center (with Rolling Stones)
10/4 Cleveland, OH House of Blues
10/6 New York, NY The Beacon
10/10 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia (with Rolling Stones)
10/11 Boston, MA Avalon
10/12 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia (with Rolling Stones)

John Mayer "Any Given Thursday" DVD: ORDER IT NOW.

music, john mayer.

Toby Keith bar & grill shortly opened, "Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill" Opens

Toby Keith bar & grill shortly opened, "Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill" Opens.

Harrah's Las Vegas Casino & Hotel will open Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill on June 29, 2005. Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill features a bar, lounge, restaurant, live music venue and retail store, all of which offer the finest in American spirits, entertainment and merchandise. The new venue features a "down home" feel that will satisfy country-music lovers of all types.

Giant guitar pick-lined walls, guitar-shaped bar, a stage featuring live music nightly, a dance floor and a private dining room are only some of the unique offerings at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill.

"The common theme here is great food, attentive service and an enjoyable atmosphere," said David Hoenemeyer, assistant general manager of Harrah's Las Vegas. "This isn't just for country music fans. It is for anyone who wants a fun dining and entertainment experience."

The Harrah's food and beverage team went on a special mission, scouring restaurants in Norman, Oklahoma and Oklahoma City, dining in all of Keith's favorites, in order to assemble a true southern home-style menu. Some of Keith's favorite recipes include a fried bologna sandwich made with thick cut bologna seared with onions and American cheese, served on garlic grilled Texas toast; a pulled-pork sandwich made with shredded slow-roasted pork shoulder tossed in Toby's barbeque sauce, topped with crispy coleslaw and served on a soft potato roll; and a tasty side of classic "freedom fries."

For something sweeter, there is sweet potato pecan pie with bourbon ice cream, warm chocolate bread pudding or blackberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. All dishes will be served up by a stunning, all-female wait staff clad in sexy country attire.

Whether or not guests have "a singing voice," they will find themselves chiming in to such Keith hits as "Whisky Girl" and "Beer for My Horses" while catching his music videos on one of 20 state-of-the-art plasma television screens, which will broadcast major sporting events and other exciting programs throughout the year.

In addition, for those that feel the need to two-step, live country and rock bands, hand-picked by Keith, will perform nightly from 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Toby Keith fans will delight in the vast array of Keith merchandise, including t-shirts, cups, guitars, memorabilia, albums and DVDs. The retail store is open from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

The 262-seat, 17,000-square-foot restaurant, bar and retail area is located at the interior promenade situated directly adjacent to the Harrah's Las Vegas monorail concourse and is open from 11:30 a.m. - 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 a.m. - 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Toby Keith is currently one of the hottest performers in music. The singer/songwriter and acclaimed entertainer finished last year as Billboard's 2004 Top Country Artist, Top Male Country Artist, Top Country Album Artist and Top Hot Country Singles & Tracks Artist. His release the previous year, "Shock'N Y'all," was also one of the top selling country offerings of the year, and his November release of "Greatest Hits 2" is nearing triple platinum and continues to be one of the genre's top sellers. Keith remains one of country's top touring acts and a highly respected musician and songwriter.

Keith, the first country artist to perform an AOL Music Live concert with a record-setting 850,000 downloads in the first 24 hours, released this month his new studio album, "Honkytonk University." The first single, "Honkytonk U," is an autobiographical song that harkens back to days that Keith spent working in his grandmother's nightclub. His current single, "Good As I Once Was," is a song that comes from a saying that his dad used.

Keith performed the cut on the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on June 8 as well as on the "Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" on June 9. He will also perform on an upcoming episode of the "CBS Early Show." His national headlining tour "Toby Keith's Big Throwdown II" began on June 10 in Charlotte, N.C.

Toby Keith "Greatest Hits 2" latest CD: ORDER IT NOW.

Art Garfunkel in court next monday, Art Garfunkel in court

Art Garfunkel in court next monday, Art Garfunkel in court.

Art Garfunkel classic Rocker will appear in court Monday for speeding down a Wisconsin freeway last month.

Paul Simon's musical partner Art Garfunkel was ticketed by the Wisconsin State Patrol for speeding 15 miles over the posted limit, to perform at a concert at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton.

The 63-year-old singer can avoid appearing at the Fond du Lac County Circuit Court, if he agrees to forfeit the $181 bond he posted for the traffic offense.

Art Garfunkel "The Best Of" CD (20 tracks): ORDER IT NOW.

Phillip Ballou died, Phillip Ballou passed away

Phillip Ballou died, Phillip Ballou passed away (1950-2005).

Phillip Ballou, prolific background vocalist for a roster of high-profile artists ranging from Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin to James Taylor, passed away on Saturday, March 19 in New York due to a stroke. Phillip Ballou, who was also a member of the 1970s pop/gospel group Revelation, lived in Brooklyn and was 55 years old.

Phillip Demitrius Ballou was born in Pittsburgh, PA on February 22, 1950, and grew up there. Phillip Ballou's aptitude for singing showed itself early, which delighted his mother, Edith Washington-Ballou-Ghafoor, who wanted him to become a preacher or a gospel singer. He sang in his family's church and other churches, probably instinctively taking after his father, gospel singer Roosevelt Payne of the renowned Swan Silvertones. Ballou never really knew his father, who left the family when his son was very young.

He studied art at Carnegie Mellon University and moved to New York in the early 1970s to become a professional singer. After teaching grade school and working at several jobs, he founded Revelation in 1974 with three friends, Benny Diggs, Arnold McCuller and Arthur Freeman.

Described by the All Music Guide as "a silky New York group," Revelation toured as an opening act for the Bee Gees and was signed with RSO Records, resulting in a number of singles, including "Get Ready for This," "Where It's Warm," and "You to Me Are Everything," and an album.

The RSO deal ended in 1977, after which Revelation signed with RCA Records and, accompanied by the New York Community Choir, made an acclaimed album called "Make Every Day Count." Uncredited, they backed Vickie Sue Robinson in 1979 on her hit RCA album "Turn the Beat Around." Finally, Revelation signed with a smaller company called Handshake Records and made several recordings, after which they disbanded.

Next, Phillip Ballou performed in off-Broadway musicals, then became a highly successful background vocalist. He toured and recorded with James Taylor and Todd Rundgren as well as Laurie Anderson and John Hall, and began a recording and touring association with Luther Vandross that lasted until just before Vandross' latest album. In addition, he recorded with Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, Tom Jones, George Benson, Billy Ocean, Kashif, Nona Hendryx, Jonathan Butler, Teddy Pendergrass, Melba Moore, Irene Cara, John Hall, Asleep at the Wheel, the disco group SOS All-Stars, gospel singer Tramaine Hawkins, and many more.

He sang with John Hall at the fabled 1979 "No Nukes" concert at Madison Square Garden. He also appeared in the 1978 film "American Hot Wax" and the Nicolas Cage movie "Kiss of the Vampire." He issued three solo gospel recordings.

Since the beginning of 2004, Phillip Ballou was the Minister of Music at Pentecostal House of Prayer in Brooklyn (Bishop Luther Dingle, Senior Pastor).

Recalling their childhood, Ballou's younger sister Faith Ross-Thornton, a fashion designer and businesswoman, said, "I was very close to Phillip, and we were very involved in our church choir. I didn't keep up with the singing, but he did, and when he performed with all the wonderful singers with whom he worked over the years, I was excited and happy for him, very pleased and proud. He was my mentor."

Survivors in addition to Ross-Thornton, her husband Ralph Thornton and her son Arthur are Ballou's older sister Eunice Washington; older brother Timothy Ballou and his wife Darlene; another younger brother, Talib K. Ghafoor; nieces Desiree, Tuesday, Talina, Timara and Edythe; nephews Timothy, Quinton, and Rashad; great nieces Maya and Bobbi; and great nephews Robert and T.J. A younger sister, Chicrita, passed away in the mid-1980s.

Services will be held on Thursday, March 24 (5 to 7:30 p.m. visitation with the family; 7:30 p.m. memorial service) at the Evening Star Baptist Church, 265-267 Gates Avenue at Franklin, Brooklyn, NY 11238. A memorial will be also held in Pittsburgh with the date to be announced shortly.

Donations to cover funeral expenses will be gratefully accepted by the family and may be sent to Faith Ross-Thornton at 2977 Cherry Hill Drive, Antioch, TN 37013.

R.I.P.

(Thanks to David Lasley webmaster for this information).

"No Nukes" live mega concert double CD: ORDER IT NOW.